The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 1305: Chapter 173: Counter Poaching_3

Speaking of this, Shubinsky suddenly paused, as if he remembered something: “My goodness! I almost forgot, you, like Humboldt, are also a researcher in Natural Philosophy. Then perhaps I can understand why you want to traverse the whole Siberia!”

“Mr. Humboldt? The president of the Berlin Academy of Sciences?” Arthur had a good impression of this gentleman who had cheered for the University of Gottingen at the Pan-European Electromagnetic Conference: “Did he do any significant work in Russia?”

Shubinsky felt that this was not particularly valuable information, and in Russia it was almost common knowledge, so he didn’t conceal it from Arthur: “You should know that Mr. Humboldt, in his youth, once ventured deep into the tropical rainforests of South America, conducting a scientific expedition there for five years, right?”

Arthur nodded and said: “I know this. The ‘New Continent Tropical Regions Travel Journal’ published by Mr. Humboldt can be said to be a book my acquaintance is most fond of.”

Shubinsky continued: “Because of Humboldt’s outstanding achievements in this regard, several years ago, the Tsar took the initiative to invite him to visit Russia and commission him to participate in the Russian government’s geographical surveys, going to the Far East region for scientific exploration. In eight months, Humboldt set off from Saint Petersburg, passing through Moscow, Kazan, Ekaterinburg, crossing the Ural Mountains, entering the Siberian region, delving into the Ob River and Eerqisi River basins, reaching as far as the Balkhash Lake region near the border with China, a journey of over 15,000 kilometers.

During this expedition, he discovered many previously unseen flora and fauna, collected a vast amount of data and specimens, and recorded in detail mineral resources, geomagnetic phenomena, and climatic conditions. Not only the Tsar but the entire Russia was elated by Humboldt’s discoveries. After this expedition ended, His Majesty not only agreed to Humboldt’s suggestion to establish the All-Russian Geomagnetic Observatory in Saint Petersburg, but also bestowed upon him high honors, inviting him to give lectures at all Russian universities, urging professors nationwide to emulate Humboldt and encouraging students to take him as a model.”

Arthur finally understood the ‘Humboldt’s Lecture at Moscow University’ event Herzen had previously mentioned.

From Shubinsky’s description, at least in this case, the Tsar’s original intention was indeed good, but the people below turned it into a bureaucratic affair.

Shubinsky encouraged Arthur further: “Old chap, you too are a researcher in Natural Philosophy. Isn’t your reputation in the electromagnetic field quite prominent? Russia has always valued scholars; this is a tradition. Empress Catherine invited Euler, the Bernoulli brothers, and Goldbach to host mathematical work at the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences, invited John Schumacher to lead astronomical work, and summoned Pallas to explore the Far East. And our present Tsar, he evidently wants to restore the grandeur of the Peterburg Academy. Although you are British, it doesn’t mean you can’t work for Russia.”

After speaking, Shubinsky gave an example: “In our Constabulary, there is a young lad of British nationality, Mr. Richard Hoot, and now he has already been promoted to the position of cavalry captain. A few years ago, when we were planning to recruit him, there were some concerns about nationality issues potentially causing conflict between the two countries. So Count Benkendorf specially wrote a letter to inquire with the then British Ambassador to Russia, Sir William Turner, and specifically emphasized that ‘the task of the Constabulary is to maintain social stability, not to target Britain’. Unexpectedly, Sir William Turner replied saying—according to British law, domestic citizens joining the Russian Constabulary do not need special permission, and there are no explicit regulations that would restrict Richard Hoot from joining the Constabulary. Haha, he seemed to not be concerned about it at all.”