Humboldt's CosmosHumboldt's Cosmos
Alexander Von Humboldt and the Latin American Journey That Changed the Way We See the World
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Book, 2004
Current format, Book, 2004, , Available .Book, 2004
Current format, Book, 2004, , Available . Offered in 0 more formatsThe thrilling story of the charismatic explorer who Simon Bolivar called Âthe true discoverer of South America and the daring expedition that altered the course of science.From 1799 to 1804 German naturalist and adventurer Alexander von Humboldt conducted the first extensive scientific exploration of Latin America. At the completion of his arduous 6,000-mile journey, he was feted by Thomas Jefferson and presented to Napoleon, and, with the subsequent publication of his findings, he would be hailed as the greatest scientific genius of his age.HumboldtÂs Cosmostells the story of this extraordinary man who was equal parts Einstein and Livingstone, and of the adventure that defined his life. Gerard Helferich vividly recounts HumboldtÂs expedition through the Amazon and over the Andes, highlighting his paradigm-changing discoveries along the way. During the course of the expedition, Humboldt cataloged more than 60,000 plants, set an altitude record climbing the volcano Chimborazo, and became the first to study the great cultures of the Aztecs and Incas. In the process, he revolutionized geology and laid the groundwork for modern sciences such as climatology, oceanography, and geographyÂand his contributions would influence future greats such as Charles Darwin and shape the course of science for centuries to come.Published in time for the bicentennial of the expeditionÂs completion in May 1804, HumboldtÂs Cosmosis a dramatic tribute to one of historyÂs most audacious adventurers, whom Stephen Jay Gould noted Âmay well have been the worldÂs most famous and influential intellectual.Â
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- New York : Gotham Books, 2004.
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