THE COMING OF EVOLUTION 193 



tropical storms and atmospheric disturbances ; he 

 noticed the position of zones of volcanic activity, and 

 suggested that they corresponded to subterranean 

 cracks in the earth's surface ; he investigated the 

 distribution of plants and animals as affected by 

 physical conditions ; he studied the variations of 

 intensity of the earth's magnetic force from the poles 

 to the equator, and invented the term " magnetic 

 storm " to describe a phenomenon first placed on 

 record through his labours. 



When he settled in Paris in 1808, to put into form 

 and to publish the results of his explorations, he prob- 

 ably shared with Napoleon Bonaparte the distinction 

 of being thought the foremost man in Europe. His 

 Kosmos, containing the entire fruits of his life's 

 work, was not produced till the end of his career, 

 between the years 1850 and 1859. ^ n these volumes 

 von Humboldt endeavoured to give at once an accurate 

 description and an imaginative conception of the 

 world as known to our senses. It is impossible to 

 attain complete success in an undertaking of such 

 infinite magnitude and daring inception, and doubtless 

 its abiding value will consist in the fact that it places 

 on record the aspirations and comprehensive intelli- 

 gence of a great man. 



The interest excited by von Humboldt's labours and 

 personality gave an impetus to scientific exploration 

 among the nations of Europe. In 1831 the Beagle 

 was despatched by Great Britain on her memorable 

 expedition " to complete the survey of Patagonia and 

 Tierra del Fuego ; to survey the shores of Chili, Peru, 

 and some islands in the Pacific ; and to carry a chain 

 of chronological measurements round the world." 



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