This naturalist was called "the most famous man in Europe after Napoleon Bonaparte."
Baron Alexander von Humboldt was born in Berlin and traveled extensively during his lifetime. In his journeys through South and North America (where he socialized at length with Thomas Jefferson), Asia, and Europe, he investigated the earth's geology, geography, botany and magnetic field -- coining the term "magnetic storm" for the disturbances he noted.
A prolific writer, Humboldt set down some 30 volumes describing the natural world. These works found great popularity in Europe, making him famous. Then, beginning at age 76, he attempted to compile all of man's knowledge about the universe into a single work titled "Kosmos." This magnum opus was published in five volumes, the last of which appeared posthumously in 1862.
Sources:
- Biography of Baron von Humboldt
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