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Moritz Alphons Stübel was a German geologist and naturalist renowned for his extensive contributions to the geological and cultural understanding of South America and the Middle East during the 19th century. Born on July 26, 1835, in Leipzig, he studied chemistry and mineralogy at the University of Leipzig, which laid the foundation for his pioneering work in geology, volcanology, and ethnography.
Between 1868 and 1874, Stübel partnered with fellow German geologist Wilhelm Reiss (1838–1908) to conduct extensive geological and volcanological research in the Andes, focusing on Colombia and Ecuador. Their collaborative studies, which included surveying volcanic activity and geological formations, marked a significant advancement in the understanding of the region's natural history. Following their work in Colombia and Ecuador, the two scientists expanded their research into Peru and Brazil. Reiss returned to Germany in 1876, while Stübel continued his travels across South America, visiting Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia before returning to Germany in August 1877.
In addition to geological investigations, Stübel's South American expeditions encompassed astronomical measurements, meteorological studies, and ethnographical, zoological, and archaeological research. He meticulously documented his findings through photographs, sketches, and collections of artifacts and specimens. Among his contributions to zoology, numerous butterfly species he collected were identified as new to science, later described by German entomologists Gustav Weymer and Peter Maassen. Much of his collected material, including geological and cultural artifacts, was preserved at the Museum of Comparative Cultures in Leipzig.
Stübel's interests extended beyond South America. Between 1858 and 1890, he undertook several journeys to the Middle East, focusing on Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Egypt. During these travels, he amassed a collection of approximately 600 large-format photographs that provided a rare visual record of the region during the mid-19th century. These images, along with other materials, were later donated by his nephew Bruno Stübel to the University of Jena, forming the foundation of the Alphons-Stübel Collection of Early Photographs of the Middle East 1850–1890.
Stübel’s dedication to documenting his explorations through photographs and sketches has ensured the preservation of valuable historical and scientific records. A digital archive of his work is held at the Leibniz-Institut für Länderkunde, where it continues to serve as an important resource for researchers.
