AMI BOUE'S (1794-1881) VALUATION OF GEOLOGICAL RESEARCH REGARDING ITS APPLICATION TO HUMAN CIVILISATION

Ami Boue held a holistic view in his approach to geological research. Thus, he emphasised the significance of geosciences for the development of civilisation and in several publications he outlined the connections between geological knowledge and understanding the development of civil infrastructure and agriculture. In the present paper, special consideration is given to Boue's approach to mineralogy and mining, both closely linked to geological knowledge, as well as to his construction of two geological maps of the terrestrial globe-the first of their kind. For these, he used his personal experience, his detailed knowledge of the geological literature, Elie de Beaumont's tectonic ideas, and numerous analogies between different parts of the world. He underscored the significance of mineralogy and mining in the era of industrialisation, but at the same time advised against too rapid an exploitation of mineral resources. By strongly promoting the training of miners in theoretical geological knowledge he tried to prevent worthless mining enterprises.