The record-union., 1898-09-25
GERMAN PROFESSORS.
They Are Very Learned, But Also
Verv Human

The fact that the professors as rule
do not pay much attention to their per-
sona1 appearance, however, does not by
any means indicate that they are insen-
sible to their high social position. In
deed one of their marked characters
tics, which they share with their coun-
trymen of all grades, is their keen sense
of rank and station. Appointments to
university positions are eagerly sought,
and to obtain them often involves a
hard struggle and years Of tedious
waiting. When a man has worked his
way up gradually through the various
grades of Doctor, Lehrer, Oberlehrer,
Privat Decent, Observation-Disclosures Pro-
fessor, Ordentlicher Professor, Geheim-
rat and Excellenz, his conception of his
own importance is not likely to de-
crease, especially in a country where
great Difference is paid to rank. He is
likely to resent anything, therefore,
that shows apparent Indifference or
contempt for his social Importance. An
illustration of this was an experience
of an American lady Of my acquaint-
ance She went to call on a professor
in order to get his signature to her uni
versity book. Either from thoughtless-
ness or ignorance she made no special
toilette for the occasion, and, worst of
all, appeared with not only her gloves,
but also a small package in her hand.
The learned man was not only exceed
ingly cool, but positively rude in his
manner yet the next day on meeting
her under other circumstances, he was
almost overpoweringly gracious and po-
lite
A call upon a professor, whatever
may be the occasion, is a very formal
matter, and an examination is such a
solemn ceremony that the prescribed
| rules for dress and conduct are almost
as numerous and strict as those for a
presentation at the court of St James.
No student would dare endanger his
success by not driving around to the
professors house in a carriage of a
certain class, and arrayed in full even
ing dress with high hat and white
gloves.
AS an illustration of the type of pro-
fessor who fully appreciates his own
learning and Importance, take this in
stance: A certain learned man whose
name Is familiar on both continents
was recently lecturing on the history
of philosophy. When he came to con-
present day, he concluded his lecture
with the remark: "At present there are
really only two philosophers of note in
Germany The other one lives in Ber-
| lin." Now this same distinguished
scholar has received the title of Excel
| fenZ, Which Is very rarely conferred on
| a professor. He is connected with one
| Of the smaller universities, and once
| received a hattering invitation to so to
| Berlin, but his own university and
townspeople made such strenuous ef-
| forts to retain their celebrity that, in
| his own mind at least. the question of
| his going or staying had become one
| of national Importance. One day some
workmen were repairing the street near
| his home, and he was naturally much
disturbed by the noise. Hastily throw
| Ing open the window, he called out
angrily to the workmen. IF you don't
go away and stop that noise, I shall go
| to Berlin after ALL" Quite in contrast,
| however, IS the modesty of Professor
| Mommsen, who recently, on the ce1e-
bration OF his eightieth birthday, was