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

The Invention of Nature begins with a description of a perilous moment in the life of Humboldt, whose ascent of Chimborazo—a dormant volcano in the Andes—becomes a pivotal scene. This early adventure not only illustrates Humboldt’s tenacity and scientific curiosity but also sets the stage for his considerable impact on natural science. Throughout these sections, Wulf integrates dramatic narrative elements with scientific descriptions, which emphasize Humboldt’s pioneering approach to understanding nature. At 17,000 feet, Humboldt and his team faced extreme physical and environmental conditions. Wulf details how the men “struggled to breathe in the thin air” and crawled “on hands and knees along a high narrow ridge that was in places only two inches wide” (1). The precariousness of their situation is evident, and hence the beginning in medias res aims to engage the reader immediately. As they ascend, the hostile environment takes its toll, with “the icy wind” numbing their extremities and “melted snow” soaking their inadequate attire. Wulf paints a picture of their determination and resilience, describing how “the jagged rocks shredded the soles of their shoes, and their feet began to bleed” (1). These descriptions not only highlight the physical extremity of their ascent but also underscore the empirical challenges they faced. Wulf’s approach doesn’t only recount an adventurous tale but underscores Humboldt’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration under dire conditions. This emphasizes the intertwining of adventure with the serious pursuit of scientific knowledge, aiming to convey an appreciation for Humboldt’s methods and the rigors of early scientific endeavors.

Whereas the Prologue aims to engage the reader and provide a brief bird’s eye view of Humboldt’s life, the other early chapters not only chronicle Humboldt’s youth and early inspirations but also interlace these biographical details with the philosophical underpinnings of his views on nature. Wulf’s structural choice aims to show how Humboldt’s personal experiences directly influenced his scientific ideas and theories. For instance, when discussing Humboldt’s childhood explorations of the local countryside, Wulf notes, “[a]s he wandered among colourful sugar maples and stately white oaks, Alexander experienced nature as calming and soothing” (15). This narrative strategy not only contextualizes Humboldt’s connection to nature but also foreshadows his realizations about the interconnectedness of nature. By embedding Humboldt’s scientific revelations within his personal journey, Wulf conveys the way Humboldt’s theories were not simple academic exercises but deeply personal convictions shaped by his direct experiences with the natural world.

Wulf’s use of metaphors plays an important role in conveying the intensity and significance of Humboldt’s scientific adventures. When Humboldt feels the altitude’s effects on Chimborazo, Wulf describes his experience “as if [they] were trapped inside an air balloon” (2). This metaphor not only captures the isolation and otherworldliness of their high-altitude environment but also conveys the challenges faced during such explorations.. Further, Wulf employs a metaphor to describe Humboldt’s vision of nature, noting, “[h]e saw the earth as one great living organism where everything was connected, conceiving a bold new vision of nature that still influences the way that we understand the natural world” (2). This metaphorical depiction not only captures the holistic nature of Humboldt’s perspective but also emphasizes the enduring relevance and influence of his ideas. Through metaphor, Wulf aims not only to inform readers but also engage them, fostering a deeper appreciation for Humboldt’s conceptualization of the Human Impact on the Natural World.

Wulf incorporates allusions to major Enlightenment thinkers to contextualize Humboldt’s intellectual development and highlight the era’s influence on his formative years. One significant reference is the mention of the prevailing scientific view before Humboldt, which saw nature as a “great and complicated Machine of the Universe” (17). This reference not only situates Humboldt within the historical scientific discourse but also underscores his revolutionary departure from the mechanistic view to a more interconnected understanding of nature. By citing such contrasts, Wulf emphasizes Humboldt’s innovative approach that would later culminate in the modern field of ecology, directly linking his education under the luminaries of the Enlightenment to his holistic scientific philosophy. These references illustrate the intellectual transition from compartmentalized to integrated thinking in the scientific community, reflecting Humboldt’s impact on The Birth of Ecological Thinking.

Additionally, Wulf weaves in the philosophical debates of Humboldt’s time, such as the concept of organic and inorganic “matter” and the presence of a “formative drive” within living organisms. By examining Humboldt’s engagement with these debates, Wulf illuminates the complexity of his scientific inquiries and the implications of his findings. For instance, when discussing Humboldt’s experiments with “animal electricity,” Wulf reveals how Humboldt’s work challenged prevailing notions of inert matter and suggested the existence of underlying forces governing life processes. Through references to scientists like Johann Friedrich Blumenbach and their theories, Wulf underscores Humboldt’s quest to unravel the mysteries of life itself. Furthermore, Wulf alludes to luminaries such as Goethe and Blumenbach, aiming to engage readers who may be familiar with such figures but less familiar with Humboldt, making her biographical subject appear as part of a web of high-profile activity.