Étude analytique des 'Planos Geognósticos de los Alpes y de la Suiza' de Carles de Gimbernat (1803-1808)

Resum

Analythic study of the “Planos geognósticos de los Alpes y de la Suiza” by Carles de Gimbernat (1803-1808)

In this study five copies of the “Planos geognosticos de los Alpes y de la Suiza” by Carles de Gimbernat are analysed. This analysis includes the original manuscript and four printed copies. The work is a true geological Atlas, the first ever made on the Swiss Alps.
The “Planos” synthesizes the knowledge on the Alps at the time: concentric structure with granite core, after Pallas and Saussure; stratigraphy after Werner. It has been explained by means of a geological map, geological cross sections and a memoir. The observation methods -stratigraphy, graphic display of the results and neptunism- make it clear that the author was a disciple of Werner, a true geognost. Neither the palaeontological stratigraphy of Smith nor the mechanisms proposed by Hutton (tectonics, plutonism, methamorphism) are present.
Gimbernat has not been the only author of the Planos. Since it is not possible to map the country in only a three-month trip, we should admit that the geological map was made earlier, probably by a local geognost. It is doubtful that the Spanish Government commissioned Gimbernat that work; but it is sure that the Spanish Government contributed indirectly to financing it through Gimbernat’s salary. The fall of Spanish Moharchy put a stop to the royal financing support to Gimbernat, and therefore the work was never accomplished.