Problems of the history and technology of flax processing in the research of Academician Joseph Hamel

The article is devoted to the analysis of the scientific activity of the Russian scientist, academician of the Imperial Academy of Sciences in St. Petersburg Joseph Hamel. The reasons for his interests of history and technology of flax production are characterized. The main works of the scientist devoted to this issue are identified, their content is analyzed, their scientific novelty is assessed. As our research shows, thanks to the works of academician Hamel, the domestic audience got acquainted with the latest technological solutions in the field of flax processing, and his expert opinions on this issue largely formed the views of the monarch and senior government officials regarding the possibilities and prospects for the development of the flax industry in Russia.