Alexander von Humboldt, painting by, 1843BornSeptember 14, 1769DiedMay 6, 1859 (aged 89)NationalityFieldsKnown for, Kosmos (1845)( help info) (September 14, 1769 – May 6, 1859) was a and, and the younger brother of the Prussian minister, philosopher, and, (1767-1835). Humboldt's quantitative work on was foundational to the field of.Between 1799 and 1804, Humboldt traveled extensively in, exploring and describing it for the first time in a manner generally considered to be a modern scientific point of view. His description of the journey was written up and published in an enormous set of volumes over 21 years. He was one of the first to propose that the lands bordering the were once joined (South America and Africa in particular). Later, his five-volume work, Kosmos (1845), attempted to unify the various branches of scientific knowledge. Humboldt supported and worked with other scientists, including, and most notably, with whom he conducted much of his scientific exploration.

1. Daniel Kehlmann Measuring The World Pdf Converter Pdf
2. Measuring The World Daniel Kehlmann
3. Daniel Kehlmann Measuring The World Pdf Converter Download

Travels and work in EuropeIn 1794 Humboldt was admitted to the intimacy of the famous coterie, and contributed (June 7, 1795) to 's new periodical, Die Horen, a philosophical entitled Die Lebenskraft, oder der rhodische Genius. In the summer of 1790 he paid a short visit to in company with Forster. In 1792 and 1797 he was in; in 1795 he made a geological and botanical tour through. He had obtained in the meantime official employment: appointed assessor of mines at Berlin, February 29, 1792. Although this service to the state was regarded by him as only an apprenticeship to the service of science, he fulfilled its duties with such conspicuous ability that not only did he rise rapidly to the highest post in his department, but he was also entrusted with several important diplomatic missions. The death of his mother, on November 19, 1796, set him free to follow the bent of his genius, and severing his official connections, he waited for an opportunity to fulfil his long-cherished dream of travel.

Isothermal chart of the world created by William Channing Woodbridge using Humboldt's work.This memorable expedition may be regarded as having laid the foundation of the sciences of physical geography. By his delineation (in 1817) of 'isothermal lines', he at once suggested the idea and devised the means of comparing the climatic conditions of various countries.

He first investigated the rate of decrease in mean temperature with the increase in elevation above sea level, and afforded, by his inquiries regarding the origin of tropical storms, the earliest clue to the detection of the more complicated law governing atmospheric disturbances in higher latitudes; while his essay on the geography of plants was based on the then novel idea of studying the distribution of organic life as affected by varying physical conditions. His discovery of the decrease in intensity of Earth's from the poles to the equator was communicated to the Paris Institute in a memoir read by him on December 7, 1804, and its importance was attested by the speedy emergence of rival claims. His services to geology were based mainly on his attentive study of the of the. He showed that they fell naturally into linear groups, presumably corresponding with vast subterranean fissures; and by his demonstration of the origin of rocks previously held to be of aqueous formation, he contributed largely to the elimination of erroneous views, such as. Humboldtian ScienceAlexander Von Humboldt thought a different approach to science was needed; he wanted an approach that could account for the harmony of nature among the diversity of the physical world. For Humboldt, “the unity of nature” meant that interrelation of all - such as the conjoining between, and that determined where specific plants grew-which the scientist unraveled by discovering myriad, painstakingly collecting data, which turned into an enduring foundation for others to follow. Humboldt viewed nature as a whole.

He tried to explain natural phenomena without the appeal to religious dogma. Humboldt used extensive observation to get the truth from the natural world. He had a vast array of the most sophisticated armamentarium of scientific instruments ever before assembled. Each had its own velvet lined box and was the most accurate and portable of its time.

Essentially everything would be measured with the finest and most modern instruments and sophisticated techniques available, for all the collected data was the basis of all scientific understanding. This methodology would become known as “Humboldtian science.” Humboldt wrote “Nature herself is sublimely eloquent. The stars as they sparkle in firmament fill us with delight and ecstasy, and yet they all move in orbit marked out with mathematical precision.” A national rebuffsubsequently revealed that had ordered the arrest of Alexander von Humboldt if Humboldt ever came there—that great European scientist, Alexander von Humboldt, who had traveled elsewhere in South America. This alone, Maury said, showed the stupidity of the closed door policy. CriticismHis critics say his writings are about fantastical descriptions of America, while leaving out its inhabitants. Coming from the school of thought, they claim Humboldt believed '.nature is perfect till man deforms it with care.' In this line of thinking, they think he largely neglected the human societies amidst this nature.

The writing style that describes the 'new world' without people is a trend among explorers both of the past and present. Views of indigenous peoples as 'savage' or 'unimportant' leaves them out of the historical picture. In reality Humboldt dedicated large parts of his work to describing the conditions of slaves, Indians and society in general. He often showed his disgust for the slavery and inhumane conditions in which Indians and others were treated and often criticized the colonial policies.

Humboldt acclaimedHumboldt was now one of the most famous men in Europe. The acclaimed American painter painted him during his stay, between 1808 and 1810, as one of the most prominent figures in Europe at the time. A chorus of applause greeted him from every side. Academies, both native and foreign, were eager to enroll him among their members.

He was elected a foreign member of the in 1810. King conferred upon him the honour, without exacting the duties, attached to the post of royal chamberlain, together with a pension of 2,500, afterwards doubled. He refused the appointment of Prussian minister of public instruction in 1810.

In 1814 he accompanied the allied sovereigns to London. Three years later he was summoned by the king of Prussia to attend him at the.

Again in the autumn of 1822 he accompanied the same monarch to the, proceeded thence with the royal party to Rome and Naples, and returned to Paris in the spring of 1823. Explorations in RussiaIn 1811, and again in 1818, projects of exploration were proposed to Humboldt, first by the Russian government, and afterwards by the Prussian government; but on each occasion, untoward circumstances interposed, and it was not until he had begun his sixtieth year that he resumed his early role of traveller in the interests of science. Between May and November 1829, he, together with his chosen associates, Gustav Rose and, traversed the wide expanse of the Russian empire from the Neva to the Yenesei, accomplishing in twenty-five weeks a distance of 9,614 miles (15,472 km). The journey, however, though carried out with all the advantages afforded by the immediate patronage of the Russian government, was too rapid to be profitable. Its most important fruits were crabapples, the correction of the prevalent exaggerated estimate of the height of the Central Asian plateau, and the discovery of diamonds in the gold-washings of the Ural, a result which Humboldt's Brazilian experiences enabled him to predict, and by predicting to secure. Humboldt as diplomatBetween 1830 and 1848 von Humboldt was frequently employed in diplomatic missions to the court of, with whom he always maintained the most cordial personal relations.His brother, died in Alexander's arms on April 8, 1836. The death saddened the later years of his life; Alexander lamented that he had lost half of himself with the death of his brother.Upon the accession of the crown prince in June 1840, Humboldt's favour at court increased.

Indeed, the new king's craving for Humboldt's company became at times so importunate as to leave him only a few waking hours to work on his writing. Photo of Humboldt in his later yearsOn February 24, 1857 Humboldt suffered a minor, which passed without perceptible symptoms. It was not until the winter of 1858-1859 that his strength began to decline, and that spring, on May 6, he died quietly in Berlin at the age of 89. The honours which had been showered on him during life continued after his death.

His remains, prior to being interred in the family resting-place at, were conveyed in state through the streets of Berlin, and received by the prince-regent at the door of the cathedral. The first centenary of his birth was celebrated on September 14, 1869, with great enthusiasm in both the New and Old Worlds. Numerous monuments erected in his honour, and newly explored regions named after Humboldt, bear witness to his wide fame and popularity. Steel engraving of a portrait of Humboldt by Julius SchraderThroughout his life Humboldt formed strong emotional attachments to men. To the soldier Reinhard von Haeften he wrote: 'I know that I live only through you, my good precious Reinhard, and that I can only be happy in your presence.' He never married, yet there were two notable exceptions where he seemed to have been drawn to the opposite sex.

The first was an adolescent infatuation with, the beautiful wife of, his mentor, and the second was a short lived but intimate relationship with a woman named Pauline Wiesel in 1808 Paris. He was strongly attached to his brother's family; and in his later years the somewhat arbitrary sway of an old and faithful servant held him in more than matrimonial bondage. By a singular example of generosity (or some people would say weakness), he executed, four years before his death, a deed of gift transferring to this man Seifert the absolute possession of his entire property. No undue advantage appears to have been taken of this extraordinary concession.His attachments, once formed, were sincere and lasting.

He made innumerable friends; and it does not stand on record that he ever lost one. His benevolence was throughout his life active and disinterested. He showed zeal for the improvement of the condition of the miners in and, detestation of slavery, and patronage of rising men of science.The faults of his old age were brought into prominence by the publication of his letters to. The chief of these faults was his habit of smooth speaking, almost amounting to flattery, in contrast with the caustic sarcasm of his confidential utterances. His vanity, at all times conspicuous, was tempered by his sense of humour, and was so frankly avowed as to invite sympathy rather than provoke ridicule. Honours and namesakes.

Species named after Humboldt See also the list of things.As a consequence of his explorations, von Humboldt described many geographical features and species of life that were hitherto unknown to Europeans. Species named after him include:. — Humboldt penguin. — Humboldt squid. — Humboldt's lily.

Phragmipedium humboldtii — an orchid. Quercus humboldtii — South American (Andean) oak. — Humboldt's Hog-nosed skunk.

— Neotropical tree or shrub. — Neotropical tree or shrub. — a bladderwort.

Geranium humboldtii — a cranesbill. Salix humboldtiana — a South-American willow. — subspecies living at basin. The Alexander von Humboldt FoundationAfter his death, his friends and colleagues created the ( Stiftung in German) to continue von Humboldt's generous support of young scientists. Although the original endowment was lost in the, and again as a result of, the Foundation has been re-endowed by the German government to award young scientists and distinguished senior scientists from abroad.

It plays an important role in attracting foreign researchers to work in Germany and enabling German researchers to work abroad for a period. Recognitions by contemporaries: ' Alexander is destined to combine ideas and follow chains of thoughts which would otherwise have remained unknown for ages. Crack acme cad converter 2012 gmc. His depth, his sharp mind and his incredible speed are a rare combination.' citation needed: ' He was the greatest travelling scientist who ever lived.'

– ' I have always admired him; now I worship him.' citation needed: ' Humboldt showers us with true treasures.' citation needed: ' Alexander impresses many, particularly when compared to his brother - because he shows off more!' citation needed: ' Alexander von Humboldt has done more for America than all its conquerors, he is the true discoverer of America.' citation needed: ' Columbus gave Europe a New World; Humboldt made it known in its physical, material, intellectual, and moral aspects.' citation needed: ' You have been studying Botanics?

Just like my wife!' citation needed: ' This man is as knowledgeable as a whole academy.' citation needed: ' I consider him the most important scientist whom I have met.'

citation needed: ' Every scientist is a descendant of Humboldt. We are all his family.' citation needed: ' He was to science what Shakespeare was to the drama.' citation needed Publications.

Biographies and Studies of his workA biography of Humboldt is that of Professor Karl Bruhns (3 vols., 8vo, Leipzig, 1872), translated into English by the Misses Lasseil in 1873. An 1852 biography, 'Lives of the Brothers Humboldt' is freely available (see external links below). Brief accounts of his career are given by A. Dove in, and by S.

Gunther in Alexander von Humboldt (Berlin, 1900).Humboldt's effect on American scientists and environmentalists (, and ) is examined in The Humboldt Current: Nineteenth Century Exploration and the Roots of American Environmentalism, by Aaron Sachs (Viking, 2006).Gerard Helferich's 2004 biography 'Humboldt's Cosmos: Alexander von Humboldt and the Latin American Journey that Changed the World'. The book provides a descriptive account of Humboldt's journey through Latin America that utilizes the journal and notes of Humboldt himself. (Gotham Books, 2004)'s 2005 novel Die Vermessung der Welt, translated into English by Carol Brown Janeway as Measuring the World: a Novel in 2006, explores von Humboldt's life through a lens of historical fiction, contrasting his character and contributions to science to those of.An essay entitled Journey to the Top of the World details Humboldt's South American exploration and America's interest in him. The essay is chapter one of David McCullough's book, Brave Companions: Portraits in History, (Prentice Hall Press, 1992).

Daniel Kehlmann Measuring The World Pdf Converter Pdf

See also.Notes. Dickinson, Robert Eric; and O.J.R.

Howarth (1933). (online Universal Digital Library, facsimile of original ed.). Helferich, Gerard (2004). Humboldt's Cosmos: Alexander von Humboldt and the Latin American journey that changed the way we see the world. The Humboldt Current: A European explorer and his American disciples. Oxford and New York:.

Measuring The World Daniel Kehlmann

Daniel Kehlmann Measuring The World Pdf Converter Download

External linksPortal. avhumboldt.de contains a large collection of data, texts and visuals concerning Alexander von Humboldt in German, English, Spanish and French. A project by the Chair of Romance Literatures, University of Potsdam (Germany).Sources. Biannual open access journal on transdisciplinary studies concerning Alexander von Humboldt (ISSN: 1617-5239). With articles in English, German and Spanish, both as HTML and PDF. A project by the Chair of Romance Literatures, University of Potsdam, and the Berlin-Brandenburgian Academy of Science. at (scanned books original editions color illustrated).

in libraries ( catalog). at (plain text and HTML)Misc., from, a 45 minutes program. A.J.P. Raat, Alexander von Humboldt and, Zoologische Bijdragen, Vol. 19-38This article incorporates text from the, a publication now in the. PersondataNAMEHumboldt, Alexander vonALTERNATIVE NAMESHumboldt, Friedrich Wilhelm Heinrich Alexander Freiherr vonSHORT DESCRIPTIONPrussian naturalist, explorerDATE OF BIRTHSeptember 14, 1769PLACE OF BIRTHBerlinDATE OF DEATHMay 6, 1859PLACE OF DEATHBerlin. Contents.Sourced.

von Humboldt (seeing a newspapercontaining slanderous falsehoods against Jefferson on thePresident's desk): Why do you not have thefellow hung who dares to write these abominable lies?Jefferson: What! Hang the guardiansof the public morals? No, sir, — rather would I protect the spiritof freedom which dictates even that degree of abuse. Put that paperinto your pocket, my good friend, carry it with you to Europe, andwhen you hear any one doubt the reality of American freedom, showthem that paper, and tell them where you found it.Humboldt: But is it not shockingthat virtuous characters should be defamed?Jefferson: Let their actions refutesuch libels.

Believe me, virtue is not long darkened by the cloudsof calumny; and the temporary pain which it causes is infinitelyoverweighed by the safety it insures against degeneracy in theprinciples and conduct of public functionaries. When a man assumesa public trust, he should consider himself as public property.

Conversation reported in B.L. Rayner, Life ofJefferson (1834), p. The exact date is not known, but theconversation took place in one of several meetings with thePresident during Humboldt's visit to, from June 1 toJune 27, 1804.