German cartographer Varenius (1622-1650) made two significant contributions to the development of geography. Firstly, he brought together contemporary knowledge of astronomy and cartography and subjected the different theories of his day to sound critical analysis. Secondly, he divided geography into 'general' and 'special' sections which led to the development of 'systematic' and 'regional geography'. Thus Varenius was the first scholar who laid the foundation of the dichotomy of systematic vs. regional geography.
The special geography which deals with the special features of different countries and regions may be termed as 'Regional Geography' while 'General Geography' deals with the general laws of the subject. More stress on regional an-counts resulted into enormous information and data about the meso and micro areal units. He emphasized that the general geography depends on regional geography and the regional on general geography and thus are exclusively interdependent. Moreover, the geographic generalist dealt with the whole world as a unit, but was restricted to the physical conditions, which could be understood through natural laws.
On the contrary, special (regional) geography was primarily intended as a description of individual countries and world regions. The regional geography, according to him also has great utility for government, administration, trade and commerce; while general geography provides the fundamentals which need to be applied in the special geography.
Varenius further divided the general geography into the following:
(i) Absolute - the terrestrial part, in which the earth as a whole, its form, size, etc. were discussed;
(ii) Relative or planetary part - concerned with earth's relation to other start,
(iii) Comparative part - giving a general description of the earth, the relative location of places on the surface and the principles of navigation.
In the opinion of Varenius geography examines surface features, climatic, water-bodies, forests, deserts, minerals, animals and the human inhabitants. The cultural landscape, according to him includes, the description of the inhabitants, their appearance arts, commerce, culture, language, religion, cities and, government.
Locals hypothesize that the legacy of Italian blood and culture in Cologne, colonized by the Romans more than 1500 years ago, makes the people more jovial and lighthearted. Cologne is the largest city on the Rhine.
Kolsch is not only the dialect spoken here but, also the name of their own top-fermented beer. There are more than 4,000 pubs, restaurant's and brewery taverns in Cologne.
Unlike many of the world's large cities, Cologne, with a population of over a million, gets better every day, there are more things to do and see, more new and innovative buildings... more
Travel is an opportunity to learn, whether geography, languages, history or other subjects.
Cologne is situated on the beautiful Rhine River.