[M-ZZ45_29PM1] Geoscience Studies: historical, philosophical and STS studies

[MZZ45-01] Edmund Naumann (1854-1927) and Mt Fuji

*Michiko YAJIMA¹ (1.Tokyo Medican and Dental University)

Keywords:Naumann, Mt Fuji, Fossa Magna

Edmund Naumann (1854-1927) and Mt FujiMichiko YAJIMA Mt Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan at 3776 m. In 2013 Mt Fuji was added to the World Heritage List as a Cultural Site. Japanese people, young and old, man and woman, climb Mt Fuji for religious reason since the old age. Scientific research on Mt Fuji started at the Meiji Era by the foreigners. Before 1854 Japan closed the doors to the Westerners. Once opened the door to the Westerners, Meiji Government hired many foreign teachers.Edmund Naumann (1854-1927) came to Japan in 1875, became the first professor of Geology in the University of Tokyo, founded the Geological Survey of Japan and made the good geological reconnaissance map of Japan. He was fascinated by the Mt Fuji just when he reached Japan. At that time many westerners came on boat, the first sight of Japan is Mt Fuji. Western scientists all made the race to climb Mt Fuji. Naumann climbed the Mt Fuji in 1883. His research work is just surrounding Mt Fuji. He made clear the history of measurement of the height of Mt Fuji. He made clear the history of eruption of Mt Fuji. His most important geologic work is proposing the Fossa Magna in the central Japan. He thought the reason of Fossa Magna may be the intrusion of Mt Fuji. After he came back to Germany he wrote even the script of Opera “Taketorimonogatari” that is the old Japanese tale of beautiful lady who came from the heaven and came back to the heaven at Mt Fuji with the smoke of eruption.