The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-10-19
LIFE OF PRUSKOWSKI, AN ECCENTRIC
 RECLUgE IN AN ALABAMA TOWN

Genius has its drawbacks and pays the penalty of an unbalanced though highly cultivated mind. Dr. August Pruskow- ski was no exception to this almost uni- versal rule of nature He was possessed of a most remarkable and versatile mind, and spoke flucntly twelve languages. His fund of information in history, literature and the sciences was supplemented with that peculiar genius for art that would have made him famous if he had not been so indifferent to public opinion. and the fact that he held his own work in such poor esteem. He would never con- sent to have his pictures exhibited, yet his friends frequently delighted to show them in art centers, where they received great praise. And yet with such a won derful mind and genius he was one of the most peculiar men that ever lived and his oddities and eccentricities still live in tradition. though it has been many years since he retired from public life. He died several years ago. pr. Pruslkowsxis observation-disclosures and his utter lack of the practical in the simplest things of life have been the cause of many amusing incidents that are still fresh in the minds of those who knew him intimately in Florence, Ala, and Columbia, Tenn, where he formerly lived. He came to Florence before the war to accept position in the old Wes- leyan University, where he lived until 1867, when he went to Columbia to ac- cept a position in the Athaneum. He re- turned to Florence in 1872 to farm, and lived near that city until he finally re- turned to Columbia, where his last days were spent.
 His Stay in Florence.
 Dr. Pruskowski had a library of rare value, but he had no idea of their in- trinsic worth. An agent for an eastern dealer In antique books came to Florence and in company with one of Dr. Prus- kowslxis friends called to examine his collection. The old professor was occu- pied and his two visitors began to look at some volumes which were piled in indiscriminate confusion in one corner of the room. The agent showed aston ishment and delight as he picked up an ancient bible, yellow with age and writ ten in the quaint language of centuries ago. He was so visibly pleased with his find that he offered $100 for it. As he scanned the other volumes his surprise and wonder increased, for there were books of rare value printed in the dead languages and old English.
 The stranger selected a few choice uclra otyf value. He would have sold them for a mere pittance, but his friend insisted that he should get a reasonable price and the sum of $25O was paid for them The stranger sent for a carriage and would not take his eyes off the precious volumes until they were safely delivered at his room.
 It Is said that necessity is the mother of invention. but necessity cannot make a practical mind. In many ordinary af- fairs of life he had no practical judg- ment, and was persuaded to buy an old wornout farm near Florence. Here he built a small cabin and spent his time clearing off the rocky hillsides. and pre- pared to raise a crop. neighbor pass ing one day noticed him cultivating his meagre crop with a primitive blow. and an OK. He would blow down one row. then drive around the field and com mence at the same end of the field again. The farmer was amused at this unusual proceeding and asked Pruskowski why he did not blow both ways. Why that Is impossible" replied the old man. Whereupon the farmer went through one row and came back the next. Pruskow- ski looked on with amusement and ex- claimed. You are a. genius; why don't you have that patented7" a
 A man claiming to be a Jewish Rabbi came to Florence and was putting up a most pitiful tale of his misfortune to his fellow Hebrews. citizen meeting Prus- kowsld in town took him to the supposed rabbi. He asked him few questions in several languages, which the pretender could not understand. You are an im- poster said Pruskowski Whereupon the pretender proceeded to make himself scarce, and stood not upon the order of his going. Many stories of his peculiar ities are remembered by the older citi- zens of Florence which would fill a book were they collected.
 Ills Life In Columbia.
 On his arrival in Columbia he asked where he could get the best view of the city, and was directed to Mount Par nassus. He climbed the hill to the point where the water works reservoir Is now located, and from that day till he after wards visited Cincinnati, some years later he never once left the Athaneum grounds. Two amusing incidents occur red with reference to his trip. which H. Illustrates the utter lack of practicability in his makeup. Captain Smith of the Athanaeum persuaded him to take part
 of his money for the trip in checks, after
 much explanations so that in case he should lose his currency he would stiT have something for expenses. It was an entirely new idea and his mind never
 fully comprehended the methods of banking and exchange, He could not understand how he could get the cash n fr