The discovery of a buzzard’s nest during his youth in Altenburg redirected Hermann Schlegel from a career in brassfounding toward the study of natural history. By the mid-19th century, he established himself as a prominent figure in zoology, contributing extensive research to the Leiden University collections while resisting the emerging theory of evolution through natural selection.
Early Training and Vienna
Born in 1804 in Saxe-Altenburg, Schlegel initially followed his father’s trade before his interest in butterfly collecting prompted a shift toward science. In 1824, he traveled to Vienna to attend university lectures by Leopold Fitzinger and Johann Jacob Heckel. A letter of introduction from Christian Ludwig Brehm secured him a position at the Naturhistorisches Museum, where he worked under Carl Franz Anton Ritter von Schreibers.
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Schlegel joined the natural history museum in Leiden at the invitation of Coenraad Jacob Temminck. Although he began by cataloging reptile collections and authoring 'Essai sur la Physionomie des Serpens' in 1837, his scope broadened significantly. He maintained a long-term collaboration with Philipp Franz von Siebold, resulting in the publication of 'Fauna Japonica' between 1845 and 1850. He became a member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1851.
Museum Leadership and Field Research
He commissioned field collectors such as Heinrich Agathon Bernstein for work in New Guinea and sent his son Gustav to China. During his tenure, he launched the journal 'Notes from the Leyden Museum' and produced the 14-volume work 'Muséum d'histoire naturelle des Pays-Bas' between 1862 and 1880, employing illustrators like John Gerrard Keulemans and Joseph Wolf.
Scientific Stance
Schlegel remained a steadfast opponent of Charles Darwin’s evolutionary theories. Believing that species were fixed, he argued for multiple creation events throughout his life. This position was noted by Joseph Dalton Hooker, who served as an intermediary in discussions between Schlegel and Darwin. Despite internal challenges and increasing competition from the British Museum, Schlegel continued his work in Leiden until his death in 1884.
Fast facts
- Born: 1804, Altenburg, Saxe-Altenburg
- Died: 17 January 1884, Leiden
- Primary Field: Ornithology, Herpetology
- Director: Leiden University museum (1858-1884)
- Notable Work: Fauna Japonica (1845-1850)
- Notable Work: Muséum d'histoire naturelle des Pays-Bas (1862-1880)
- Languages: German
- Known associates: Philipp Franz von Siebold, Otto Finsch
Questions readers ask
What was Hermann Schlegel's stance on Darwinism?
Schlegel rejected Darwinian evolution, maintaining that species were fixed and favoring the theory of multiple creation events.
Which major publication did Schlegel produce during his time as director?
He published the 14-volume 'Muséum d'histoire naturelle des Pays-Bas' between 1862 and 1880.
Achievements
- Held posts at Leiden University
- Fields of research: ornithology
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