Schwane, Joseph, a theological writer, b. at Dorsten in Westphalia, 2 April, 1824; d. at Münster, 6 June, 1892. After receiving his early education at Dorsten and Recklinghausen, he studied philosophy and theology at Münster (1843-7), and upon his ordination to the priesthood, 29 May, 1847, continued his studies for two years at the universities of Bonn and Tübingen. Hereupon he became director of Count von Galen's institute at Münster, was privat-docent in church history, moral theology, and history of dogmatics at the University of Münster (1853-9), and assistant professor (1859-67). In 1867 he was appointed professor-in-ordinary of moral theology, history of dogmatics, and symbolism, at the same time lecturing on dogmatic theology along with the aged Berlage, whom he succeeded as professor of dogmatic theology in 1881. Leo XIII honoured him with the title of domestic prelate in 1890. His chief work is “Dogmengeschichte”, the pioneer Catholic work of its kind, covering the entire history of dogmatics (4 vols. I, Münster, 1862; 2nd ed., Freiburg, 1892; II, Münster, 1869; 2nd ed., Freiburg, 1895; W, Freiburg, 1882; IV, Freiburg, 1890). His larger works in the field of moral theology are: “ Die theologische Lehre uber die Verträge mit Beriicksichtigung der Civilgesetze, besonders der preussischen, allgemein deutschen und französischen” (Münster, 1871; 2nd ed., 1872); “Die Gerechtigkeit und die damit verwandten sittlichen Tugenden und Pflichten des gesellschaftlichen Lebens" (Freiburg, 1873); “Spezielle Moraltheologie" (Freiburg, 1878-1885). Smaller works are: ∗Dasgóttliche Vorherwissen und seine neuesten Gegner" (Münster, 1855); “De controversia, que» de valore baptismi haereticorum inter S. Stephanum Papam et S. Cyprianum agitata Sit, commentatio historico-dogmatica" (Münster, 1860); ∗De operibus supererogatoriis et consiliis evangelicis in genere" (Münster, 1868); “ Die eucharistische Opferhandlung" (Freiburg, 1889); “Ueber die scientia media und ihre Verwendung für die Lehre von der Gnade und Freiheit" in “Tübinger theol. Quartalschrift", XXXII (1850), 394-459, and numerous other contributions to theological magazines.
Chronik der Akademie zu Münster, VII (1892-3), 4 sq.: LAUCHERT in Allgem. deutsche Biogr., LIV (Leipzig, 1908), 268-9.
Michael Ott.