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Authorised form of nameValvasor; Johann Weikhard (1641 - 1693); Freiherr von; natural historian and polymath
Other forms of nameJohann Weichard; Janez Vajkard
Other forms of surnameValvasour
Dates1641 - 1693
NationalityAustrian
Slovenian
Place of birthLaibach [Ljubljana], Duchy of Krain [Dežela Kranjska], Austria [modern day Slovenia], Europe
Date of birthc. May 1641
Place of deathGurkfeld [Krško], Austria [modern day Slovenia], Europe
Date of death19 September 1693
DatesAndPlacesBaptism:
Laibach cathedral [Ljubljana], Duchy of Krain [Dežela Kranjska], Austria [modern day Slovenia], Europe (28 May 1641)
OccupationSoldier
Research fieldTopography
ActivityEducation:
Jesuit Grammar School in Laibach
Career:
Took part in the Turkish campaign (1663-1664); travelled in France, Italy and Africa; collected books, prints, coins and instruments; started up a copper engraving studio (1678); fought against the Turks (1685)
Membership categoryFellow
Date of election14/12/1687
Age at election36
Other Royal Society activityFrequent correspondent to the Society, especially pre-election;
Had some letters on his topographical descriptions published in the 'Philosophical Transactions' (1687)
RelationshipsParents: Bartholomäus Freiherr von Valvasor and Anna Maria Freiin von Rauber
Married: 1) Anna Rosina von Grafenweg; 2) Anna Maximilia Freiin von Zetschker
Children: 1) in total nine; 2) one daughter
PublishedWorksRCN: R64958
RCN: R64959
RCN: 20909
OtherInfoValvasor maintained a wide network of correspondence across Europe, including with Royal Society secretary Thomas Gale (FRS 1677), and scholarly and clerical contemporaries. He was keen to publish the results of his travels, especially on the topography of Krain [Kranjska], and he wrote extensively on the landscape, architecture, and topography of the neighbouring duchies of Kärnten and Steiermark. His work was also important for the study of karst, formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks. His hydrological work was instrumental in getting the attention of the Royal Society although his most important publication is considered to be the 'Glory of the Duchy of Carniol' (1689).
Related imagesDiscover a selection of related images in our picture library
SourceSources:
Bulloch's Roll; DBE
Virtual International Authority Filehttp://viaf.org/viaf/49262010
CodeNA4522
Archives associated with this Fellow
RefNoTitleDate
EL/V/36Letter, from Joannes Weichard Valvasor to the Royal Society17 November 1687
EL/V/34Translated extract of a letter, from Joannes Weichard Valvasor to Thomas Galend
EL/V/33Letter, from John W[eichard] Valvasor to Thomas GaleAugust 1686
NLB/7/715Copy letter from Herbert Rix, to Herrn Schriftstellar P v Radics, Laibach [Ljubljana, now in Slovenia], Krain, Austria 13 April 1893
EL/V/37Letter, from Joannes Weichard Valvasor [to the Royal Society] dated at Carniolia15 November 1688
LBO/10/96Copy letter from Joannes Weichardus Valvasor 5 December 1685
NLB/7/958Copy letter from Herbert Rix, to Herrn P v Radics, Laibach [Ljubljana, now in Slovenia], Krain, Austria2 June 1893
EL/H3/47Letter, from Edmond Halley to Johannes Weichard Valvasori [Valvasor]nd
EL/V/35Letter, from Joannes Weichard Valvasor [to the Royal Society]17 November 1687
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