Meet Alexander von Humboldt

Explorer, courtier, laboratory scientist, and internationally acclaimed author, Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859) embodied the Enlightenment ieal as well as anyone in his age. He built a lasting reputation on the effectiveness of his methods, the quality of his writings, and the strength of his friendships with the likes of Goethe, John C. Fremont, Samual Morse, and Charles Lyell. His influence in Europe and the United States—as scientist, geographer, and social critic—was immense.