In the field of the natural sciences Count Hugo Franz Salm-Reifferscheidt (1776–1836) was mostly keenly interested in speleology, chemistry and mineralogy. Besides his passion for collecting minerals, he also became particularly famous for his exploration of the caves of the Moravian Karst, which were situated not far from his chateau in Rájec nad Svitavou.

Back during his studies in Vienna Count Hugo Franz Salm-Reifferscheidt devoted a great deal of time to research in the fields of chemistry, mining and metallurgy. His love of mineralogy is closely associated with the legacy of the founder of Moravian mineralogy, Johann Nepomuk von Mittrowský. Count Salm-Reifferscheidt himself created one of the most beautiful and comprehensive mineralogical collections and also purchased part of Mittrowský’s collection. In his studies of chemistry the count focused on analyses of organic poisons; he analysed arsenic, phosphorus and opium. His interested in exploring the caves of the Moravian Karst, which were located not far from the family chateau in Rájec nad Svitavou, was awoken by his father Karel Josef Salm-Reifferscheidt. However, Count Hugo Franz pursued speleology with a far greater passion. He himself explored sites such as the Sloupsko-šošůvské jeskyně caves (and he is credited with the discovery of the Trámová caves), the Rudické propadání sinkhole, Výpustek cave and Macocha Gorge. However, he also inspired a number of other experts to study the caves of the Moravian Karst. The chateau of Rájec nad Svitavou, which came to house the aforementioned mineralogical collection and an extensive natural science and hermetic library, was owned by Hugo Franz Salm-Reifferscheidt from 1811 until his death in 1836.

Connected places: Johann Nepomuk von Mittrowsky
Jan Nepomuk Mittrowský; Pamětní deska Huga Salma-Reifferscheidta v Brně

Keywords: analytical chemistry; mineralogy; speleology, caves of the Moravian Karst, chemical research

Hugo Franz Salm-Reifferscheidt at the chateau in Rájec nad Svitavou