The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1892-03-20
IN ECCENTRIC PROFESSOR
Reniniscsnees Of Kopp, the Noted Chemist
In Heldelbere,

Hermann Kopp. Privy Councillor OF the Court
OF Baden and professor OF chemistry in Heldel-
berg. who died late in February was perhaps
the most eccentric man Of learning in modern
Germany. He was considered by Germans to
be Germany's greatest chemist since Liebie
died. Hewas in Liebig' 8 laboratory at Giessen
for several years and was the favorlte pupil Of
that famous chemist. Kopp began his career
as an academic instructor in 1871. 80 at the
time of his death he could look back on pro-
fessional career OF more than fifty years.
In Heidelberg Kopp was feared yet be-
loved man. His curious appearance and habits
doubled for the students the attractions Of his
learning. and he always spoke to full benches.
Despite his irritability. which grew with his
years. his private seminaries for more ad.
vanced students wore crowded to the last
Kopp's personal appearance betrayed 20
crooked way along HeidelberE's narrow
streets. that he was what his compatriots cali
pauneh short bow legs s roand shonIders and
apple. He always carried faded green sun
every few steps to Kick the govt out Of his left
foot In his Summaries kopp was mine Of
p h wary
often speaking as II talking to himself When
a student; as Is customary would ask him f?r
hIs Sig stomach: straiahten out as fully as pos.
ssa s Snssys sSx Hnf old
hundreds of times before Now do mo o per-
my next point" VIII '''''0 '"
shory teSrc S tss 6Ph e o rs sa
arrange the details OF examination with each
candidate for philosophical honors. When the
ing white gloves and opera hat, at noon. Kopp
rec s;,sd hin with uniGue mixture OF un-
s od md
s sservaHs into kopp's study in his dark fiat in
the P9Sk stHSs and would Kps
diserdered PAPERS on his desk. A'0's inc
"Ah. Herr Schmidt; delighted to see you.
Take do chair take chair. Y2u wish to make
Then the old man would sink again into the
chair behind the papers, leaying only. his
was bashful. and even the m st riotous student
becomes 50 when confronted by the horrors OF
an edamination he would per-
mediate pnmindiui Of the world Of troubl Sin in
minutes the old man would look up. Jump from
white gloves and swallow tail before him. and
r; n;S ,ss yss; !, Herr sshmlst your examination
oOClOCh. tHHlk you IOr your kllQD0SS In
calling. and wish you good luck"
With that the student was dismissed. and no
did not meet Kopp again until the evening Of
the examination. at which the old chemist as
dekan presided. All examinations were acute
agony for Kopp. especially when the candidate
was not well up In his subject As soon as
the candidate stuck fast in subject Kopp
would jump up from the big Presidents chair.
put his hands under his dress coat tails, which
reached to his calves. and hobbe about the
room looking at the walls and exclalming:
"Humph! humphl Oh! we'll! OIL Getting
rather late! Must be getting along to the
next subject" That came from the kindnoss
OF the old mans big heart, for his suffering
and embarrassment when man was piuckod
was really pit.able.
When the student was called In from his
es to hS ht he
wreathed In smiles. He would approach the
young man. reach up with his left hand to the
candidates shoulder. and say: We have de-
ctded to grant you the degree Of doctor" at
the same time .graspng the young mans right
hand and rising on tiptoe to whisper In the
new doctors oar. And you will DO satisfied
with your grade. sir. / can tell YOU"
kopps body was followed to the grave by
tho undergraduates OF Heidelberg and many
alumni. who loved him for his hidden kind
He was 75 years DID,. He leaves v one 81 the
greatest names In Germanys. literature OF
chemistry and only one man. the aged Bun.
by anybody az his euuaL