Johann Müller : an éloge pronounced in the Hall of the University of Berlin / by Professor Rudolph Virchow ; translated and edited by A. Mercer Adam.

  • Virchow, Rudolf (Rudolf Ludwig Karl), 1821-1902.
Date:
1859
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Johann Müller : an éloge pronounced in the Hall of the University of Berlin / by Professor Rudolph Virchow ; translated and edited by A. Mercer Adam. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Glasgow Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Glasgow Library.

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    G only one—the mathematician, Leutzinger—to whom he himself, in his dissertation, attributed any particular share in his mental development; and we may therefore conclude, that the course which was taken by his youthful mind was not directed either by the example or influence of any specific personality. And so it becomes all the more necessary for us to consider the events of the time as the principal circumstances which determined his career. How early are dispositions and inclinations implanted in the mind of a child, which powerfully influence his after life! And how difficult is it for the education of later years, or the strength of the self-conscious will, to efface those impressions which have been strongly stamped on the pliant mind of boyhood ! The example of parents, the conduct of associates, the intercourse of neighbours, the scenes of home and of town-life, the appearances of natui'e, and narra- tives of the past or present,—these are the mighty powers which early inspire us with images, with yearnings, and with thoughts which we afterwards relinquish with the utmost reluctance and difficulty. Special education determines the capabilities of any organ even more than original adaptation. Miiller's father was a shoemaker, of Moselle origin, who inhabited a small house in the Jesuits' Street in Coblentz. In spite of his limited means, he bestowed every care upon the education of his boy; and after his early death, his wife still continued to carry out his intentions towards their son.' But what results could she expect ? A son, whose education has raised him far above the usual ac- quirements of the home circle, must necessarily become estranged to his family;—and he will be obliged to go abroad to find the means for satisfying most of his wishes and aspirations. Miiller felt this,—that it must be himself alone who could raise the family;—that he must succeed! The further he advanced, the more richly would he be able to repay the love and self-denying sacrifices of his parents. Plis father was dead, and therefore he must become the head of the family; so a religious feeling, of a deeper intensity than mere filial affection, bound him thenceforth more closely to his mother. Muller was educated in the faith of the Roman Catholic Church ; for into the district of Treves, which was still a spiritual kingdom, Protestantism had never yet penetrated. Catholicism had reigned paramount here for a thousand years, in all the pride of sovereignty; and, interpenetrating and encompassing all things, it early took the children under Its care. It is little wonder, then, that Johann (as his oldest school-fellow relates), when about seven or eight years old, wished to become a Catholic priest. The heart of his mother must nave been rejoiced by her son's idea, and no doubt his wishes re- ceived her support and commendation. So, at ten years old we Rav« J'fVitw, attached to his Inaugural Dissertation, John Muller r^Lwvnf 1 parentum optimorum cura et caritate nil impedi- S aHoie'nt 'l* P' conveniunt, imbuerer doc-