Alexander von Humboldt
German naturalist and explorer whose Personal Narrative of Travels to the Equinoctial Regions of America inspired Darwin, Thoreau, and a generation of scientists and explorers. His Cosmos attempted a unified physical description of the universe. He virtually invented the science of ecology.
Works
- Personal NarrativeFirst-hand narrative of Humboldt's scientific expedition through Spanish Americas
- CosmosSynthesis of natural science describing Earth's physical and living systems
- Views of NatureEssays on landscape, climate and the interconnection of natural phenomena
- Essay on the Geography of PlantsEarly ecological study linking plant distribution to geography and climate zones
- Political Essay on the Kingdom of New SpainAnalysis of New Spain's geography, resources, economy and political structure