There is not much known yet about the life of Raetzel, who died on 10 November 1754 in his native city of Halberstadt after an exeptionally long life. A manuscript about Halberstadt by Johann Henr. Lucanus (Halberstadt 1742- 1744) says that he had learned the art of pharmacy. Raetzel travelled to East India as an employee of the Dutch East India Company (Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie, VOC) at the end of the 17th century. There he stayed for 12 years.

When he returned to Halberstadt, he had made it rich. A document dated 24 Auguts 1719 gives his name as "Erbzinsträger" of a brewery. Since 1741 he was city treasurer and obviously enjoyed the respect of his fellow citizens as an inscription at the church of the "Heilig-Geist-Hospital" shows: "Johann Conr. Raetzel: Camer. et Provis."

During his stay in East Asia Raetzel amassed a vast collection of natural specimen (animals, plants, minerals) and objects like coins, weapons, porcelain, boxes, etc. from China, Japan and South East Asia. These items were displayed in his home. As they drew the attention of many visitors Raetzel compiled a catalogue, which was printed the first time during the 1730s:

Some years later a second edition was printed:

Paper on Raetzel:

Complete Text of Raetzel's Catalogue: