Exploring the eighteenth-century concept of soil as reflected in Sámuel Domby's De vino Tokaiensi

Sámuel Domby's 18th-century treatise De vino Tokaiensi offers unprecedented insights into early modern European soil science, revealing nuanced perceptions of pedological conditions that underpinned viticulture in the Tokaj-Hegyalja region. The study deciphers Domby's detailed descriptions of terroir, linking them to contemporary scientific frameworks while highlighting his innovative understanding of soil composition and its influence on wine quality. This analysis, based on a critical examination of the original text and its historical context, challenges conventional narratives by demonstrating how 18th-century intellectuals integrated empirical observations with philosophical discourse. The findings bridge gaps between agronomy, medicine, and cultural history, positioning Domby's work as a foundational text in the study of UNESCO-listed historic landscapes.

Sipos, E. (2023). Exploring the eighteenth-century concept of soil as reflected in Sámuel Domby’s De vino Tokaiensi. Hungarian Studies, 37(S), 129–141. https://doi.org/10.1556/044.2023.00234