Alexander Von Humboldt and the Geographical Knowledge of Russia

Abstract

In periodicals of the XIX century, the history of Alexander von Humboldt’s trip to Russia in 1829 was repeatedly described. This was written about in the XX century as well, but the existing works did not pay much attention to the impact of this trip on the geographical views of Humboldt himself, as well as the impact of his writings and ideas on the geographical views of Russian scientists. This article attempts to answer these questions. While traveling in Russia, Humboldt not only measured heights, conducted astronomical, meteorological, magnetic and other observations, but also collected information from local residents in different parts of the country. This is evidenced by the extensive Preface to his work “Asie centrale”, and Humboldt’s correspondence with scientists and statesmen of Russia. Humboldt followed the results of the expeditions that took place in the Russian Empire after his journey to the end of his days, hoping to publish a new edition of his work with clarifications and additions. In turn, Humboldt’s geographical ideas influenced the views of Russian scientists. Of particular importance were not so much the information about the geography of Asia and Russia in his works, but the nature of the analysis of the accumulated data, and the ideas that determined the course of further research.