Karl Ritter von Scherzer (sometimes written Carl; 1 May 1821 in Vienna – 19 February 1903 in Görz) was an Austrian explorer, diplomat and natural scientist.

Biography

He began his working life as a printer. After inheriting a fortune, Scherzer was able to travel extensively. He took an active part in the 1848 revolution and was exiled to Italy in 1850. Here Scherzer became friends with German explorer and naturalist Moritz Wagner; together the men travelled through North and Central America and the West Indies (1852–1855). After returning to Vienna, Scherzer, with the support of Archduke Maximilian, became a member of a scientific expedition traveling via the frigate Novara around the world. From that expedition he brought back enough coca leaves that Albert Niemann subsequently isolated cocaine. After returning in 1859, Scherzer was appointed as a councillor of the board of trade, held an office in the bureau of foreign relations, and was tasked with compiling the commercial statistics of the empire. As a reward for his publications, Scherzer was knighted in 1866. During 1869 he was the leader of an expedition to eastern Asia. Afterwards he served as a diplomatic consul in several places, including Smyrna (today's İzmir). In 1886 Scherzer retired.

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