A Siberian journey

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First published in 1955 in German, this journal is now available in English for the first time, chronicling the adventures of a young Swiss surgeon in eighteenth-century Russia. It details his journey to Southern Russia and his service during the campaigns of 1770-74, offering a day-by-day account of his travels through Siberia to the Chinese borders as a surgeon assisting a recruiting officer. Fries' straightforward narrative vividly introduces the little-known land and its people, contrasting with the scientific works of other eighteenth-century explorers. His account captures the allure of Siberia, showcasing the ordinary lives of its inhabitants, the landscape, customs, and impressions. The journey provides insights into the relationships between Russians and Chinese at the time, as well as encounters with various westerners drawn to this enigmatic region. Accompanying Fries' text is an extensive introduction by Professor Kirchner, which outlines the pioneering foreign scientists and tourists who explored Siberia in the century after Peter the Great's death in 1725. Kirchner traces their routes and discusses their influential writings, creating a bibliographical guide that complements Fries' unique perspective on Siberian political and daily life.