19th century History of geography

alexander von humboldt (1769 – 1859).

by 18th century, geography had become recognized discrete discipline , became part of typical university curriculum in europe (especially paris , berlin), although not in united kingdom geography taught sub-discipline of other subjects.

a holistic view of geography , nature can seen in work 19th century polymath alexander von humboldt. 1 of great works of time humboldt s kosmos: sketch of physical description of universe, first volume of published in german in 1845. such power of work dr mary somerville, of cambridge university intended scrap publication of own physical geography on reading kosmos. von humboldt himself persuaded publish (after publisher sent him copy).

in 1877, thomas henry huxley published physiography philosophy of universality presented integrated approach in study of natural environment. philosophy of universality in geography not new 1 can seen evolving works of alexander von humboldt , immanuel kant. publication of huxley physiography presented new form of geography analysed , classified cause , effect @ micro-level , applied these macro-scale (due view micro part of macro , understanding of micro-scales need understand macro level). approach emphasized empirical collection of data on theoretical. same approach used halford john mackinder in 1887. however, integration of geosphere, atmosphere , biosphere under physiography on taken davisian geomorphology.

over past 2 centuries quantity of knowledge , number of tools has exploded. there strong links between geography , sciences of geology , botany, economics, sociology , demographics.

the royal geographical society founded in england in 1830, although united kingdom did not first full chair of geography until 1917. first real geographical intellect emerge in united kingdom geography halford john mackinder, appointed reader @ oxford university in 1887.

the national geographic society founded in united states in 1888 , began publication of national geographic magazine became , continues great popularizer of geographic information. society has long supported geographic research , education.