Vzpomínka na Ottokara Nickerla (1838–1920)
| Pages | 235-250 |
|---|---|
| DOI | 10.37520/jnmpnhs.2020.016 |
| Citation | TICHOTA, Jiří, LIŠKA, Jan a ŠUMPICH, Jan. Vzpomínka na Ottokara Nickerla (1838–1920). Journal of the National Museum (Prague), Natural History Series. Prague: National Museum, 2020, 189(1), 235-250. DOI: https://doi.org/10.37520/jnmpnhs.2020.016. ISSN 1802-6842 (print), 1802-6850 (electronic). Also available from: https://publikace.nm.cz/en/periodicals/jotnmpnhs/189-1/vzpominka-na-ottokara-nickerla-18381920 |
As of 2020, 100 years will have passed since the death of Dr. Ottokar Nickerl, a pioneer of Czech applied entomology. It is on this occasion that we seek to remember his significant impact on the science and culture of Bohemia. In 1872, Nickerl co-founded the entomological department established as a part of the Society for Physiocracy in Bohemia, the de facto predecessor of the present-day Czech Entomological Society. His entomological publications, along with those of his father, F. A. Nickerl, formed the foundation of Czech lepidopterology. Over the course of his life, O. Nickerl also amassed a vast collection of natural artefacts, including countless beetles, butterflies and moths. Together with his entire family fortune, this collection was generously donated to the National Museum in Prague at the end of his life. Outside of his achievements in entomology, Ottokar was a multifaceted character, posessing a deep respect of other nations, cultures and languages in addition to his prowess as a naturalist. He was also a talented musician and composer, renowned for having perfect pitch. Ottokar Nickerl was married to Christine Hennevogl von Ebenburg, and they had four children together. Tragically, none of their children survived until adulthood, and O. Nickerl ultimately died a lonely man, the last of his family line. May his memory continue to live on through his extraordinary contributions to Czech natural history.
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