THE YOUTH'’S CABINET.

C—O

Baron Von Humboldt.

REDERICK HENRY ALEXANDER Von
} Humsotpr was born at Berlin,
Prussia, on the 14th of September,
1769. He was educated at Got-
tingen and Frankfort-on-the-Oder. In
1790 he visited Holland and England ;
and during the same year published his
first work, entitled, “ Observations on the
Basalts of the Rhine.” He went to Frey-
burg in 1791, to receive instructions in
botany and mining from the celebrated
Werner.

 

   
  
 
 

During the following year he was ap |
pointed assessor in the mining and smelt F
ing department. Soon afterward he t |
ceived the appointment of overseer of the |
mines in Franconia. Here he introduced |
a variety of improvements. But in 1795 |
he resigned his office, to gratify a strong |
desire to travel. During this year he
visited Italy and Switzerland. |

In 1797 he went to Paris, where he
formed an acquaintance with M. Aime |
Bonpland, who afterward became his #