Tourists in Science: 19 th Century Research Trips to the Mediterranean Christiane Groeben History of Science Unit and Historical Archives, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy; Email: groeben@szn.it During the first half of the 19 th century a considerable number of German scientists came to Italy to conduct research on the shores of the Mediterranean. These ‘tourists in science’ were part of the long tradition of artists, poets, scholars, and aristocrats attracted to Italy by the traces of the past, art, natural beauty, and the Mediter- ranean way of life. Scientists were drawn to places that allowed them to combine their research with sightseeing. Four cities in particular were favoured in this sense: Nice, Trieste, Naples, and Messina. Focussing on the latter two cities, this paper investigates several aspects of this new kind of adventure trip, namely the growth of local research traditions and international networks for the exchange of information and research material. Particular attention is given to the role of local hosts such as Stefano delle Chiaie, Arcangelo Scacchi, and Guglielmo Guiscardi in Naples and the German scientists August Krohn and Rudolph Amandus Philippi both in Naples and Messina. It is shown that not only did serendipity continue to prevail in such ad hoc organised field trips but that well organised research facilities, such as the Stazione Zoologica (1872) at Naples, turned out to be an answer to the need for better admin- istration of individual resources. INTRODUCTION Kennst du das Land, wo die Zitronen blühn, Im dunklen Laub die Gold-Orangen glühn, Ein sanfter Wind vom blauen Himmel weht, Die Myrte still und hoch der Lorbeer steht, Kennst du es wohl? Dahin! Dahin Möcht ich mit dir, o mein Geliebter, ziehn! Do you know the lands where the lemons blossom? Where the gold oranges glow in the dark leaves, A gentle breeze blows from the blue sky, The myrtle stands silent and the laurel tall? Do you know it? There, there, I long to go with you, my love. 1 Mignon’s lovely song from Goethe’s novel Wilhelm Meister’s Apprenticeship immediately comes to a German mind when thinking of Italy. Someone even stated that the love for Mediter- ranean solarity is embedded in the genetic code of all Germans. Certainly not, but the number and variety of Germans from all backgrounds and upbringing who have travelled to Italy across the PROCEEDINGS OF THE CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES Fourth Series Volume 59, Supplement I, No. 9, pp. 139–154, 18 figs. September 30, 2008 139