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Johann Centurius von HoffmannseggGerman botanist, entomologist and ornithologist.
Date of Birth: 23.08.1766
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Johann Centurius Hoffmannsegg
- Research and Travels
- Contribution to Zoological Science
- Career in Berlin
- Later Life and Legacy
Johann Centurius Hoffmannsegg
Early Life and EducationJohann Centurius von Hoffmannsegg was born in Dresden on December 23, 1766, to Johann Albrecht Hofmann, a privy councilor to the Elector of Saxony. In 1778, his father was elevated to the rank of Reichgraf (count) Hoffmannsegg.
Young Hoffmannsegg enrolled at the universities of Leipzig and Göttingen, where he studied history, geography, natural sciences, and modern languages. During this time, he developed a passion for botany and entomology.
Research and Travels
In 1788, Hoffmannsegg inherited his parents' estates in Dresden and the castle in Rammanau. He initially managed these properties but later sold Rammanau in 1794.
Hoffmannsegg embarked on his first major expedition in 1793-1794, traveling through Hungary, Austria, and Italy. His focus subsequently shifted to Portugal, which he visited by ship in 1795-1796 with his friend Wilhelm von Tilenau.
From 1797 to 1801, Hoffmannsegg undertook his most extensive research journey with Heinrich Friedrich Link to France, Spain, and Portugal. They collected over 2,100 plant species, which were published in their "Flore Portugaise."
Contribution to Zoological Science
Hoffmannsegg's vast insect collection was acquired by Johann Illiger in Braunschweig. Illiger used it to systematize the collection, which eventually grew to over 16,000 specimens.
Career in Berlin
From 1804 to 1816, Hoffmannsegg lived in Berlin, where he became a member of the Prussian Academy of Sciences in 1815. In 1809, he founded the Berlin Zoological Museum and appointed his friend Illiger as its curator. Eventually, all of Hoffmannsegg's collections were transferred to Berlin.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1820, Hoffmannsegg repurchased the Rammanau estate and divided his time between there and Dresden. He devoted his later years to gardening and plant cultivation. At age 59, he married Fanny Luise Johanna von Warnsdorf, with whom he had a son, Conraddin.
Hoffmannsegg died on January 13, 1849, in Dresden and was buried in the Old Catholic Cemetery. His grave is adjacent to that of the composer Carl Maria von Weber.
Hoffmannsegg's contributions to botany, entomology, and ornithology made him a leading figure in the scientific world of his time. His legacy continues to inspire researchers to this day.
