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Karl von Scherzer

1821 – 1903

Austrian explorer, diplomat and natural scientist

Explorer Diplomat Anthropologist
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About Karl von Scherzer

Lived 1821 – 1903 (aged 81). Karl von Scherzer was an explorer, diplomat, anthropologist, writer, geographer and botanical collector.

Karl Ritter von Scherzer (sometimes written Carl; 1 May 1821 in Vienna – 19 February 1903 in Görz) was an Austrian explorer, diplomat and natural scientist.

Biography He began his working life as a printer. After inheriting a fortune, Scherzer was able to travel extensively.

He took an active part in the 1848 revolution and was exiled to Italy in 1850. Here Scherzer became friends with German explorer and naturalist Moritz Wagner; together the men travelled through North and Central America and the West Indies (1852–1855).

After returning to Vienna, Scherzer, with the support of Archduke Maximilian, became a member of a scientific expedition traveling via the frigate Novara around the world. From that expedition he brought back enough coca leaves that Albert Niemann subsequently isolated cocaine.

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Important facts

Born
1 May 1821, Vienna
Birth century
19th century
Died
19 February 1903, Gorizia
Occupation
Explorer, diplomat, anthropologist, writer, geographer, botanical collector
Positions held
Ambassador of Austria to the United Kingdom
Also known as
Karl Ritter von Scherzer

People in Karl von Scherzer's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Portrait of Moritz Wagner
Moritz Wagner
1813 – 1887
Explorer
 Portrait of Karl Ritter
Karl Ritter
1883 – 1968
Diplomat
 Portrait of Albert Niemann
Albert Niemann
1880 – 1921
Physician

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Karl von Scherzer's

Portrait of David Brewster
David Brewster
1781 – 1868
Botanist
 Portrait of Adam Sedgwick
Adam Sedgwick
1785 – 1873
Geologist
 Portrait of Carl Adolph Agardh
Carl Adolph Agardh
1785 – 1859
Botanist
 Portrait of Jan Evangelista Purkyně
Jan Evangelista Purkyně
1787 – 1869
Physician
 Portrait of Antoine César Becquerel
Antoine César Becquerel
1788 – 1878
Physicist
 Portrait of William Pulteney Alison
William Pulteney Alison
1790 – 1859
Physician

Frequently asked questions

Who was Karl von Scherzer?

Austrian explorer, diplomat and natural scientist (1821-1903)

When was Karl von Scherzer born?

Karl von Scherzer was born on 1 May 1821 in Vienna.

When did Karl von Scherzer die?

Karl von Scherzer died on 19 February 1903 in Gorizia.

What was Karl von Scherzer's occupation?

Karl von Scherzer was an explorer, diplomat, anthropologist, writer, geographer and botanical collector.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Karl von Scherzer

· Wikidata: Q113510

· DBpedia: Karl von Scherzer

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Karl von Scherzer. https://biography.guide/karl-von-scherzer/

MLA: "Karl von Scherzer." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/karl-von-scherzer/.

Chicago: "Karl von Scherzer." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/karl-von-scherzer/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-22 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence

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