The first applications from the Prussian main station of forestry research regarding the initiation of investigations into the quality of wood date back to 1888. Even then, based on the results of the work by Robert Hartig and Bauschinger, the principle was established that these investigations should be conducted in two ways: by determining the specific dry weight on one hand and by testing the strength through mechanical means on the other. The present work aims to present the results of the investigations concerning pine wood. The German forestry scientist Adam Schwappach provides a detailed explanation of the studies on bulk density and compressive strength of important forest trees, which were conducted by the Prussian main station of forestry research in Eberswalde and the mechanical-technical testing institute.