The written treasures of a polymath – New private collection on e-rara
The private library of the statesman and entrepreneur Hans Conrad Escher von der Linth can now be explored on e-rara. The initiator of the “Linthwerk” river regulation works is synonymous with Swiss ingenuity.
What philosophical writings did Hans Conrad Escher read, a philantropist and politician inspired by the Enlightenment? Which compendia on geology and mineralogy did the restless natural scientist consult?
On e-rara, you can explore the virtual bookshelves of the Swiss Hans Conrad Escher von der Linth (1767–1823). Discover the new “external page Private Library of Hans Conrad Escher von der Linth”, the collection of the scientist, civil engineer, and statesman who, as a versatile and universally educated personality, helped to shape and influence Switzerland.
A politician with a passion for journalism
As one of the leading minds of the Republicans, Escher not only founded a teaching institute for political science in Zurich, but also made significant contributions to the development of an informed public by establishing the weekly newspaper “Der schweizerische Republikaner” and introducing the “Amtsblatt”.
“Linthwerk” – An example of progress and public spirit
Above all, his name is indelibly linked to his monumental life’s work, the regulation of the Linth river. As president of the Linth Commission from 1807 to 1822, he was in charge of the commercial and technical management of the project. It was to improve the appalling living conditions of the people who inhabited the “swampy areas of the Linth”.
Further works from the private library of Hans Conrad Escher are currently being systematically identified and added to the collection.
external page e-rara is the platform for digitised prints from Swiss institutions dating from the 15th to 20th century.
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