Karl von Scherzer

Karl Ritter von Scherzer (sometimes written Carl; 1 May 1821 in Vienna – 19 February 1903 in Görz[a]) was an Austrian explorer, diplomat and natural scientist.

Here Scherzer became friends with German explorer and naturalist Moritz Wagner; together the men travelled through North and Central America and the West Indies (1852–1855).

After returning to Vienna, Scherzer, with the support of Archduke Maximilian, became a member of a scientific expedition traveling via the frigate Novara around the world.

From that expedition he brought back enough coca leaves that Albert Niemann subsequently isolated cocaine.

[1] After returning in 1859, Scherzer was appointed as a councillor of the board of trade, held an office in the bureau of foreign relations, and was tasked with compiling the commercial statistics of the empire.