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

The fact that the professors as a rule
do not pay much attention to their per-
scnal 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
ties, 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-
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 professor, whatever
may be the occasion, is 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
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-
slider the state OF philosophy at the
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
tenz, which is very rarely conferred on
a professor. He is connected with one
of the smaller universities, and once
received a flattering invitation to go 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 We're 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, shall go
to Berlin after ALL" Quite in contrast,
however, is the modesty of Professor
Mommsen, who recently, on the cele-
Lbration of his eightieth birthday, was