Albrecht von Haller
Bern, Göttingen, Europe
October 16, 2008 marks the 300th anniversary of Albrecht von Haller’s birth. Haller, a true polymath, is one of the most noteworthy indiviuals of the era of Enlightenment. His prominent efforts, as the founder of experimental physiology, researcher of Swiss flora and alpine poet were groundbreaking in the fields of medicine, botany and literature. During his tenure in Göttingen he set up the botanical garden and moulded the newly established university as a modern research institution. As magistrate for Bern he kept his region safe from the cattle plague that raged throughout Europe, and he developed energy-saving techniques for the extraction of salt. As a polymath and careful observer of his time he advanced his opinions on practically every domain of science and facet of human existence. As a great communicator he exchanged thousands of letters with people throughout Europe. His life and work reflect on a time of great change that still affects us today.
Haller 300
The Albrecht von Haller Foundation of the Burgergemeinde Bern launches in collaboration with the University of Bern and other partners a series of events in 2008/09 which present Haller as a paradigmatic figure between Ancien Régime and modern science:
- two exhibitions
- a new play
- Bern's Museum's Night 2008 with the theme Haller
- two academic conferences
- publications
- additional events such as city tours, Haller-hike trough the alps, public lectures etc.
There are many connections with the 250th anniversary of the Economic and Public Welfare Society of the Canton of Bern (1759 – 2009), which Haller presided.
The organisers of the celebrations in honour of Albrecht von Haller’s 300th birthday are looking towards the future. I am pleased that they are developing trendsetting cultural and scientific initiatives.
An exhibition at the Historisches Museum Bern (Historical Museum Bern) will be covering science from the 18th to the 21st century; another exhibition, this one at the Botanical Garden Bern, provides food for thought by making us think about the significance of biology to the future. Working with several partners, the Albrecht von Haller Foundation of the Burgergemeinde Bern has planned for a large number of events, intended to introduce one of the most distinguished Swiss scientists ever to a wider audience. I sincerely hope that all of these events will have a share in increasing our awareness of the responsibilities and interrelation of culture, science and research in our society, and I wish you many fascinating and enlightening experiences with Albrecht von Haller.
Pascal Couchepin
Swiss Federal President
The celebration for Albrecht von Haller’s 300th birthday on October 16, 2008 will be a very special occasion.
Haller’s achievements, especially as a scientist, shine a light well into our own age, and without his works we would lack numerous valued insights. Indeed, we can see him as a role model. As a scholar he was active outside the confines of the ivory tower. Moreover, he was civic-minded and endeavoured to act for the greater good. As a sanitary director he dedicated himself to the prophylaxis of animal epidemics and the inoculation against smallpox. As the salt director at Roche near Bex he was in charge of providing supplies for the populace. In the service of a more socially-minded economy he supported the building of additional granaries to prevent famine and the construction of an orphanage in the city of Bern.
More than ever, our own era with its global problems is in need of researchers that work towards the greater good. Therefore it is only sensible to take a closer look at Albrecht von Haller. The 300th anniversary offers many occasions to do so. Let us take advantage of this opportunity!
Franz von Graffenried
President of the Burgergemeinde Bern
Albrecht von Haller had to wait a long time – until the 200th anniversary of his birth in 1908 – before Bern raised a memorial worthy of him. It was the active vice-dean of the Faculty for Medicine, Alexander Tschirch, who first came up with the idea of a statue on the Grosse Schanze, the city entrenchment dating back to the 17th century, shortly after the Cantonal Parliament had decided on the Schanze as the location for the new university main building. A committee, appointed by the city senate, launched a competition for a Haller memorial and collected the many donations. On October 16, 1908 Alexander Tschirch – now the dean of the University of Bern – unveiled the memorial.
The University still values its connections to Haller, his endeavours as a natural scientist and medical practicioner, as poet and author, political scientist and magistrate. Back then it seemed curious that one person should encompass all the faculties; nowadays, after a century of ever increasing specialisation, Haller’s interdisciplinary approach, his wish to bring together the results from different fields of research and combine the separate details into a coherent whole, has again become an ideal for which to strive. It is especially in this regard that Haller’s work was extraordinary for its time.
The University hopes to open our minds and sharpen our senses to the current tasks in science and society with the events organised for the Haller anniversary. Its wish is to make us think about the past while looking towards the challenges of the future.
Prof. Urs Würgler
Dean, University of Bern
Pascal Couchepin, Swiss Federal President
Barbara Egger-Jenzer, Cantonal President Bern
Alexander Tschäppät, City President Bern
Franz von Graffenried, President of the Burgergemeinde Bern and President of the Patronage Committee
Jürgen Gansäuer, President of the Parliament of Niedersachsen
Dr. Roberto Di Carlo, Director of the Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense, Milan
Dr. Walter Gerber, former President of the Albrecht von Haller Foundation, Burgergemeinde Bern
Dr. Hans A. Haeberli, former President of the Albrecht von Haller Foundation, Burgergemeinde Bern
Dr. Jacques de Haller, President of the Swiss Medial Association
Prof. Dr. P.F. van der Heijden, Rector Magnificus and President of the University of Leiden
Prof. Dr. Jules Alphonse Hoffmann, Balzan laureate, President of the Académie des Sciences, Paris
The President of the Academy of Sciences, Göttingen
Dr. Karl Wälchli, former President of the Albrecht von Haller Foundation, Burgergemeinde Bern
Prof. Dr. Ewald R. Weibel, former President of the Albrecht von Haller Foundation, Burgergemeinde Bern
Prof. Dr. Urs Würgler, Rector of the University of Bern
Prof. Dr. Kurt Wüthrich, Nobel laureate, Zürich / La Jolla
Prof. Dr. Rolf M. Zinkernagel, Nobel laureate, Zürich