Authorised form of name | Valvasor; Johann Weikhard (1641 - 1693); Freiherr von; natural historian and polymath |
Other forms of name | Johann Weichard; Janez Vajkard |
Other forms of surname | Valvasour |
Dates | 1641 - 1693 |
Nationality | Austrian |
Slovenian |
Place of birth | Laibach [Ljubljana], Duchy of Krain [Dežela Kranjska], Austria [modern day Slovenia], Europe |
Date of birth | c. May 1641 |
Place of death | Gurkfeld [Krško], Austria [modern day Slovenia], Europe |
Date of death | 19 September 1693 |
DatesAndPlaces | Baptism: Laibach cathedral [Ljubljana], Duchy of Krain [Dežela Kranjska], Austria [modern day Slovenia], Europe (28 May 1641) |
Occupation | Soldier |
Research field | Topography |
Activity | Education: 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 category | Fellow |
Date of election | 14/12/1687 |
Age at election | 36 |
Other Royal Society activity | Frequent correspondent to the Society, especially pre-election; Had some letters on his topographical descriptions published in the 'Philosophical Transactions' (1687) |
Relationships | Parents: 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 |
PublishedWorks | RCN: R64958 RCN: R64959 RCN: 20909 |
OtherInfo | Valvasor 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 images | Discover a selection of related images in our picture library |
Source | Sources: Bulloch's Roll; DBE |
Virtual International Authority File | http://viaf.org/viaf/49262010 |
Code | NA4522 |
RefNo | Title | Date |
EL/V/36 | Letter, from Joannes Weichard Valvasor to the Royal Society | 17 November 1687 |
EL/V/34 | Translated extract of a letter, from Joannes Weichard Valvasor to Thomas Gale | nd |
EL/V/33 | Letter, from John W[eichard] Valvasor to Thomas Gale | August 1686 |
NLB/7/715 | Copy letter from Herbert Rix, to Herrn Schriftstellar P v Radics, Laibach [Ljubljana, now in Slovenia], Krain, Austria | 13 April 1893 |
EL/V/37 | Letter, from Joannes Weichard Valvasor [to the Royal Society] dated at Carniolia | 15 November 1688 |
LBO/10/96 | Copy letter from Joannes Weichardus Valvasor | 5 December 1685 |
NLB/7/958 | Copy letter from Herbert Rix, to Herrn P v Radics, Laibach [Ljubljana, now in Slovenia], Krain, Austria | 2 June 1893 |
EL/H3/47 | Letter, from Edmond Halley to Johannes Weichard Valvasori [Valvasor] | nd |
EL/V/35 | Letter, from Joannes Weichard Valvasor [to the Royal Society] | 17 November 1687 |