Alexander Von Humboldt (1769-1859) was one of the most highly regarded men of his day. A series of publications about his travels in the Americas were widely popular and translated into many languages, thus making him an international celebrity. Humboldt's ideas set into form the precursors of many modern scientific disciplines such as plant geography,ecology, meteorology, and physical geography. His assessment of the political and historical characteristics of South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean are also notable. He believed that the native peoples of Africa, and the Americas were in every respect equal to those of any other part of the world. Aside from scientific and political contributions, Humboldt is also respected for his literacy and artistic applications of scientific research. His accounts of his adventures captured the imagination of all who read them and made him, in his lifetime, one of the most well known people in the world.