Ph. J. von Strahlenberg und seine Karte der Grossen Tatarei (zwei Briefe Strahlenbergs an J.Ph. Breyne, 1723 und 1724)

Abstract

This contribution introduces two letters sent by Ph.J. von Strahlenberg (1676–1747) from Stockholm to Danzig to the famous scholar and collector J.Ph. Breyne (1680– 1764), in 1723 and 1724. Their aim was to get support in locating funds for the production of a new map of the Russian Empire. It was supposed to surpass all previous ones, including earlier ones compiled by Strahlenberg himself, in terms of accuracy and completeness of information, especially in relation to the vast territories in the east. The data was collected by Strahlenberg and his co-author J.A. Matern during their stay in Siberia (Tobolsk) as Swedish prisoners of war. The former happened to take part in the expedition of D.G. Messerschmidt, who in turn allowed him to make the acquaintance of J.Ph. Breyne. The letters contain important information about the initial stages of work on the map, and especially about Strahlenberg’s attempts to raise money for it by announcing a subscription. As to Breyne, Strahlenberg counted on his authority among Europe‘s educated elite. The letters are preserved in the Gotha Research Library (Germany) and are published here for the first time. The presentation of the letters themselves is preceded by an introduction containing a survey of Strahlenberg’s cartographic activities. Furthermore, several documents preserved in the St. Petersburg Branch of the Archives of the Russian Academy of Sciences have been used.