CHARLES
MARIE DE LA CONDAMINE
During the first half of the 18th century, only a few exploratory expeditions were carried out in South America. Perhaps the most important among them was the mission of Charles Marie de La Condamine (1701–1774), who travelled to the Amazon basin to map the region.
Charles Marie de La Condamine left France in 1735 as the leader of a scientific expedition.
For the Amazon specifically, he set out on 11 May 1743, traveling through Macapá and then Cayenne, and eventually departing from Paramaribo for Paris on 30 November 1744.
Overall, he spent nearly ten years in Central and South America. His journey produced significant results, as the Amazon was studied scientifically for the first time.
Charles Marie de La Condamine devoted himself entirely to this work, spending both his money and his health on the expedition. Like many pioneers, he was met with ingratitude and a lack of understanding upon his return.