The Invention of Nature: Alexander von Humboldt's New World

Biogeography is “the study of the patterns of geographic distribution of organisms and the factors that determine those patterns” (Leduc, Rick. Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals. Academic Press, 2009, p. 112). In Wulf’s narrative, Humboldt is depicted as one of the pioneers in this field, recognizing that climate and geography influence the distribution of species. This concept is a cornerstone in Humboldt’s interdisciplinary approach to understanding nature.

Colonialism is “the policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically” (Shah, Shreya. “What Is Settler Colonialism?” The Indigenous Foundation). Humboldt’s experiences in South America led him to criticize the destructive environmental and social impacts of colonialism, which Wulf details to underscore his progressive views on human rights and environmental exploitation.

In Humboldt’s context, Cosmos refers to his magnum opus which attempts to unify diverse branches of scientific knowledge under the umbrella of a single, coherent framework of nature. Wulf uses this term to demonstrate Humboldt’s ambition to create a holistic portrayal of the natural world, connecting scientific inquiry with a poetic sensibility.

Ecology, as defined by Humboldt, is the study of the relationships between living organisms, including humans, and their physical environment. Wulf discusses how Humboldt’s early ecological thoughts laid the groundwork for later environmentalist movements, illustrating his understanding of nature’s interconnectedness.

Empiricism is the theory that all knowledge originates from sense experience and that this is the basis for scientific conclusions. Wulf highlights Humboldt’s empirical approach to studying nature, which combined observation with detailed measurement, as a foundation for his comprehensive understanding of the natural world.

Environmentalism is a broad philosophy and social movement concerning concerns for environmental conservation and improvement of the health of the environment. Wulf credits Humboldt as a forerunner of environmentalism, whose observations and writings inspired generations to consider the sustainable use of Earth’s resources.

Geography in Humboldt’s work refers to the science that deals with the earth’s physical structure and substance, the processes that affect them, and the earth’s history. Wulf uses this term to explain how Humboldt integrated physical geography with botanical geography to form a unified vision of global natural patterns.

Globalism is a philosophy that regards the entire world as a proper sphere for political influence. Through her narration of Humboldt’s extensive travels and studies that spanned various continents, Wulf paints him as a pioneer of global thinking, linking local environmental observations to global patterns.

Holism in science emphasizes the importance of studying the whole system, rather than just its parts. Wulf portrays Humboldt as a holistic thinker, who integrated various disciplines to better understand and explain the complex interdependencies within nature.

Humanism is “an outlook or system of thought attaching prime importance to human rather than divine or supernatural matters” (“What Is Humanism?” Austin Humanist Community). Wulf discusses Humboldt’s humanist approach to science, whereby he viewed human creativity and emotion as integral to the pursuit of scientific knowledge and understanding.

Monoculture in agriculture refers to the practice of growing a single crop or plant species over a wide area for many consecutive years. Wulf uses Humboldt’s criticisms of monoculture practices in colonial plantations to underline his awareness of their environmental impact, such as soil depletion and increased vulnerability to pests.

Naturgemälde, meaning nature painting in German, refers to Humboldt’s technique of visually representing scientific data in a detailed, landscape-style drawing that captures the interrelationships within ecosystems. Wulf discusses this innovative representation as pivotal in allowing Humboldt to communicate complex scientific ideas effectively.

Pantheism is a doctrine that identifies God with the universe or regards the universe as a manifestation of God. Humboldt’s natural philosophy, which saw nature as a manifestation of divine harmony, influenced transcendentalists and other thinkers of his time, as illustrated by Wulf.

Romanticism was an artistic, literary, and intellectual movement that originated in Europe toward the end of the 18th century. Wulf explores Humboldt’s connections to Romanticism, particularly how his emotional and personal responses to nature influenced his scientific observations and writings.

Sustainability refers to the avoidance of the depletion of natural resources to maintain an ecological balance. Wulf outlines Humboldt’s early insights into sustainability, noting his concerns about deforestation, soil erosion, and other forms of environmental degradation.

Transcendentalism is a philosophical movement that developed in the late 1820s and 1830s in the eastern United States. Wulf points out the influence of Humboldt’s ideas on transcendentalist thinkers like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, particularly his belief that an intimate connection with nature was essential for personal and philosophical understanding.

Utilitarianism is the doctrine that actions are right if they are useful or for the benefit of a majority. Wulf contrasts Humboldt’s approach to nature, which was deeply appreciative of its aesthetic and intrinsic values, against the utilitarian approaches that dominated the industrializing world.