It took a few decades until Stanisław Staszic's pioneering explorations of the Carpathians from Gorgany to Beskid Slaski Mountains at the beginning of the 19th century found their continuation in the work of Wincenty Pol and Ludwik Zejszner. Although their professional qualifications and interests differed considerably they were able to make a great contribution to the study of Poland's mountainous rim in the south, including the Beskid Slaski Mountains. They cleared up the uncertainties about the sources of the Vistula and gathered impressive collections of materials illustrating the geological, geographical and ethnographic profile of the region, as well as a more modest array of botanical specimens. Thanks to their efforts the little known Beskid Slaski Mountains received a thorough and comprehensive description in accordance with the scientific standards of the age. Generally, the two researchers took an idealistic view of their labours. They expected that it would help expand the knowledge and self-awareness of society, even if they did not quite agree about the best way of achieving that aim. Although their work as well as their lives reflected marked differences of character and attitude, both men were fully committed to the ideas of research and service. Another trait which they shared was an enormous industriousness. And they would never step back in the face of difficulties which cropped up in their path. Finally, both saw in the montagnard population a living embodiment of indigenous folk culture. While their field work opened the history of scientific research of the Beskid Slaski Mountains, their contribution had a great significance for the country at large at a time when Poland did not exist as an independent state.