Great pains have been taken with the present translation, as well in
regard to fidelity and style, as in what may be termed the accessories.
In addition to all that is contained in the original work, it comprises
an interesting view of Chimborazo, from a sketch by Humboldt himself; a
fac-simile of the author’s handwriting; head-lines of contents;
translations of the principal Latin, French, and Spanish quotations;[A]
a very complete index; and a conversion of all the foreign measurements.
It was at first intended to give both the foreign and English
measurements, in juxta-position; but this plan was abandoned on
perceiving that the pages would become overloaded with figures, and
present a perplexing and somewhat appalling aspect, without affording
any equivalent advantage to the English reader. In some few instances,
however, where it seemed desirable, and in all the parallel tables,
duplicate measurements have been inserted. The French _toises_ are
converted into their relative number of English feet; and German miles,
whether simple or square, are reduced to our own. The longitudes have
been calculated from Greenwich, conformably to English maps, in lieu of
those given by Humboldt, which are calculated from Paris. The degrees of
temperature, instead of Reaumur’s, are Fahrenheit’s, as now the most
generally recognised.
It here becomes necessary to say something of the translators, and the
cause of so much unexpected delay in producing this volume; the more so
as many of the subscribers to the Scientific Library have expressed an
interest in the subject, owing, in some measure, to a controversy which
arose out of my previous publication of _Cosmos_. The translation was
originally entrusted to E. C. Otté, with an agreement as to time,
according to which I had every reason to expect that I should fulfil my
engagement to publish it in October last, or at latest in November; but,
after much of the manuscript was prepared, the translator’s
indisposition and subsequent absence from London, occasioned a serious
suspension. In this dilemma I found it necessary to call in aid, as well
as to assist personally. The result of this “co-operation of forces”
will no doubt prove satisfactory to the reader, inasmuch as every sheet
has been at least trebly revised, and it is hoped proportionably
improved. In addition to the responsible translator, my principal
collaborateur has been Mr. E. H. Whitelocke, a gentleman well qualified
for the task.
All the measurements are calculated by the scientific friend, who
fulfilled this department so satisfactorily in my edition of _Cosmos_.
The translation of the pretty poem, _The Parrot of Atures_, (page 189,)
now first given in English, is contributed by Mr. Edgar A. Bowring.
For the additional notes subscribed “ED.” I am myself, in most
instances, responsible.
Much has been said, pro and con, about the sanction of the Author to the
several translations of his works. My answer has, I believe, been
generally considered satisfactory and conclusive. I have now only to
add, that when I wrote to Baron Humboldt, more than a year and a-half
ago, presenting him with my then unpublished edition of _Cosmos_, I
announced my intention of proceeding with his other works, and consulted
him on the subject. He replied in the kindest spirit, without intimating
any previous engagement, and honoured me with several valuable
suggestions. A portion of one of his letters is annexed in fac-simile.
In consequence of what I then presumed to be his recommendation, I
determined to make the _Ansichten_ my next volume, and announced it,
long before any one else, though not at first by its English name. At
that time I had reason to hope that I should receive the new German
edition at least as early as any one, but was disappointed. This
circumstance, added to the delay already alluded to, has brought me late
into the field. In now, however, presenting my subscribers with what I
have taken every available means to render a perfect book, I hope I
shall afford them ample atonement.
A few words respecting the work itself. The first edition was published
forty-three years ago, the second in 1826, and the third, of which the
present volume is a translation, in August last. The difference between
the three editions in respect to the text (if I may so distinguish the
more entertaining part of the work from the scientific “Illustrations”)
is not material, excepting that each has one or more new chapters. Thus
to the second edition was added the _Essay on Volcanos_ and the curious
allegory on vital force, entitled _The Rhodian Genius_, and to the third
_The Plateau of Caxamarca_.
The additions to the “Illustrations” however in the third edition are
considerable, and comprise a rapid sketch of whatever has been
contributed by modern science in illustration of the Author’s favourite
subjects.
No intellectual reader can peruse this masterly work without intense
interest and considerable instruction. After feasting on the highly
wrought and, it may be said, poetical descriptions, written in the
Author’s earlier years, he will turn with increased zest to the
elaborate illustrations, which, in a separate form, are brought to bear
on every subject of the text. This scientific portion, although not at
first the most attractive, presents many delightful episodes, which will
amply repay the perusal of even those who merely read for amusement.