Education
Viborg studied veterinary science by Professional Corporation Abildgaard at the Veterinary School in Copenhagen and soon became the professor’s assistant (in 1783).
Botanist university professor Veterinarian
Viborg studied veterinary science by Professional Corporation Abildgaard at the Veterinary School in Copenhagen and soon became the professor’s assistant (in 1783).
From 1784 to 1787, Viborg travelled in Europe. He was then appointed teacher (with the title of professor) at the Veterinary School (1787–1790). In 1796, the king sent Viborg to Poland and Romania to purchase stallions for the Frederiksborg stud farm.
When the chair of botany was installed in 1797 at the University of Copenhagen, Viborg became its first holder, surpassing Martin Vahl.
After the death of Abildgaard in 1801, Viborg became professor and rector of the Veterinary School –a position he held to his death. The legume genus Wiborgia Thunb. was named for him.
After his return, he won a prize from the Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters for his thesis about the ‘sand plants’ (mainly Marram grass) and their use as sand-binders in protection of agricultural lands from aeolian sand. This was probably achieved more through ties to the upper circles than through scientific merit.
Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences]
In 1816, he was elected a foreign member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.
