10

Founders of ModernGeography :
Humboldt and Ritter
Alexander von Humboldt and Carl Ritter, both
half of the nineteenth century, are outstanding scholars in the first
recognized in both Germany and France as the
founders of modern geography. They both died in 1859, the year of
Charles Darwin's Origin of Species. Their ideas and the publication of
purposes, although formulated
before the great impact of evolutionary thought, and before the enormous extension
of exploration and mapping in the latter half of the
century, have continued to serve
to this days as guide posts in the field of geography (Dickinson, 1969. 22).
There are sufficient reasons for thinking of them as bringing the period of
classical geography to an end. They depended in large part of their predecessors.
Using the volume of new information about different parts of the world from the
voyages of exploration, Humboldt and Ritter, each in his own way, produced
massive syntheses. They made frequent use of new concepts and methods of study
developed during the preceding two centuries. While Kant gave geography a
philosophical foundation and the Forsters demonstrated a scientific method of
research, Humbolt and Ritter developed the subject as an independent branch of
knowledge.
The geography, demonstrated by Humboldt and Riter in nineteenth century is
commonly treated as 'elassical' because it dominated foundation period of the subject
with uniform and simple methods. Thus, the period of Humboldt and Ritter (1800
1859) is known as classical period in the history of geographical thought.
(A) ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT
1. Life History of Humboldt
German scholar Alexander von.Humboldt (1769-1 859) was the first who
for the development
prepared the ground on which a new beginning could be made versatile and prolific
OT modern geography as a scientific discipline. He was a most
Scholar and scientist whose researches had enriched several braches of science
Including physics, chemistry, botany, geology, mineralogy, meteorology, physiology
and geomorphology.
Humboldt travelled about 8000 k.m. (5000miles) and in all his travels he made
multitudinous observations. He performed his all journeys with precise surveying
instruments like telescope, sextant, clinometer and barometer. With the help of these
 146
History of
instrument he measured accurately the temperature of
air. atmospheric pressure. latitudes, longitudes,
Geographical Thought
elevation above the sea level, magnetic vibrations,
nature and types of rocks, types of plants etc. Humbolt
was an outstanding scientist of his time so that he was
variously referred to by his contemporaries as 'the New
Aristotle' and the 'monarch of sciences. Humboldt
made many outstanding singular contributions to
theory and practice of geography so that he (along with
Carl Ritter) is regarded as the founder of modern
geography.
Alexander von Humboldt was born in an
aristocratic family in Berlin in 1769. His father was an Alexander von Humboldt
amy officer in the Prussian arny who expired in 1779 when
years old. He got early education in classical languages and Humboldt was only ten
education in 1787 he attended the University of Frankfurt
botany and mineralogy. He also attended classes in physics,
where mathematics.
he studiedFor higher
geology
But after only six month, he returned home at Berlin at his chemistry and
factory management. In 1789 he joinedthe University of
mother's
itonstance tomistudy
Gottingen
ning
philosophy and archaeology. At Gottingen he met George study physics,
influence he developed a keen interest in the field of Forster under whose
plants. During the study at Gottingen, observation and the study of
Humboldt
journey down Rhine to the Netherlands and fromacCompanied George Forster on a
journey initiated him to the study of the there by ship to England. This
other and totheir environment and thus to the phenomena of nature in relation to each
was very much influenced by the views and fundamentals of geography. Humboldt
him as his friend and methods of George Forster and regarded
teacher.
Humboldt left Gottingen University in 1790 in order to
natural sciences. In accordance with his pursue research in
mother's wishes., he joined an academy of
commerce in Hamburg to prepare for a career in finance. There his
were commerce, botany, mineralogy and subjects of study
geography.
shifted to the Freiberg Academy of Mines where he After only one year, Humboldt
geologist A.G. Werner. Here he studied geology, was taught by the renowned
researches and experiments on underground plant life mineralogy and botany. From his
in mines, Humboldt prepared a
work in Latin (1793) entitled 'Florae
devoted to show a characteristic concern Fribergensis' (Geography of Plants) wnle we
the relation of these as
not only with Plant themselves but aiso wiu
organismspartto their
work should form an essential environment.Geognosia
of 'Geognosia'.
Humboldtthis
Accordingis toaLatin term that
was translated as 'Erdkunde' in German which later became the Synonym for
geography. According to Bowen (1981), "In Scope and method, Humboldt's
Geognosia of 1793 can be regarded as providing an important model for moderm
geography. His idea of plant distribution and
communities extended to a
relation of rocks and minerals, Suggested the basis for astudy of the
new science, one concerned
with the interrelationship of organic and inorganic phenomena on the earth"
 Founders of ModernGeography :Humboldt and Ritter 147

In 1794 Humboldt visited Jena where his brother lived. There he came in
contact with great philosopher Goethe and several other leading scholars including
Sehiller, Fichte and Schelling.
2. Adventures and Explorations
Humboldt was one of the great travellers and explorers of late eighteenth and
early nineteenth countries. He travelled in allabout 8000km. and made multitudinous
observations. He made many trips to various parts of the world in order to personal
observation of physical and biotic phenomena and to collect scientific data.
South Anmerican Expedition
In 1798, Humboldt along with A. Bonpland, a French botanist reached Madrid
in Spain. During his jourmey he made daily observations of temperatures and
latitudes. He was the first to measure the actual height of the Spanish Maseta. From
Madrid they sailed for South America and reached Cumana Port in Venezuela. From
there they went to Caracas along sea coast and explored the Valencia Lake. He
noticed that the lake had shrunk and fields for cultivation of crops had been
developed on its flat banks. Humboldt established apositive relationship between the
forests and rainfal.
In 1800, Humboldt explored the Orinoco River and established its connection
with Amazon. The two travellers (Humboldt and Bonpland) prepared the map some
2760 km. (1725 miles) of the Orinoco River and in that process Humboldt confirmed
that one of the channels of the Orinoco in its upper reaches flows into the head
waters of the River Negro and through it into the Amazon. Throughout their difficult
journey through thick tropical rain forests, both travellers collected a large number of
specimens of plants, soils and fossils.
In November 1800, the two travellers returned to Cumana and from there sailed
for Cuba and studied the economy, society and habitat of the local people. In 1801l
they sailed for Columbia and reached at the port of Cartegena and from there they
proceeded to explore the Andes in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. Throughout the
journey they made elaborate records of latitudes, longitudes and temperatures at a
series of places. Using these records, Humboldt succeeded in providing a scientific
explanation of the relations of altitude and air temperature to natural vegetation.
Humboldt studied volcanic rocks in the Andes and provided that granites, gneisses
convinced that A.C.
and other crystalline rocks had a volcanic origin. Thus he was
this
Werner's theory of the sedimentary origin of all rocks was not correct. Duringwhich
expedition, the two travellers climbed the Chimborazo mountain in Ecuador
Humboldt
was at that time believed to be the highest peak in the world. In due course
made observation regarding the influence of altitude on human physiology.
Traversing the Andes Humboldt and Bonpland reached Lima. Travelling along
the Peruvian coast Humboldt investigated the chemical properties of Guano (bird
droppings), and sent samples to Europe for further examination regarding its
commercial export as fertilizer. During his journey along the cost of Ecuador
Humboldt kept records of temperature changes in the ocean waters and he was the
first to explore the Peruvian cold current and the phenomena of upwelling of cold
 1hought
148
This is the reasonthat the Peruvian Current is often referred to
below.
water from the
Humboldt Current.
two explorers sailed from Guayaquil (Ecuador) to the port
as the
In March 1803, the
Acapulco in Mexico (New Spain). At that time it was the principal colony of the
of and was at the peak of prosperity. They travelled
Spanish American Empire
parts of Mexico and observed the impact of topography on the cultural
different population, economy, habitat
landscape. Humboldt collected there valuable data on
statistics provided the basis for
and society of the colony. The latest population
Humboldt's regional account of Mexico.
there they sailed to
In 1804, both explorers reached Havana in Cuba and from
geographer in
the United States and met Thomas Jefferson, the American
Philadelphia and both became close friends. Staying for a short period at
Philadelphia and Washington, on June 30, 1804 they started on their return journey
1827.
to Bordeaux (France). On returning to France, Humboldt lived in Paris until
In 1806 Humboldt made a visit to Vesuvius volcano (Italy). After this journey
Humboldt wrote his experiences and observations in 30 volumes in French which
were subsequently translated in German, English and some other foreign languages.
Many young scientist were encouraged by Humbold's writing to investigate the
geography of unexplored areas of the world.
In 1827, Humboldt returned to Berlin (Germany) to take up appointment as
chamberlain in the coart of the Prussian King.
Russian (Siberian) Expedition
In 1829, the Russian Czar invited Humboldt to visit the city of Petersburg
(Leningrad). When he reached Petersburg, he was entrusted with the task of
exploring the vast lands of Siberia across the Ural Mountains. Starting his journey on
a horse back, Humboldt travelled through Kazan, Bogosloski, Tobolsk, Tara, Bersk
and Omsk and reached upto the border of Mongolia. He completed his
return
passing through Omsk, Orenburg and Astrakhan and observed the coastal lowjourney lands
of the Caspian Sea. Throughout the Siberian
expedition Humboldt kept a regular
record of temperature and air pressure. On the basis of these
out that temperature on the same latitude varies inward from the observations he pointed
sea coast.
After Russian journey, Humboldt returned to Berlin in 1830 where he
years of his rest life. On returning to Berlin, he was appointed as a spent 29
to king in the German Assembly where he worked scientific advisor
several years.
3. Writings of Humboldt
Alexander von Humboldt was not only a great scientific explorer and
but he was also a renowned scientist
scientific writer of nineteenth century. His most
important and valuable work is Cosmos, projected as a five
the last volume remain volume work of which
incompleted at the time of his death in 1859,
posthumously assembled and published in 1862 from his notes. and was
Humboldt are given below: Major works or
(1) Rhineland Basalt : It is a
short monograph containing several articles
 4

related to the Rhineland Basaltic region.

Published in 1789, this nonograph
attempted to uphold the current theory of the aqueous
(2) Geognosia : This book was origin of basaltic rock.
published in 1793 and throws light on the scope
and methodology of geography. It includes
both aspects of nature. the spatial study of physical and human
(3) Voyage aux Regions Equinoxiales du
Equatorial Region of New World): Published in 30Nouveau Continent : (Journey of
volumes between 1815 and 1820,
this work was based on
Humboldt's travels to South America.
(4) Asia Central: This book was published in
based on the Humboldt's expedition to Russian Siberia.two volumes in 1829 which was
(5) The Essai Politique sur I'le de Cuba :
monograph in which Humboldt attempted to explainPublished after 1826 it is another
the political condition of Cuba.
(6) Cosmos : The Cosmos is regarded as great
Cosmos is a five volumes work of which the last single work of Humboldt.
volume
published in 1862 after his death from his notes. The first was assembled and
contained a general description of the whole picture of the volume of Cosmos
volume included the history of man's effort to discover and universe. The second
the earliest time. The third volume was describe the earth since
concerned astronomy and the laws of
to
celestial space. The forth volume was devoted to the description of the earth, and
fifth (final) volume dealt with the general
as well as the study of discussion of plant and animal geography
man.
Humboldt's Cosmos is definitely a monument of compilation which contains the
conclusions drawn from a lifetime of travel and diligent research.
According to R.E.
Dickinson (1969): "The Philosophy of the Cosmos comprises four main themes.
The first is the definition and limitation of a physical description of the world as a
special and separate discipline. The second is the objective content,
actual and empirical aspects of nature's entity in the scientific form of which is the
a portrait of
nature. Third, the action of nature on the imagination and
incentive to nature studies through media such as travel emotion becomes an
landscape painting, and the display of contrasting groups of exoticdescriptions, poetry,
the history of natural philosophy and gradual plants. And last,
cosmos as an organic unit are dealt with."
emergence of concepts pertaining to the
4. Methodology of Humboldt
The methodology adopted by Humboldt was solely based on
techniques. Main aspects of his methodology are as follows : scientific
(1) Empirical Method : In the explanation of
used always empirical and inductive methods. His geographical
facts, Humboldt
observation, testing and measurement of the facts. Hedescriptions
were based on
empirical science. He believed in the inductive method conceived geography as an
and emphasized the
importance of empirical method of research.
(2) Systematie Method : Humboldt is regarded as the
father of systematic
physical geography called geognosia. He adopted systematic approach in
geographical studies.
 History of Geographical Thought
150

(3) Comparative Method : Humboldt surface sought to compare the location and
carths' with a view to unravelling the
extent of terrestrial phenomena on the comparative study.
principles that governed their distribution in the world. He made
of different geographical regions.
(4) Precision and Accuracy : With the help of precise surveying instruments
accurately the
like sextant, telescope, clinometer, barometer etc. Humboldt measured
sea level
air temperature, air pressure, latitudes, longitudes, elevation above the
magnetic vibrations etc. of various places. He was very careful for accurate
measurement of geographical facts.
(5) Cartographic Method : Humboldt not only noted and measured, but also
mapped changes in relief, plant life, crops, tree and snow lines, in order to their
graphic presentation. He gave importance to geographical representation of data on
map and utility of maps and diagrams for geographical studies.
Humboldt was a renowned scientist of his time and he advocated the importance
of inductive and empirical methods of research. His methods af recording and
describing in the field are important in themselves. Dickinson (1969, 26-27) writes,
"In a matter of days he traversed from the equatorial forest to the tundra, the
equivalent of some 5000 miles (8000km.) from the equator to the Arctic circle. He
noted, measured, and mapped changes in relief, plant life, crops, tree and snow lines,
in a way that had never been done before. To generalize these features he used the
cross-section on a section line, he showed the combined features and the way in
which their nature and associations changed with increasing altitude."
5. Geographical Concepts of Humboldt
As a front-rank scientist Humboldt contributed to several branches of
knowledge including physics, chemistry, botany, zoology, ecology, physiology and
many other related fields. He was a great master of the empirical method. He was
one of the founder of modern geography (other being Carl Ritter). He made
various
significant and pioneer contributions to geographical thought. Major concepts of
Humboldt are given below:
(1) Earth surface as the home of man: Humboldt
referred that geography waS
concerned with the study of the earth's surface as the home of man. The earth as the
homeof man includes those parts of the earth's surface which are
populations. inhabited by human
(2) Geography as the science of spatial distribution : Humboldt
geography as the science of spatial distribution on the surface of the earth.recognized
To him,
the objective of geography was to conduct
connection between phenomena occurring together comparative analyses to explain inter
in
tional patterns of particular types of phenomena over the places, and for the distribu
earth surface as a whole.
(3) Terrestrial unity : Humboldt shared the
expressed by Hegel and Goethe. He shared the concept philosophic view of his era, 25
as an inspirable organic whole, all that envisaged that the eartn
parts
(Dickinson, 1969, 23). He attempted to derive of which were mutually
interdependent
analysis the ways in which things and
of generalization through the scientific
phenomena on the earth's surface depended
Fownders of Modern Geograpn : Humbold1 and Ritter

uon each other. This concept of interdependent unity in nature is known as

terrestrial unity. Humboldt projected nature as aorganie whole which is the result of
harmonious interrelationship between all living and non living objects existing
together in particular areas.
(4) General geography is physieal geography : Humboldt used the term
geognosia' for general geography. In real sense his general geography was physical
geography. For him, there was no dichotomy between the physical and the human
aspects of nature in the study of physical (general) geography. Humboldt had written
in the preface of his Personal Narrative that his aim in his diverse scientific exertions
was to throw light on a science which had scarcely been out lined and which is called
vaguely enough by the name of Physique du Monde. Theorie de la Terre or
Geographie Physique. Humboldt's Geognosia had provided an important model for
modern geography as the discipline concerned with both inorganic as well as organic
phenomena on the earth's surface as an interrelated entity. He rejected the concept of
dualism between man and the physical world and advocated for general geography.
(5) Geography is a study of physical and human relationship : According to
Humboldt the influence exercised upon man by the forces of nature, and the
reciprocal, though weaker, action which he in his turn exercises on these natural
forces formed an essential part of scientific study of the earth surface. Although man
is dependent on various elements of physical environment, he has wonderful capacity
of adapting himself to all climates and thus, man every where becomes most
essentially associated with terrestrial life.
6. Terms Coined by Humboldt
1. Geognosia : Humboldt's geognosia (geognosy) published in 1793 in Latin is
the synonym with earth science which he variously defined as Erdkunde', "Therorie
de la Terre', Geographic physique, Physishe Erdbeschribing' or 'physical
geography'. It was translated as 'Erdkunde' in German.
2. Cosmos : Cosmos' is the name (title) of five-volumes work of Humboldt. It
provides sketch of a physical description of the universe. Its first two volumes were
published in German in 1845, second volume in 1847, third volume in 1950 and
fourth volume in 1858. The fifth and last volume remained incomplete at the time of
Humboldt'sdeath in 1859. It was posthumously published in 1862 using his notes.
3. Climatology : Humboldt used the term 'climatology' first which was
probably carried by him. According to him, "the term climate means in the general
sense all variations of the atmosphere- temperature, humidity, barometric pressure,
winds, electric charge, atmospheric purity and degree of visibility." (Dickinson,
1969, 24).
4. Cosmography : While describing the subject matter of geography, Humboldt
carried the term 'Cosmography' which is constituted by two parts : uranography and
geography. To him, uranography is the descriptive astronomy which deals with the
celestial bodies, while geography is confined to physical geography which deals with
the terrestrial part.
152 History of Geographical Though
(B) CARL RITTER
1. Life History of Ritter
Cari Ritter (1779-1859) was contemporary and friend of Alexander von
Humboldt (1769-1859). Ritter is regarded along with Humboldt as a cofounder of
modern geography. He was ten years junior o Humboldt. He was born in
Quedlinburg in 1779 in a middle class family. His
father was a physician who died when young
Ritter was only 5 years old. His mother had to
face with great difficulties to educate and support
her family of five members. "By a stroke of good
fortune, a German educationist, Christian
Salzmann, who was starting a new experimental
school was in search of a child who had never
been exposed to traditional methods of education,
and he chose Ritter as his pupil"
2006,53).
(Dikshit,
Following the new principles of famous
educationists Rousseau and Pestalozzi, Salzmann
emphasized that in the education of the young,
clear thinking should be developed
careful observation of phenomena. Childthrough Ritter
Carl Ritter
was put under the supervision of
teaching geography by new practicalGuts-Muths who was specially interested in
method. There right from the starting, Ritter
was trained to observe relationship of man to his natural surroundings
At Salzman's school Ritter was (environment).
the concept of unity of man and encouraged by his teachers to formulate for
nature. From the diversified landscape of hishimself
containing hills and low mountains he derived the idea of region
became the fundamental theme of Ritter's unity in diversity. This idea
great geographer. According to writing in later years and he matured into a
time- and few since- have been soHartshorne (1939, 50), "probably no student of his
specially trained for
After completing his early education in the geography as was Ritter".
1798 Ritter got employment in a school of Salzmann, in October
tutor for his two sons. In return wealthy family of Bethmann Hollweg, as a private
Hollweg
higher education. "An important change in his agreed to bear the expenses of Ritter's
about by his first meeting in 1807, with the attitude to human history was brought
thereafter he turned to matters of 'general great Swiss educator H. Pestalozzi, and
the two sons of Hollweg,
Ritter joined the
geography" (Dickinson, 1969, 34). With
were geography and history.
After
University at
the death of Frankfurt where his subjects
accompanied the
where he himselfother boy (who was his protege) to the Hollweg's one son, Ritter
took furtherUniversity
for two of Gottingen
history, physics, chemistry, years (I813-1817)
botany and mineralogy and continued courses in geography,
in geography. his own research
Founders of Modern Geography : Humboldt and Ritter 153

Ritter's research at Frankfurt concerned the first volume of the Erdkunde which
was published in 1817. It was devoted to geographical description of the dark
continent of Africa which was those days one of least known parts of the earth.
Dickinson (1969, 34) writes, "On the strength of the stir caused by this work he was
offered a professorship in geography at the University and at the Royal Military
Academy in Berlin, a post which he held until his death in 1859. During this long
period of almost forty years he had a profound influence on the thinking of people in
many walks of life, and not least on those in high places in the army". He could not
resume the writing of his Erdkunde until 1832. After then he resume again this work
and at the time of his death (1859) this had reached 19 volumes, most of which were
concerned with the continent of Asia. Ritter had not even started to deal with Europe
which was the best known of all the parts of the earth.
2. The Works of Ritter
Carl Ritter, a great geographer of nineteenth century, wrote and published many
monographs, books and maps on his own credit. His major works are as under:
(1) Geography of Europe (Europe :A geographical, Historical and Statistical
Painting): Ritter's first geographical works were two volumes on Europe. Its first
volume appeared in 1804 and second volume in 1807 The text was in traditional
arrangement. It was to serve as background reading for a better comprehension of the
region's history.
(2) Maps of Europe : In 1806, Ritter published series of six maps of Europe.
This atlas was his real contribution which showed on simple maps of the mountain
ranges, the vegetation, the cultivated plants in relation to climate, the distribution of
wildand domesticated animals and nationalities.
(3) Research Articles : Anumber of research articles of Ritter appeared until
1811 which were mainly concerned with research methodology.
(4) Erdkunde : Erdkunde (geography) was Ritter's most important and reputed
work which was published in 19 volumes from 1817 to 1859. The English translation
of German term Erdkunde is geography. The first volume of the Erdkunde was
published in1817 which include the description of the dark continent of Africa. Its
second volume was appeared in 1722. Ritter had intended to prepare a third volume
on history, but could not do so because of his other engagements. His Erdkunde was
very favourably received, and on the basis of his this work, Ritter was appointed as
Professor of Geography in the University at Berlin in 1820. Ritter's main interest in
the study of geography was to provide a sound basis for the writing of history. But
after his elevation to the first Professor of Geography at Berlin his outlook was
changed on the subject as an academic discipline. Now Ritter devoted himself to a
more thorough study of geography. "Between 1832 to 1838, he added six more
volumes to the Erdkunde series; eleven more volumes were to come between 1838
and 1859. These nineteen volumes together covered only the treatment of Africa and
Asia when Ritter breathed his last in 1859. However, through these volumes Ritter
had succeeded in laying afirm foundation for the writing of a new style regional
geography presenting acomplete picture of the area under study and incorporating all
 154
History of Geographical Thought
available information on every aspect through a thorough sifting and
synthesis"(Dikshit, 2006, 54), It is remarkable that not even a single volume of the
Erdkunde was devoted to the geographical description of Europe.
3. Methodology of Ritter
The methodologies adopted by Carl Ritter in his studies and descriptions are ax
under:
(1) Empirical Method : Ritter considered geography to be an empirical and
descriptive science. For geographical studies and descriptions he always stressed on
the inductive method rather than a deductive or priori theory.
(2) Comparative Method : Ritter was the founder of comparative method in
regional geography. He adopted comparative method in the geographical description
in his Erdkunde. Causal relationships had to be sought by the comparative method
that had proved so successful in other sciences also.
(3) Systematic Method : Ritter was interested in the systematic studies of
regional geography which also implies the importance of systematic studies of
individual features and phenomena. His earlier studies on Europe are usually
exemplified as the method for systematic studies and as the handbook of general
geography. In 1810 Ritter produced a more complete systematic geography of the
world, but this work was not published.
(4) Cartographic Method : For the cartographic presentation of
geographical
phenomena, Ritter prepared a series of 6 maps of Europe which were published in
1806. The maps showed various geographical phenomena including
.vegetation, cultivated plants in relation to climate, wild and domesticatedmountain,
animals,
and nationalities. He also drew a number of regional maps for
Erdkunde.
various volumes of his
4. Ritter's Thought
Ritter was contemporary to Humboldt and 10 years younger than him. Ritter's
interest in geography had been greatly aroused after a meeting with Humboldt in
1807. Both lived in Berlin many years. Some ideas of Ritter was about similar to
of Humboldt but his many ideas were quite that
different. The major geographical
concepts and ideas of Ritter are summed up as follows:
(1) Geography is an empirical science : Ritter conceived of
geography as an
empirical science rather than one based on deduction from rational principles
the priori theories. He saw geographic study as or from
proceeding from observation to
observation, and although he was convinced that there were laws, he was in no hurry
to establish them, as the enormous compilation of the
1939, 42). He insisted that geography must be an Erdkunde shows (Hartshorne,
deduced from rational empirical science rather than
principles.
(2) 'Terrestrial unity or Organic unity : Like
in the concept of organic unity in nature or Humboldt, Ritter also believed
unity was derived from his deep faith in theterrestrial unity. Ritter's idea of organic
divine creation, and that God Christian belief that the earth was a
had created even little thing on the
earth surface to
 155
Fouers o Modern Geography. Humboldt and Ritter
seve some needs of man. The earth he regarded"There as an organic entity. About the
concept of onganic unity in nature, Ritter opined, is, above all this thought of
whole, existing in
parts, of features, of phenomena, the conception of the earth as a
becoming more
itself, for itself. an onganic thing. advancing by growth, and
perfect".
(3)Man-centred geography : Aclose perusal of Ritter's writing shows that he
concerned primarily with
had no doubt in his mind about the fact that geography was geography as
the study of the carth as the home of man. He named his new scientific
Erdknde (literal meaning earth science). According to Ritter, as theto body is made
his religious
for the soul, so is the physical world made for mankind. Owing
(teleological) belief his consideration of the earth was principally man oriented.
() Teleological views : Ritter's philosophical view point was teleological.
the total
"Although he insisted that geography investigates the spatial variation toofserve
designed one
content of terrestrial areas, he also believed that the earth was
repeatedly in his
end, namely, as the abode of man. This viewpoint, expressed primary interest in
writings, was based on his religious convictions, as well as on his
of what he could not
the history of man. It was his philosophic interpretation of his work as contained in
understand. It had no effect on the method and substance
was the approach
his masterpiece of geographic compilation, the Erdkunde, but this brought the study
that dominated the geographic view point of his successors, and
into disrepute" (Dickinson, 1969, 44-45).
studies, Ritter preferred
(5) Physio-regional approach : In his geographicalspatial unit was the main
regional method. The study of a geographical area as
on Africa. Ritter
theme of Ritter's geography which is best illustrated in his volume
basis. For
recognized major physical divisions of each continent on a deductive
further sub-division he arrived at distinct units according to the major features of
he
physical demarcation such as mountain range, river, natural vegetation etc. In fact
adopted the concept of regional study as opposed to systematic study. In such a way
one may find that Ritter was one of the supporters of reine geography of Buache and
Gatterer. In fact, Ritter was a great pioneer of the regional approach in geography
which he conceptualized as the study of areas of the earth as organic units.
(6) Progressive ldea : Ritter's idea was dynamic and progressive which was
growing gradually, In his earlier years, Ritter following Gatterer, adhered tothe idea
of the river basin bounded by mountain ranges as natural units. He made the
discovery of such units as the objective of study. This view of reine geography
changed later by the idea that the degree of cohesion of these phenomena is the
objective of study. He came to recognise the geographical unit not as determined by
only physical phenomena but as something to be discovered in the physiognomy of
the earth.
(7) Regional and Systematic geography : Carl Ritter recognized regional and
systematic studies in geography as the two sides of the same coin. To him, systematic
or general geography dealt with the character, typology, location and extent of
different types of terrestrial phenomena throughout the world, while regional or
 156

History ofGeographical
special geography described the content and Thought
organic entities. According to Dickinson characteristics
of
framework of both regional and world wide(1969, 46), "He exposed particular
the areas as
time to reach world wide
generalizations
should be the geographer's ultimate goal."
geography. He lacked the data in ki
about areas, though he
conceptual
5. Comparison of
urged that they
(A) Similarities
Humboldt and Ritter
Major aspects of similarity in the
von Humboldt and Carl Ritter are ideas, methodologies and works of
(1) summarized as under : Alexander
Humboldt and Ritter both were German
Humboldt was 10 years elder to Ritter in scholar and
same year 1859. age. Both were contemporary.
expired in the
(2) Humboldt and Ritter both were great
of modern geographers nineteenth century
and regarded as of
(3) cofounder
Like Humboldt, Ritter also geography.
adopted
studies. Both scholars conceived empirical method in the geographical
than one based on
deduction geography as an
from rational principleempirical science rather
(4) Humboldt and Ritter both held or a priori theory.
and purpose of geographic study,holistic view with respect to the content
and culminated in man. and the whole study was
focussed on
(5) Both
Humboldt and
one has scientific andRitter laid great stress on the unity of
other a religious nature, though
(6) Both approach.
Humboldt and Ritter had viewed geography as an
part regional and part unified science.
well as the physical systematic and equally focus on the study of man as
They regarded regionalenvironment that surrounds him
sides of the same coin.
and systematic studies in (Dikshit, 2006, 57).
geography as the two
(B) Dissimilarities
Despite of a number of similarities in Humboldt and
there are sufficient Ritter discussed above.
dissimilarities also
approaches which are remarked below. between their views, ideas,
methodologies and
Alexander von Humboldt
1. Humboldt was the Carl Ritter
founder of modern 1. Ritter was also the founder of
geography as a
concerned with systematic science modern geography who stressed on
mainly of the physicaltopical studies and founded regional
aspects of the
earth's surface. His greatest which focuses on the studygeography
of parts
bution laid in the field of contri (segments or regions) of the earth
physical geography. systematic surface as tihe home of
human groups. He was to particular
a consi
derable extent a regional
geographer.
Founders of ModernGeography : Humboldt and Ritter
157
2 Humboldt was basically a scientist 2. Ritter was educated mainly in history
who was mastered and trained in
physical sciences and geography. He was trained to
like
chemistry, botany, zoology, physics,
minera
observe man's relationship to his
natural surroundings.
logy etc.
3. Humboldt's method was purely 3. Ritter insisted that
empirical and inductive. He collec geography must
be an empirical science but obser
ted, classified, and interpreted data
vations used in writing his books
pertaining to plants, animals, rocks were not obtained directly from the
and other physical aspects with field of his own, they were based on
respect to their origins and geogra the works of others who had
phical distribution. observed such phenomena first hand.
4. Cosmos is the master piece among 4.
Erdkunde is the most reputed work
Humboldt's writings which had been of Ritter which was
published in 19
projected as a five volume work. volumes and covered the regional
studies of Africa and Asia conti
nents.
5. Humboldt laid great stress on the 5. Ritter believed in the unity of nature
unity of nature on the scientific on the religious or teleological
basis, and his idea was aesthetic belief, rather than scientific truth.
rather than religious.
6. Humboldt founded no school and no 6. Ritter left behind a band of disciples
disciples so that the methods of who enthusiastically applied them
research demonstrated by him was selves to the furtherance of the
not rediscovered by geographers regional perspective in geography.
untilseveral deceases after his death.

REFERENCES

Bowen, M. (1981) : Empiricism and Geographical Thought : From Francis Bacon to

Alexander von Humbold, Cambridge University Press, Cambreidge (Mass.).
Dickinson, R.E. (1969) : The Makers of Modern Geography, Routledge & Kegan Pual,
London.
Dikshit, R.D. (2006) : Geographical Thought : AContextual History of ldeas, Prentice
Hall of India, Private Ltd. New Delhi.
Hartshorne, R. (1939) : Nature of Geography, Association of American Geographers,
Lancaster (PA).
 position as the hoder
develuped arouud Riter fhruglh his
chl t lallkessers did lef hehind a band af disciples wh
he ufly char in yeograjy mtrey t ouional penpeclv
enthusiasti ally plied Erdkunde for the
eeugralks, a l
retna
NuDIkshlt. 200%, 581
hemeto
whic kittes
complete his pan of
hat not een able to cover hefore
his deaih

Post Classical German Geography I GERMAN GOGRAIERS OF POST-CLASSICAL

School
PERIOD
of Geograpiy
Afterr the death of Dlmboldt
and iitter, a iew Gennan
car Peschel.
esstence with was priarily nost influence hy Cort Ritter
The penod of Aleander son ilunloldt and Catl Ritter
frm I80 to t8sy natd sm Richuten, Friedticlh Ratzel, Aifiet tHetner, Alhrecht Penk, Walthe
gandet s modern classical pgricad of Gography Humtoldt and kiter ollh joint, Kt laushofer, Waler Christaller, Oto Shluter and Karl (roll sere eminent
of
be founders of modem geograpis ad gnat
geographers of classicai petct erAfier ol post-classil petol resernt chapter Includes a hrief account
of n cra t eeosrapiy and eographers of Cieany after ilumboldt and Rittet
The death of Hurnboldt and kilter in IN4 matked the cnd
1lumboktt arnd Rile (I826-1875)
evelopment of geograntiy as a brars hof scientific knosledee. () Osear Peschel
had stocNat the crossroads between the classial and the nhoderm DIA (scar 'eschel was a leading acodeniL peograplcr in emany for about iwenty
62 Now the bological sciences uere conpletet reeh sd eariy inetee vears le startcd his careet as a iunalist, Iut dedicated himself to geogtraphical
vOS of exolorations and discoe is writing om his young ag Iron IR49 to I8S4 ie worked as ssistant cditor of a
ot olarts and aninals m
Ceue Different theones regarn hewsnaer of Aujpsburg ie eined as cditor of the famous weckly Ausland which
to be pieced together to produce complete
ealt sitl sand remaited t post
theories culminatine in Chattes Danwin's bok 7he Origin of Specles pulhlixhed
I859 Thts book contributed 4 maj change n perpecive in he lield of both
Eoretg.d tv eovery (1858)
he Histon of Geography ( K6SL u his History of Geograpiy. 'eschel
physical and social sciences
cliclzed and opposed the views of llunboldt and Riter.
Darwin's The Origun of SNes established that onganisis on tie cath
Pechel was appointed as a Professor at the University of Leipzig in [871l and
surface have evolved through a sow Nd cumulative process of change: and that ihe
had nof resulted fuun fur the last five years af lis ife he held a new Chalr of geography at Leipzig
evolutionary process of change atong dilferen organiss
Uiversity tle laid the foundation of modern pliysical geography. He died at the age
rneed or use (Dikshit, 200%, 6) Livingstote (992) remarks, "An equally impurtant of 69 years and his book on physical geography was published posthumously
and radical cokept was the idea of cumulatie change irougi tne Tnese idcty Followings are the geogaphical writings of Peschel
. ainuentinl in chaeine the through process of The Age of Discovery (1858)
contemporary science" The evolutionary theory emplusized to the environnent in istory of Geography (1865).
which they were located, because this was the oly way through which their struggle New Problems of Comparative Erdkunde( 1869)
for survival and sentimental adjustment be adequately uppreciated 4 The Races of Marn and their Geographical Distribution or Volkerkunde
After the death of Humboldt and Riter in 859 and publication of Darwin's The (I873)
higin f Species' (1859) upto the contemporary perixt, these occurred many Physical Erdkunde( 1879)
rhosentical and methodological changes n the concepts and approuclhes of Maior Fields of Peschel's Contribution
a decipline he majot concepts ard eihodologies in geography were
Geman scholars follow ed by the French, Britist,.
() Physical Geography : Perschel established physical geography in Germany
Cioped
sclentist
as a science and laid the foundation of moderm physical geography. He attempted to
discover distributions of landforms and to classify themn and then to explain the
une of the most versatile scholars of his time,
Ie orlgin of specific landforms. Dickinson (1969) observed. "Equipped with the
no disciples so rhat:
o
pesonnl observation rescarches of the American geologists at the end of the century, and of the challenger
demonstrated in bis
ceral decades afler his death As ot rediscovered and other oceanic expeditions, and with subsequent advances in meteorology
contrasted to ths a could have dealt with causes of landforms nd thus, avoided fortuitous
comnarisor