The Person after whom our School is Named

János Xántus

1825-1894

The old scientist

He was the first person in history to explore and describe the flora, fauna and mineral reserves of the USA and Mexico. On behalf of József Eötvös he built up an ethnographic collection of the archipelago of South- and South-Eastern Asia.

He was one of the founders of the Budapest Zoo and the Museum of Ethnography as well. His textile-, handicraft, and ethnographic collection later formed the base collection of the Museum of Applied Arts.

He was member of the Science Academy of Philadelphia and that of Hungary, too. He had a major role in establishing the scientific life of Hungary. He was both chairman of the Hungarian Ethnographic Community and the Geographic Society.

Being a versatile personality, he joined the National Guard in his young years and functioned as an artillery lieutenant in the Pákozd Battle.

He was forced into emigration after the Revolution and Freedom Fight of 1848-49. He showed exceptional patriotism during those difficult years.

He taught foreign languages abroad, but later his deep interest in science moved him towards working in this field. Eventually he became one of the top naturalists of his time.

Though being passed over and consequently subject to disappointment and neglect in his life, he was given a duly ceremonial funeral. His tomb is opposite that of Ferenc Deák -a place of honour - in Kerepesi Cemetery.

All the students of our school respect János Xántus as a scientist, a man of many talents and a true patriot. His groundbreaking scientific work in geography and ethnography as well as his travels to unknown lands proved him to be a great mind of the century. His life's work is an invaluable part of the history of Hungarian science.