Geological observations published in 1801 under the title Contributions to the inner natural history of the Earth marked the career of Henrik Steffens. This study defended a Neptunist perspective on the origins of the planet, positioning the author as a distinct voice among his peers in the fields of natural philosophy and physical sciences.
Academic Trajectory and Influences
Born in Stavanger in 1773, Henrik Steffens relocated to Copenhagen at age fourteen to pursue theology and natural science. By 1796, he held a teaching position at Kiel University. He later moved to the University of Jena to engage with the natural philosophy championed by Friedrich Schelling. Further technical training followed in 1800 at the Freiberg University of Mining and Technology, where he studied under Abraham Gottlob Werner. This period proved critical in shaping his scientific methodology.
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Steffens is credited with introducing German Romanticism to Denmark during a series of nine lectures at Elers Kollegium in 1802. Published as Introduction to Philosophical Lectures, these sessions influenced notable Danish thinkers including Oehlenschläger and Grundtvig. As a proponent of Individualisation, he argued that organisms develop more distinct characteristics as they advance in the scale of development, a hypothesis he derived from geological evidence rather than biological observation.
Military Service and Later Career
In 1804, Steffens accepted a professorship at the University of Halle before moving to Breslau, where he taught physics from 1811 until 1832. During the 1813 Battle of Leipzig, he served as a second lieutenant in the Prussian Army, participating in the capture of Paris. He eventually concluded his academic career at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, where he served as rector between 1834 and 1835. He died in Berlin in 1845.
Fast facts
- Born: 1773, Stavanger
- Died: 1845, Berlin
- Citizenship: Norway and Kingdom of Prussia
- Primary Fields: Natural philosophy, science, poetry
- Key Scientific Work: Beiträge zur inneren Naturgeschichte der Erde (1801)
- Positions Held: Rector, Berlin (1834-1835)
- Memberships: Royal Prussian Academy of Sciences; Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities
Questions readers ask
What was the main scientific disagreement involving Steffens?
He advocated for the Neptunist theory regarding the Earth's origin, which stood in contrast to the Vulcanist theory supported by Alexander von Humboldt.
What is the purpose of the Henrik Steffens Professor chair?
Established at Humboldt University, the chair promotes academic cooperation between Norway and Germany in humanities and social sciences.
Achievements
- Held posts at Kiel University, University of Jena and Freiberg University of Mining and Technology
- Fields: philosophy, natural philosophy and natural science
