Humboldt's treasures rediscovered: the Tableau Physique of Alexander von Humboldt

The prelude to the international conference "Continents under Climate
Change" will be a discussion among Professor Dr. Wilfried Endlicher,
Geographer and Climatologist of Humboldt-Universit?t zu Berlin and Professor
Mejía, an El-Ni?o expert from the Agricultural University in Guayaquil.
Their lectures and discussion will focus on man-induced and natural climate
change. As the event takes place in the framework of the 200th anniversary
of Humboldt-Universit?t zu Berlin, Endlicher and Mejía will concentrate
their contributions on Ecuador, where Alexander von Humboldt climbed and
studied the Chimborazo mountain. The lectures will be followed by a film
presentation about Humboldt’s ascent of the Chimborazo, his life and work.







Alexander von Humboldt conducted his research with such precision and over
so many years that his findings have still not been fully studied, even
today. And his collections and records are invaluable even for modern
science. His iconic drawing of the Chimborazo, which was also selected for
the book cover of Daniel Kehlmann’s renowned novel “Die Vermessung der Welt”
is known throughout the world. That is why it was chosen as the centrepiece
for a film about Humboldt’s travels and achievements. The film discusses the
importance of this object in the past and present and goes on to show
Humboldt’s great contribution to science.



The event is embedded in a lecture and film series entitled “Humboldt’s
treasures rediscovered”. Three events focus on three historic objects from
the collections of Humboldt-Universit?t, such as the map of the Chimborazo.
The objects function as starting points for discussions about important
topical theme in modern science, such as climate change. Humboldt’s map of
the Chimborazo as a starting point to an international climate conference
will lead to a lively debate about the challenges we are facing, our own
contribution and natural causes.





Partners

• Abteilung Internationales, Humboldt-Universit?t zu Berlin

• Geography Department of the Humboldt-Universit?t zu Berlin

• Gesellschaft für Erdkunde zu Berlin

FURTHER INFORMATION