born
14 September 1769, Berlindied
6 May 1859born
14 September 1769, Berlin
died
6 May 1859
born
28 August 1773, La Rochelle, France
died
1858
Of Prussian nobility and educated in Frankfurt and Göttingen, Humboldt studied natural history and geology, travelling widely in Europe before securing a position in the Academy of Mines in Freiburg in 1792. Inheriting the family fortune after his mother's death in 1796, Humboldt moved to Paris where he met Bonpland and formulated plans to explore in Spanish America. Through Baron Forell, Ambassador of Saxony, Humboldt and Bonpland were introduced to King Carlos IV and received permission to explore Mexico and South America at their own expense.
Bonpland was a physician by profession, took profound interest in botany. Bonpland had studied medicine in Paris and natural history under Lamark, Jussieu, and Desfontaines. Humboldt covered Bonpland's expenses during expedition; thereafter, Bonpland returned to Europe with Humboldt, but later traveled to Paraguay where he was taken prisoner and held for 10 years. After his release established residence in Uruguay where he lived until his death in 1858.
Last modified: 27.iii.97
Scott A. Schaefer schaefer@amnh.org