Dr Ferdinand von Sommer (~1800–49) was the first government geologist appointed in Western Australia, a state that today owes its prosperity largely to the discovery and development of its rich mineral deposits. During his relatively short life, Ferdinand left a trail of incredible and diverse achievements, exploits and mystery that extended across the continents of Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania during the first half of the nineteenth century. Although his credibility has been challenged and his character maligned—both then and now—this paper aims to showcase his wide-ranging scientific endeavours and contributions, and to present a more complete picture of Ferdinand von Sommer and his legacy.

费迪南德·冯·索默 （Ferdinand von Sommer） 博士（~1800-49 年）是西澳大利亚州任命的第一位政府地质学家，该州今天的繁荣主要归功于其丰富的矿藏的发现和开发。在他相对较短的一生中，斐迪南留下了一系列令人难以置信的各种成就、功绩和谜团，这些成就、功绩和谜团在 19 世纪上半叶横跨欧洲、亚洲、非洲和大洋洲各大洲。尽管他的可信度受到挑战，他的人格受到诋毁——无论是当时还是现在——本文旨在展示他广泛的科学努力和贡献，并更全面地呈现费迪南德·冯·索默 （Ferdinand von Sommer） 和他的遗产。