Posted
on September 14, 2014
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| Nobody ever seems to mention that Humboldt was a darned good artist. But since this is a self- portrait, I'd say he was really good! |
Today
is the birthday of “the greatest scientific traveller who ever lived” – according to a guy who was a pretty amazing
scientific traveler himself, Charles Darwin!
Alexander
von Humboldt, who was born on this date in 1769 in Berlin (which was
at that time in Prussia), became a geographer, naturalist, and
explorer. He traveled in Europe, Latin America, and Russia. (For more
on his Russian explorations, check out this earlier post.)
He
ended up becoming one of the most famous men in Europe and was heaped
with praise and honors for his discoveries and ideas.
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| Another drawing by Humboldt that demonstrates his superior art skills. I guess it was important for scientists to be good at drawing what they saw... back when there was no such thing as photography! |
Some
of the species Humboldt described—plants and animals that were previously
unknown to European scientists—are named after Humboldt, as are
many geographical features such as harbors, currents, glaciers,
mountains, and rivers. The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation was
created after the great scientist's death in order to encourage
young-and-struggling scientists. People as varied as Latin American
“Liberator” Simon Bolivar and author Edgar Allan Poe joined
Charles Darwin in singing Humboldt's praises.
Two
Big Ideas
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| Drawing by Humboldt |
Humboldt
is considered the “father of physical geography,” and he favored
a holistic view of nature and interrelated sciences, including
biology, meteorology, and geology. This viewpoint is the precursor of
environmental science, which looks at both the nonliving and living
parts of the environment and explains whole systems and habitats.
Humboldt
was also one of the first to suggest that the lands bordering the
Atlantic Ocean were once joined, pointing out the way that Africa and
South America seem to fit together.
Also
on this date:
Plan
ahead:
Check
out my Pinterest boards for:
And
here are my Pinterest boards for:
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