Schwediauer (1748–1824) was actually working on such a translation in 1784 [29].
Unfortunately, this English translation was never published, nor was Bergman’s
book published in French. Still, Physical Description of the Earth reached a wide
audience and had a significant impact. Its main importance is as a critical review
collecting and discussing previous knowledge; it contains little original research
[30]. In the second edition, written after Bergman had become professor in
chemistry, the chemical sections are greatly expanded and contain references to
work by Scheele that was yet to be published.
Fig. 7.2 Frontispieces from the second volume of the second edition of Bergman’s Physical
Description of the Earth. Photo Anders Lennartson
7.2 Physical Description of the Earth
87
Unfortunately, this English translation was never published, nor was Bergman’s
book published in French. Still, Physical Description of the Earth reached a wide
audience and had a significant impact. Its main importance is as a critical review
collecting and discussing previous knowledge; it contains little original research
[30]. In the second edition, written after Bergman had become professor in
chemistry, the chemical sections are greatly expanded and contain references to
work by Scheele that was yet to be published.
Fig. 7.2 Frontispieces from the second volume of the second edition of Bergman’s Physical
Description of the Earth. Photo Anders Lennartson
7.2 Physical Description of the Earth
87