It was H W Brandes who taught him mathematics and astronomy at the University of Breslau, and quickly realised that Scherk had an outstanding pupil. Scherk's family was poor and did not have the funds to support him at university, although he did have an uncle and a friend of his father who both contributed to his expenses.
Ito ay hw Brandes na nagtuturo siya sa matematika at astronomy, at sa University of Breslau, at mabilis na realised na Scherk nagkaroon ng isang natitirang mag-aaral.