ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the different ways in which Russian geographers and cognate scientists conceptualized the physical environment during the period from the 1880s to the 1960s. As such, the analysis of different conceptualizations of the physical environment provides an insight into influential aspects of the Russian geographical tradition. Nevertheless, the ideas of Dokuchaev and his school undoubtedly played a substantial role in the subsequent development of Russian geographical thought. The fact that Grigor'ev made strong reference in his own work to the ideas of scientists active during the pre-revolutionary period was understandable given the prevailing ideological situation. Ideological pressure had an influence, as we have emphasized, and yet, as noted throughout this book, the science of Grigor'ev and Berg was rooted in long-standing ideas within Russian science, and these acted as a buffer against the more pernicious aspects of party edicts.
