Cosmos 2 Volume Paperback Set
Sketch of a Physical Description of the Universe

Investigating the relationship between the 'general and the special' in nature, Humboldt's Cosmos constitutes an original contribution to modern science.

Alexander von Humboldt (Author), Edward Sabine (Edited by)

9781108013949, Cambridge University Press

Multiple-component retail product, published 31 October 2010

1010 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 2.6 cm, 0.67 kg

Polymath Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859), a self-described 'scientific traveller', was one of the most respected scientists of his time. Humboldt's wanderlust led him across Europe and to South America, Mexico, the U.S. and Russia, and his voyages and observations resulted in the discovery of many species previously unknown to Europeans. Originating as lectures delivered in Berlin and Paris (1827–1828), his two-volume Cosmos: Sketch of a Physical Description of the Universe (1845–1860) represented the culmination of his lifelong interest in understanding the physical world. As Humboldt writes, 'I ever desired to discern physical phenomena in their widest mutual connection, and to comprehend Nature as a whole, animated and moved by inward forces'. Volume 1 explains celestial and terrestrial phenomena, while Volume 2, demonstrating Humboldt's interest in representations of the natural world, examines poetic descriptions of nature, landscape painting, and how the physical universe was comprehended through history.

Volume I: Editor's preface
Author's preface
Introduction
General view of nature: Introduction
Celestial phaenomena
Terrestrial phaenomena
Organic life
Notes. Volume II: Incitements to the study of nature
1. Poetic descriptions of nature
2. Landscape painting
3. Culture of characteristic exotic plants
History of the physical contemplation of the universe
Notes
Index.

Subject Areas: Cosmology & the universe [PGK]