M. V. Lomonosov was distinguished by unusually broad interests and versatile knowledge. An outstanding natural scientist, he made a significant contribution to the development of chemistry and physics. Lomonosov also tried himself in literary activity: he wrote many poetic works. The scientist also achieved great success in the field of translation.
Instructions
Step 1
Translations make up a very significant part of Mikhail Vasilyevich Lomonosov's creative heritage. He translated into Russian many works of both scientific and poetic nature. In the arsenal of the talented natural scientist there were several European languages, Latin and Ancient Greek. The scientist was greatly helped in translations by his excellent command of the native speech and the skills of versification.
Step 2
Lomonosov paid much attention to translating scientific texts. He saw his task in giving his compatriots an opportunity to get acquainted with the main achievements of world science. Lomonosov began with the translation of Christian Wolf's fundamental work on experimental physics. This is how Russian science received one of the first textbooks in the field of natural science, translated from Latin into Russian.
Step 3
Lomonosov did not only translate scientific texts himself. He had to review and edit Russian transcriptions made by other authors who worked on behalf of the Academy of Sciences. This honorable duty was entrusted to Lomonosov by a special decree of the leadership of the Academy. For such painstaking work, the scientist even received an additional salary.
Step 4
Lomonosov also devoted time to poetry translations. Being a talented poet, Mikhail Vasilyevich could turn the translation of a poetic work into a unique text with an independent artistic value. His pen, in particular, belongs to the magnificent translations of Horace, Virgil and Ovid. Lomonosov often used his arrangements of poetic forms for educational purposes, to explain the general theory of versification.
Step 5
Unfortunately, Lomonosov did not leave behind a fundamental work devoted to the deep development of issues related to translation activities. After him, only the thematic notes "On translation" remained. Analyzing the activities of the scientist in this area, it can be noted that he made an attempt to rid translations of outdated words and expressions that were widely circulated in secular and ecclesiastical literature of the 18th century.
Step 6
Lomonosov's work in the field of translation has become an invaluable contribution to the development of the Russian language, literature and natural science. This work contributed to the formation of scientific terminology, without which mastering the subject of natural sciences was impossible. Evaluating the achievements of this great scientist and encyclopedist, it is important to remember the diversity of his talents and the richness of his creative heritage.