Vladimir Ivanovich Vernadsky
(1863-1945)
"The formation of an integrative approach to the biosphere,
as well as the very introduction of this level of organization
of living matter, are due entirely to Vernadsky"
Andrey Lapo
Vladimir was born in Petersburg, USSR in 1863. He was formally educated as a
geologist, but had a clear interest in mineralogy and crystallography. Studying the
general laws of chemical processes in the earth's crust, he created the field of
geochemistry. Later he focused on the links between the earth's crust and the
activities of living organisms, thus creating the field of biogeochemistry. His
studies of cosmic and solar radiation effects on biogeochemistry led him to
eventually formulate his astounding and revolutionary theory on the biosphere. His
short 1926 book The Biosphere outlined the basis for his new theories. (p. 1)
His final papers in 1944 outlined his belief and understanding in a new
geological era, which he termed the psychozoic era, in which mankind would emerge as
a powerful earth-changing force, creating a new form of biosphere called the
noosphere. He died shortly after in 1945. (p. 2)
"Some scientists consider that Vernadsky did for biological space what Darwin
did for biological time. The work of both is necessary to understand biospherics.
Darwin proved the unity of all life throughout the billions of years of time and the
complexity of forms. Vernadsky showed the unity of all life in space, and that it
operated on a daily scale as a cosmic phenomenon and geological force. (p. 5)"
Vernadsky was the original pioneer of biospherics, a science before its time.
Much of his work remained unknown to the western scientific community, due to
political and linguistic factors, until very recently. In conjunction with James E.
Lovelock's Gaia hypothesis, it has presented a new way of looking at the Earth.
(pp. 9-10) Biosphere 2, constructed 40 years after Vernadsky's death, is a
testament to the power of his theory and his message. It is a direct result of his
ideas and influence.
http://www.columbia.edu/~alt12/Bio/vernadsky.html
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