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Abstract

Volcanoes in miniature: “models of” or “models for” geological processes?Marianne KlemunThe paper aims to provide an analysis of visualization and models and their mutual functions in geology as used in the 19^th century. The best-known are reliefs: static models made mostly out of plaster and meticulously constructed to give an overview of a mountain range. These models were employed for teaching purposes but also to popularize the scientific efforts among the general public. They were models of pre-existing knowledge, and they functioned as “models of” this. Different from these static representations of mountains were Volcanic models mostly unknown in the history of geology. The case of Ferdinand Hochstetter’s “natural miniature volcano” relief (1871) was intended to imitate or stimulate processes rather than simply represent scaling. Volcanic eruptions were produced with the help of sulphur under pressure of vapour and the final product was a model of the cone. The mimetic imitation, according to the experimenter, revealed something that demonstrated the internal invisible construction of the volcanoes. It implied a mimetic and theatrical performance. Under the fascinated eyes of the observer, the process took place in rapid motion, which demonstrated the phenomenon of eruption on a small scale analogous to those on a large scale. These devices were used to demonstrate theories. At the same time, however, an experimental intervention showed different results, and these were considered new findings. I argue that these models not only served as “models of” but also as “models for” new insights into volcanology.