Gottlieb Emanuel von Haller

Gottlieb Emanuel von Haller (1735–1786) was a Swiss historian, numismatist, botanist, politician, diplomat and librarian.

Born in Bern, he studied law and history in Göttingen, where his father was professor for medicine and botany.

He was sent to represent Bern in the transmontane bailiwicks in 1779/80 and from 1785 until his death he served as reeve of Nyon.

During his career he authored numerous works on bibliothecography, numismatics and the history of Switzerland, writing in German, French and Latin.

His magnum opus was a History of Switzerland (Bibliothek der Schweizer-Geschichte) in six volumes, two volumes published during his lifetime, the remaining four, which were ready for print at the time of his death, were published posthumously by J.J. Stapfer.