Rodolph Valltravers, F. R. S

Abstract

Johann Rodolph Von Valltravers was one of those Anglo'Swiss citizens of the eighteenth century who performed such a useful purpose in effecting a link of cultural exchange between the two countries. Less well-known than his compatriots Fuseli, Planta, Haldimand, or De Luc, Valltravers surpassed them in the relations which he established with many of the greatest scientists and men of letters of his day. It is unlikely that his qualifications would be found sufficient at the present time for election into the Fellowship of the Royal Society, but there is little reason to doubt that at the time when he lived, which, from the point of view of science was very fallow, he was rightly elected not only by this Society but also by many others all over the world. His life may therefore serve as a sample of the sort of existence lived by many who did their best to keep up the tradition of the promotion of natural knowledge, after Newton’s greatness had made most men seem small, and before Darwin had again raised human stature.