The translation of the work of the German geologist Sartorius returns to the academic world and the public a fundamental historical-philological heritage for the study of Etna volcanology
On the occasion of the 145th anniversary of the publication of the The Aetna (1880) by Wolfgang Sartorius von Waltershausen and Arnold von Lasaulx, the Editions ofNational Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) celebrate this important milestone with the publication of the first Italian translation of the second volume of the work, accompanied by critical essays that allow for an in-depth understanding.
Il May 16th at 17:30 pm in Catania, at the Aula Magna Santo Mazzarino of the former Benedictine Monastery (Piazza Dante, 32), will be the editorial project was presented, fruit of the synergy between theINGV Etnean Observatory, (INGV-OE),University of Catania andGioenia Academy of Catania, which concludes a work begun over fifteen years ago by ateam of scholars and interrupted in 2013 after the release of the first volume. The publication marks a significant moment in the valorization of scientific memory linked to Etna.
The translation of the second volume – the most technical – required an in-depth interdisciplinary reading, the result of the consolidated relationship between the'INGV Etneo Observatory and the Department of Humanities of the University of Catania. This collaboration has already produced scientific contributions of international importance, national research projects, participation in conferences on the history of geosciences and the setting up of an exhibition dedicated to volcanological instrumentation between the 18th and 20th centuries.
As the curators of the volume underline, Stefano Branca, director of the Etna Observatory of the INGV e Luigi Ingaliso, professor at the University of Catania, “Sartorius' work represents a milestone for Etna volcanology. It collects the most important stratigraphic and mineral-petrographic studies of the nineteenth century on Etna and is part of the context that led to the creation of the first complete geological map of a volcano layer in the world (Atlas des Aetna, 1845-1861). An unprecedented work for the time, considering that in other contexts, such as Vesuvius, they limited themselves to representing only historical lava flows”.
The historical-philological work on the second volume has also allowed us to rediscover the decisive role of Arnold von Lasaulx, editor of the work, whose contribution emerges as that of a true co-author, thus fully restoring the European scientific framework within which Sartorius' project developed.
This publication takes a great importance not only for the academic world but also for the public. Restoring a scientific and cultural heritage of such value is one of the strategic objectives of the INGV Etna Observatory, which has always been committed to promoting and disseminating the historical, iconographic and documentary heritage linked to Etna.
A commitment that translates into constant dialogue with institutions and cultural associations in the area, with the aim of contribute to the construction of a knowledge-based society.
Download the event flyer here.
Useful links:
.