| dc.description.abstract | In time of Wacław Nałkowski’s studies in Kraków (1871–1876), the chair of geography at
the Jagiellonian University did not exist. Despite this, in addition to mathematics, astronomy
and physics, he attended lectures in geography, astronomy and cartography. Geographical
learning opportunities within the Faculty of Philosophy were enabled there as early as
1765, thanks to the reform of the University made by Hugo Kołłątaj. In late 1811 and 1812
among 12 departments in the Faculty of Philosophy there was the Chair of History and
Universal Geography as well as the Chair of Astronomy. At this time the first Polish physicalgeographical
handbook was issued. That was a very innovative textbook in mathematical
and physical geography elaborated by Jan Śniadecki, which was used until the end of the
nineteenth century. In 1849 there was an adjustment of the organizational structure of the
Faculty of Philosophy. As a result, the Chair of Natural History was divided into the chairs of
geology, zoology and geography. The latter was taken by Wincenty Pol, who taught geography
of Eastern Europe, the Austrian Monarchy and the Holy Land. He also had courses in physical
geography and commercial geography, which later gave rise to human geography. The
suppression of the autonomy of the University on September 30, 1852, and winding up of
the Chair of Geography in January 1853 completed the first period of formal development
of geography as an academic discipline in Poland. Academic activity of W. Pol caused,
however, that geography became gradually noticed and recognized as an independent area of
knowledge and the academic discipline. | en |
