Life, Letters, and Works of Louis Agassiz

Volume 1 of Marcou's 1896 biography of Louis Agassiz (1807–1873) traces the life of the Swiss palaeontologist until 1847.

Jules Marcou (Author)

9781108072601, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 20 January 2011

336 pages, 1 b/w illus. 1 colour illus. 1 map
21.6 x 14 x 1.9 cm, 0.43 kg

On the basis of extensive material in the form of letters, pamphlets and the recollections of friends and contemporaries, Jules Marcou (1824–1898) tells the story of the life and work of Louis Agassiz in this two-volume work of 1896. The Swiss-born palaeontologist, glaciologist and zoologist (1807–1873) is regarded as one of the founding fathers of the modern American scientific tradition. Marcou, a fellow countryman and collaborator of Agassiz, does not attempt to conceal his high regard for the subject of his biography but does have 'in view the truth'. In a chronological narrative, Volume 1 traces the childhood and early professional success of Agassiz, including his charming of the great von Humboldt. It describes Agassiz' time as professor in Switzerland and his marriage, ending with the arrival of Agassiz in America and his first attempts at forging a university career there.

Preface
Introduction
1. 1807–1827. Ancestry
2. 1827-1832. Journey from Carlsruhe to Munich
3. 1831–1832. First visit to Paris
4. 1832–1835. Agassiz's first establishment at Neuchâtel
5. 1836–1837. The Wollaston Medal
6. 1836–1837 continued and 1838. Discussion raised by Agassiz's Discourse at Neuchâtel
7. 1838–1840. Agassiz's scientific activity
8. 1841–1842. Visit during the winter to the Aar Glacier
9. 1843–1844. 'Recherches sur les poissons fossiles'
10. 1845. 'Monographie des Myes'
11. 1846. Departure from Neuchâtel, March, 1846
12. 1846 continued –1847. Arrival in America, and reception by Mr. John A. Lowell.

Subject Areas: Palaeontology [RBX]