Conclusions

The conclusion reflects more generally on gendered identity in scientific translation and specifically on the role of women in redefining the British scientific community at mid-century. Humboldt’s collaboration with his female translators undoubtedly cast him in a favourable light, advertising his readiness to collaborate with women on the international transmission of his work. This study therefore revises the notion of Humboldtian writing as male-oriented and ambiguously homoerotic and disputes the suggestion that he showed a disregard, even dislike, for women. By examining the British translations of Humboldt’s works as multi-vocal and multi-authored texts, rather than viewing them simply as ‘transparent’ documents, it therefore explores in a very immediate way the complex business of transforming his complex scientific ideas and images into a different language, culture, and society.