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

Humboldt embarks on a rigorous exploration of the vast Llanos grasslands and the Orinoco River after extensive research around Lake Valencia. The journey begins with Humboldt and his team entering the arid, seemingly infinite landscape of the Llanos, marked by extreme heat and minimal vegetation, presenting a stark contrast to the biodiversity they left behind. Despite the challenging environment, including encounters with dust devils and mirages, Humboldt remains captivated by the expansiveness of the plains, which he describes as evoking a sense of infinity.

The narrative then shifts to Humboldt’s excitement about encountering electric eels in Calabozo, a small trading town. This excitement stems from his past experiments with animal electricity in Germany. Humboldt’s innovative approach to capturing eels using wild horses demonstrates his hands-on method of scientific inquiry, despite the dangers involved.

As Humboldt progresses toward the Orinoco, his journey becomes increasingly perilous, with natural challenges such as navigating through electric eel-infested waters and experiencing the awe-inspiring yet daunting environment of the Orinoco. His observations during this part of the expedition are meticulous, noting everything from the behavior of local fauna to the unique characteristics of the river ecosystems.

Humboldt’s relentless pursuit of scientific exploration takes him and Bonpland from Cumaná to the challenging terrains of the Andes. After recuperating and organizing their extensive collections in Cumaná, they initially plan a journey to Mexico but abruptly change course to chase an opportunity to join Captain Nicolas Baudin’s expedition from Peru to Australia. Despite the uncertainties surrounding Baudin’s exact route and availability, Humboldt is driven by a compelling desire to broaden his scientific inquiries across continents.

Preparing for potential hazards and the risk of loss, Humboldt carefully duplicates and dispatches their research notes and specimens to Europe, keeping only essential items. Their careful planning reflects the era’s navigational and wartime challenges, as well as Humboldt’s commitment to preserving and sharing their findings irrespective of his fate.

The travelers then embark on a daunting overland journey across the Andes instead of the safer sea route. Humboldt’s scientific ambition to study uncharted territories and his quest to meet the esteemed botanist José Celestino Mutis in Bogotá drive his decision. Humboldt’s interactions with Mutis and the exposure to his extensive botanical studies enrich both scientists.

The men mark their expedition through the Andes with physical hardships, detailed observations of new species, and reflections on the interconnectedness of nature.

Humboldt embarks on a monumental journey to scale Chimborazo, a colossal inactive volcano in Ecuador, historically believed to be the world’s highest peak. This chapter captures Humboldt’s ascent.

As Humboldt, along with Bonpland, Carlos Montúfar, and their servant José, approaches Chimborazo, the narrative details their progression through varying ecological zones—from lush tropical vegetation to barren, snow-covered slopes. The climb becomes not only a physical challenge but also a transcendental experience for Humboldt. At different altitudes, he meticulously records observations on temperature, atmospheric pressure, and botanical life.

The ascent is fraught with peril. At 19,413 feet, a combination of altitude sickness, treacherous terrain, and adverse weather conditions forces the team to halt their climb, mere feet from the summit. Despite this, Humboldt’s measurements during the ascent contribute to a revolutionary understanding of geographical and botanical distribution across different climates and elevations.

This chapter encapsulates Humboldt’s realization of nature as an interconnected global force. This insight, achieved through the physical and metaphorical heights reached during the climb, leads Humboldt to conceive his influential idea of Naturgemälde, or nature painting, which illustrates nature as a web of life. Humboldt’s experiences on Chimborazo solidify his vision of the unity of nature.

Humboldt’s journey takes a significant turn toward the political sphere as he sails from Cuba to the United States in 1804 amidst a hurricane. Humboldt aims to meet Thomas Jefferson, since they share a mutual enthusiasm for the Enlightenment ideals of liberty and scientific exploration. His extensive travels through Latin America not only enriched his scientific observations but also deepened his convictions about political liberty and the natural world’s interconnections.

Upon reaching the United States, Humboldt writes to Jefferson, expressing admiration and seeking a meeting to discuss his findings. Humboldt’s arrival is timely, aligning with Jefferson’s presidency, during which the Louisiana Purchase had just doubled the size of the nation. Humboldt’s extensive knowledge of Latin America becomes invaluable, as he offers Jefferson and his administration insights into territories that were previously obscured by colonial secrecy.

The narrative depicts their meetings as exchanges of vast intellectual wealth—Humboldt provides detailed accounts and maps of Latin America, while Jefferson shares insights into the fledgling republic’s development. However, the discussions between Humboldt and Jefferson also reveal contrasts, especially regarding their views on enslavement. Humboldt’s staunch opposition to enslavement highlights his commitment to equality and liberty, influenced by his observations of colonial exploitation in Latin America.