Famous Americans

Famous American Scientists . . . Famous American Writers

Louis Agassiz

1807-1873

Louis Agassiz was born in Switzerland. He did well in school and wanted to become a doctor.

Later, he became more interested in the natural sciences. He began to study fish and fish fossils. He wrote books about what learned.

Louis Agassiz became a science professor and studied the ice glaciers in Switzerland. He learned that at one time ice glaciers covered Europe. The ice scoured the mountains and plains and changed the landscape of Europe.

Louis Agassiz came to America. He became a science professor at Harvard. He studied the geography of America and learned that ice glaciers also once covered the American continent.

Louis Agassiz wrote many books about the natural sciences. He built the first Natural History museum in America. He traveled around the country to tell people about his science.

Louis Agassiz did not agree with the science of Charles Darwin about the evolution of animals and plants. Scientists still disagree on some aspects of evolution.

Netlinks for Louis Agassiz

Wikipedia: Louis Agassiz

Biography on Berkeley: Louis Agassiz

Summary on Answers: Louis Agassiz

Academic Kids: Louis Agassiz

Academic Kids: Ice Ages

Academic Emporium: History of Geology: Louis Agassiz

Absolute Astronomy: Louis Agassiz (includes quotes and discussion)

Encyclopedia Britannica: Louis Agassiz

Wikipedia: History of Evolution

Project Gutenberg: Louis Agassiz: His life and correspendence by Agassiz and Agassiz (read book online)

Geographical Distribution of Animals by Louis Agassiz