Bernese researchers complete book by Alexander von Humboldt
Published: Thursday, Aug 29th 2024, 10:50
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The University of Bern is publishing a previously unpublished book by the explorer Alexander von Humboldt. He wrote the draft of the book over 170 years ago, but never completed it, as the University of Bern announced on Thursday.
The two Bernese academics Oliver Lubrich and Thomas Nehrlich have now completed the book. They have studied drafts, revised manuscripts, corrected galley proofs, letters and other materials relating to the planned publication in order to compile the book according to Humboldt's plans.
According to the University of Bern, Humboldt's plan was to publish a collection of his most important works in two volumes. The first volume of the book was published in 1853. Six years later, the natural scientist died before the second volume could be published.
Significant findings
At the center of this unrealized second volume is a comprehensive study "On Ocean Currents", which Humboldt had worked on for decades without finally being able to put it into print.
According to the University of Bern, this is pioneering research in marine ecology. "Alexander von Humboldt makes connections clear, the scope of which we can only recognize today," Nehrlich was quoted as saying in the press release. "Since we know that man-made climate change is endangering the Gulf Stream, Humboldt's interdisciplinary analysis has taken on an uncanny significance," said Lubrich.
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