Ascendo al Monto-Blanka en 1787

In this vivid 18th‑century travelogue, a Swiss naturalist and professor sets out to recreate the recent breakthrough of two daring climbers who claimed the impossible summit of Mont Blanc. He details his careful planning through the Alpine villages, the weather that forces him to postpone his attempt, and the painstaking march across glaciers, crags and narrow corridors that test both men and equipment. Along the way he catalogs the striking scenery—from the dark‑stained ice of the Taconay glacier to the fresh mountain springs—while noting how each step informs his scientific inquiries.

The narrative blends personal determination with a spirit of inquiry, as the author carries a suite of self‑invented instruments to measure humidity, light, and atmospheric pressure. Readers follow his methodical progress toward the summit’s base, encountering treacherous “Mapas” passages and the relentless climb that demands both physical stamina and sharp observation. The account offers a captivating glimpse into early Alpine exploration, where curiosity and courage rise together against the formidable heights.