Humboldtian Science

Humboldtian science was the movement in science in the 19th century with ideals and central themes resulting from the work of German scientist Alexander von Humboldt but involving the work of many scientists of the period.

Alexander von Humboldt is known for his highly empirical scientific work and his best recognized works are his Personal Narrative and Kosmos. Humboldtian science incorporates many ideals and concepts, though it roughly encapsulates a shift toward an understanding of the interconnectedness of nature through accurate measurement. One central concept was what Humboldt called "terrestrial physics," which encompassed an extensive and pervasive study of the earth's many features and forces with accurate scientific instrumentation. Humboldtian science is founded on a principle of "general equilibrium of forces." General equilibrium was the idea that there are infinite forces in nature that are in constant conflict, yet all forces balance each other out.