Englera 26
Abstract
- Leimkugel, F.: Botanischer Zionismus – Otto Warburg
(1859-1938) und die Anfänge institutionalisierter Naturwissenschaften
in Erez Israel [Botanical Zionism – Otto Warburg (1859-1938)
and the beginnings of institutionalized natural sciences
in Erez Israel]. – Englera 26: 1-351. 2005.
- The life and work of Otto Warburg is studied and set
into the context of his time. In addition, his role in founding
natural science institutions in Palestine is elucidated.
Born in Hamburg, Warburg graduated from Strasburg University
and travelled from 1885 to 1889 in Malesia bringing back
a considerable collection of plant specimens later donated
to the Royal Botanical Museum in Berlin. He published extensively
on this expedition, notably on the plants of economic importance
and subsequently became associated with Adolf Engler, contributing,
e.g., the account of Pandanaceae to the series Das Pflanzenreich.
Based permanently in Berlin, Warburg's interests shifted
gradually to economic plants, in particular those of relevance
for the colonies of the Deutsches Reich. He founded and
edited the journal "Der Tropenpflanzer" and became deeply
involved in colonial affairs arguing for a scientific approach
in developing tropical agriculture. Through marriage Warburg
had come into contact with Zionism and corresponded with,
e.g., Theodor Herzl. Quickly he became a key figure of the
so-called practical Zionism aiming at the support of settlers
in Palestine, which effectively meant helping them to develop
agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry. In 1911
Warburg was elected president of the World Zionist Congress
and remained in office until 1920. After the Deutsches Reich
had lost its colonies and after the headquarters of Zionism
had moved to England, Warburg devoted his activities more
and more to establishing research institutions in Palestine.
He became founding director of the Agricultural Experimental
Station in Tel Aviv, which later developed into the Institute
of Agriculture and Natural History, part of which subsequently
integrated into the Faculty of Science of the Hebrew University
in Jerusalem. Warburg was an important figure in university
politics, in particular as mediator in the Magnes-Einstein
controversy. He was also the founder of the botanical garden
of the Hebrew University on Mt Scopus. Retired from his
position in Jerusalem, Warburg died in Berlin in early 1938.
A comprehensive list of Warburg's publications is included
as well as those by two of his close collaborators, i.e.
Aaron Aaronsohn, who had rediscovered Triticum dicoccoides,
and Alexander Eig. In an Appendix the biographies of the
founding generation of natural scientists in Erez Israel
are added.
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