Richard Schomburgk (1811-1891) accompanied his brother Robert Hermann Schomburgk on his mission to survey the boundary of British Guiana (his account is also reissued in this series). Richard was commissioned by the Prussian government to find new flora, fauna and ethnographical specimens for the Berlin Botanic Gardens and the royal museums. The publication in 1847-1848 in Germany of this three-volume account of the expedition was supported by Alexander von Humboldt, who was a close friend. The third volume especially was considered a major taxonomical work. Schomburgk contracted yellow fever, and found the preservation and transportation of his specimens difficult in the climate, many perishing before they got to Germany. Schomburgk later emigrated to Australia, becoming director of the Botanic Garden, Adelaide. Volume 1 covers the arrival in Guiana, and expeditions to the mouths of the Orinoco and Essequibo rivers.
- ISBN13 9781108023368
- Publish Date 9 December 2010
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country GB
- Imprint Cambridge University Press
- Format Paperback (US Trade)
- Pages 526
- Language German