Geographical studies at the Jagiellonian University in the nineteenth century

Abstract

In time of Wacław Nałkowski’s studies in Kraków (1871-1876), the chair of geography at the Jagiellonian University did not exist. Despite this, in addition to mathematics, astronomy and physics, he attended lectures in geography, astronomy and cartography. Geographical learning opportunities within the Faculty of Philosophy were enabled there as early as1765, thanks to the reform of the University made by Hugo Kołłątaj. In late 1811 and 1812among 12 departments in the Faculty of Philosophy there was the Chair of History and Universal Geography as well as the Chair of Astronomy. At this time the first Polish physical geographical handbook was issued. That was a very innovative textbook in mathematical and physical geography elaborated by Jan Śniadecki, which was used until the end of the nineteenth century. In 1849 there was an adjustment of the organizational structure of the Faculty of Philosophy. As a result, the Chair of Natural History was divided into the chairs o geology, zoology and geography. The latter was taken by Wincenty Pol, who taught geography of Eastern Europe, the Austrian Monarchy and the Holy Land. He also had courses in physical geography and commercial geography, which later gave rise to human geography. The suppression of the autonomy of the University on September 30, 1852, and winding up of the Chair of Geography in January 1853 completed the first period of formal development of geography as an academic discipline in Poland. Academic activity of W. Pol caused, however, that geography became gradually noticed and recognized as an independent area of knowledge and the academic discipline.