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How did Alexander von Humboldt support young miners in Prussia?
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Alexander von Humboldt
Alexander von Humboldt, oil on canvas by Julius Schrader, 1859; in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City.
While working for the Prussian Mining Department in the Fichtel Mountains, Alexander von Humboldt supported young miners by establishing a technical school for them, which he funded entirely with his own money.1
This initiative was part of his broader efforts to reorganize and improve the neglected mining operations in the region. Throughout his life, Humboldt maintained a strong commitment to supporting the next generation of professionals; he consistently provided financial assistance, encouragement, and professional introductions to promising young scientists who lacked the resources to advance their careers.12