Introduced the uniqueness and geopolitical complexity of the Siberian region, and pointed out that Russia's understanding of Siberia was limited at the end of the 17th century. In the 18th century, Russia began conducting scientific expeditions to Siberia, among which Dr. Messerschmidt was commissioned by Peter the Great to complete the first scientific expedition, which involved multiple fields and had important value for Siberian studies. Russian scholars have conducted diversified, specialized, and refined research on the investigation results of Messerschmitt. In contrast, Chinese scholars have conducted relatively less research on Messerschmitt. This article uses historical materials such as the archives and diaries of Messerschmitt's scientific expedition published by the St. Petersburg branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, combined with relevant research in Russia, to sort out, summarize, and reflect on the beginning, end, and influence of Messerschmitt's scientific expedition in Siberia.

The direct cause of the first Siberian scientific expedition

Explored the direct cause of Russia's first scientific expedition to Siberia. Peter the Great's further research interest in Russian land was partly due to the imperial physician's medical visits and natural discoveries in the west. In 1716, inspired by Peter the Great's visit to the Danzig Museum, he decided to conduct Siberian research and chose Messerschmitt as his research candidate. Messerschmidt had multiple communications with the imperial physician Alexander regarding the investigation, and ultimately received an imperial order from Peter the Great in 1717 to explore Russian nature and enrich the treasure trove. Messerschmidt signed an agreement with the Russian Medical Office to be responsible for animal and plant surveys and received financial support. His scientific research plan includes recording ancient relics, studying flora and fauna, making specimens, and conducting research in the fields of geography, history, ethnicity, and language, with a wider range of actual investigations.

2. First Siberian Scientific Expedition Route

Messerschmidt departed from St. Petersburg and conducted scientific expeditions in Siberia through various modes of transportation, with key areas including Tobolsk, Krasnoyarsk, and Irkutsk, ultimately reaching the Trans Baikal region. The inspection route mainly follows the river, as the waterway is easy to access, there are many residents in the river area, and the resources are abundant. The sled provides a place to rest and store food in severe cold, which is crucial for the success of the expedition.

3 Messerschmitt Scientific Expedition Process

Messerschmitt conducted in-depth research on the nature and culture of Siberia during his eight year scientific expedition. He departed from St. Petersburg and passed through Moscow. After contacting the Izmailov mission, he had the idea of going to China, but it did not materialize. In Western Siberia, Messerschmidt conducted investigations centered around Tobolsk, engaged in medical practice and searching for herbs, rescued patients, and collected a large number of medical records. With the help of Swedish officers, he collected information about the local history, geography, and archaeology. In Eastern Siberia, Messerschmidt pays attention to the customs and language of ethnic minorities, but conflicts with the Russian government intensify, funding is scarce, and communication is not smooth. In 1725, Messerschmidt began his return journey to communicate with Bering and drew a map of the Ob River basin. In 1727, he arrived in St. Petersburg but was unwilling to hand over his research results to the Russian government. As a result, the data was confiscated and taken over by the Russian Academy of Sciences. Messerschmidt lived in poverty in his later years and eventually passed away in St. Petersburg. Unfortunately, most of the research materials he collected were destroyed in a fire.

4 Results of Russia's First Siberian Scientific Expedition

This article introduces the rich achievements of Russia's first scientific expedition to Siberia, including four aspects: biological exploration, geographical discoveries, ethnic research, and archaeological excavations. Messerschmidt extensively documented the plants and animals of Siberia in his biological exploration, drawing specimens and annotating them in multiple languages. In terms of geographical discoveries, he studied multiple rivers, discovered minerals, determined the latitude and longitude of the location, drew maps, and became the first scholar to describe the permafrost in Russia. In ethnic studies, Messerschmidt focuses on the indigenous peoples of Siberia, documenting their geographical distribution, customs, and compiling a Udmurt language dictionary. In terms of archaeological excavations, he excavated ancient relics and drew archaeological maps, which is considered the beginning of Siberian archaeology.

The impact of Russia's first scientific expedition to Siberia

Discussed the profound impact of Russia's first scientific expedition to Siberia on Siberian studies and Russia's eastward expansion strategy. Messerschmidt compiled a large number of books, diaries, and reports during his expedition, including "Overview of Siberia", plant and animal research manuscripts, etc., laying the foundation for Siberian studies. These manuscripts still have important reference value for Siberian studies in Russia and even the world today. Examining the will of Peter the Great and the political interests of the Russian government will contribute to Russia's policy-making and political stability in Siberia. Messerschmidt focused on inspecting the border areas between China and Russia, and his achievements provided important references for Russia's subsequent exploration teams, paving the way for Russia's colonial expansion in the North Pacific.

6 Conclusion

Before Messerschmitt's expedition to Siberia, Russia's understanding of Siberia was rough and vague. Messerschmidt's expedition team traveled along the river and had in-depth exchanges with the indigenous people, recording in detail the flora and fauna, ancient relics, ethnic customs, topography, and urban distribution of Siberia. Vernatsky regarded this expedition as the beginning of natural science research in Russia. Messerschmitt's expedition was an important part of Russia's 18th century geographical survey, providing support for the Russian government's domestic and foreign policies. He meticulously recorded the geographical features of Siberia and the Sino Russian border, laying the foundation for the subsequent Russian Kamchatka exploration team to explore the route and for Russia to strategize in the East.