Voyaging leads to enlightenment. Based on this notion, numerous scientists and naturalists ventured to the Canary Islands during the 18th and 19th centuries to make advancements in various fields, finding a conducive environment for their studies.
During that era, the islands played a vital role in European commerce and the exploration of new lands. Recreating that historical context was the goal of the Canarian Orotava History of Science Foundation (Fundoro). It was proposed to enrich its museum collection with a section dedicated to these pioneering individuals associated with astronomy, geology, volcanology, zoology, botany, and comparative psychology, with guidance from experts in each field such as Juan Carlos Carracedo, Arnoldo Santos, Francisco Sánchez, and Alberto Relancio, respectively.
The overarching aim of the collection is to recreate the environment encountered by these intellectuals upon their arrival on the islands. The initial steps were taken towards the end of 2021 with the first corner that greets visitors at the onset of the tour. This section is named after Louis Feuillée, a French priest, botanist, geographer, and astronomer, who led what is acknowledged as the inaugural scientific expedition to the Archipelago in 1724 to precisely determine the location of the prime meridian on El Hierro.
Designed to resemble the cabin of an 18th-century galleon, meticulous attention has been paid to every detail, including a bottle of Malvasía from the year 1790, filled with wine from that era donated by a resident of La Orotava, as highlighted by Fundoro’s director, Miguel Ángel González Expósito.
Within the exhibit are authentic artefacts alongside near-perfect reproductions, such as two 18th-century nautical charts. During his time on the islands, Feuillée documented his experiences in a diary, featuring the first recorded sketch of the Teide violet during his ascent of the volcano, marking one of the initial efforts to measure its altitude, despite his calculations not being entirely precise. “We had been accumulating materials, and when the City Council allocated this ground floor of our headquarters’ building to us, we saw an opportunity to offer something captivating to the public,” expressed González.
Thus, the Fortunatae insulae room came into being, inaugurated in February of the current year, housing four sections dedicated to the aforementioned sciences.
Situated on the left, the astronomy division endeavours to portray the progression of initial astronomical observations by two notable explorers, Charles Piazzi Smyth and Jean Mascart, who were the first to recognise the significance of the Canarian skies as a subject of study.
Relancio and González provide insights into the Casa Amarilla model in Puerto de la Cruz. / Sergio Mendez
The astronomy section seeks to capture the evolution of initial observations. / Sergio Mendez
Representation of an 18th-century cabin featuring a Malvasia bottle. / Sergio Mendez
Within the botanical section, the different vegetation levels are visually depicted. / Sergio Mendez
The exhibit aims to showcase the progression of research up to the present, particularly leading to the establishment of the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC).
Visitors can observe an actinometer (a tool for measuring electromagnetic radiation intensity) donated by Francisco Sánchez, one of the institute’s founders. Also on display is a model of the Gran Telescopio de Canarias (Grantecan), gifted by the IAC. As visitors approach, they can view through a window two significant pieces: the original first editions of Smyth and Mascart’s journals.
In the geology-volcanology area, a model showcasing the historical measuring of Mount Teide’s height is the first attraction. Understanding Teide’s height was vital for navigation, aiding ships in determining their positions based on geographical coordinates. The initial scientific height measurement, accurately done in 1776 at 3,713 meters by French engineer and scientist Jean Charles Borda during his second Tenerife visit, was crucial. The current height at 3,715.58 meters only shows a minor discrepancy of a few meters, a remarkable achievement according to the director.
The exhibit also features a photo of the recent eruption on La Palma, a rock collection curated by Carracedo to showcase the main island varieties, a geological floor cross-section made by him, and an original pyrometer for reading gases and molten lava temperatures, used during the Teneguía volcano eruption.
In the zoology and botany section, the various vegetation levels are artistically represented. Each tiny plant display, crafted by Fundoro’s model maker, is positioned at its appropriate height, reflecting altitude characteristics.
Donated fossils and insects from Arnoldo Santos enhance the collection, along with informative panels detailing botanical and zoological studies conducted during expeditions.
The last section delves into comparative psychology and centres on the former Casa Amarilla, the initial climatology research centre in Puerto de la Cruz. Though currently in a decrepit state, the exhibit faithfully replicates not just the residence but the entire setting.
“We aimed to construct the model based on the scarce historical photos and descriptions available,” explained Relancio, who accompanied the visit. The model showcases chimpanzee play areas, as envisioned by Wolfgang Köhler, director of the Casa Amarilla and a key figure in Gestalt psychology theory. The exhibit moves away from traditional zoo models of the time, focusing more on language research. Historical black and white images, among the few remaining records, are also projected.
The exhibition concludes in a modest screening room, providing snippets of related documentaries for public viewing. Future endeavours include developing an audio guide for independent visits, exploring weekend openings beyond the current weekday schedule from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and arranging workshops.
Within the first month, the exhibition received 110 visitors, a significant milestone for Fundoro, considering the limited promotional activities in the three years of its organization without specific funding. Initially planned as a gradual project, Fundoro now takes pride in the accomplished outcome.
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