100 THE NATIONAL SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTIONS AT BERLIN. 



strange that the section of public instruction at the present moment of 

 time ventures to advocate a plan, the execution of whibh would lead 

 one to the supposition of quieter and happier days." He continues by 

 saying that only such high educational establishments as the Berlin 

 University is intended to be, can exert an external influence, and that 

 by such a foundation the King would be instrumental in combining with 

 him firmly everyone throughout Germany interested in education and 

 enlightenment; he would instill new zeal for the rejuvenation of his 

 realm and offer to German science a never-hoped-for asylum at a time 

 wheu part of Germany had been destroyed by war and another i)art 

 was governed over by a stranger. Thus the patriotic ideal became 

 prominent in the plan for the foundation of the new university. 



Wilhelm von Humboldt finally recommended formally its foundation 

 at Berlin, to bear the time-honored name of University, since the nature 

 of things requires a division of scientific institutes into schools, univer- 

 sities, and academies. He asked in the name of the University for a 

 fund of 60,000 thaler, ($45,000,) and for the two academies — the Academy 

 of Sciences and the Academy of Arts — a fund of 4,000 thaler ($3,000) 

 additional to their present means. 



By order of August 16, 1809, the King jiroclaimed that he considered 

 the plan for higher education within and without the limits of the realm 

 of such importance as to prohibit any further delay in the foundation 

 of a University at Berlin which should be endowed with the privilege 

 to confer academic honors. 



An annual amount of 150,000 thaler ($112,500,) was granted to all the 

 scientific establishments at Berlin, and the palace of the late Prince 

 Henry deeded under the name of the " University building." 



At the time of financial trouble the establishment of a new univer- 

 sity presented a grave economic problem. The King however did not 

 withhold his private fortune to aid the state or the i)eople. The gold 

 l)late was withdrawn from the royal tables and coined and the remains 

 were sold. 



At last the stage for the settlement of the question of internal ad- 

 ministration was reached. A royal decree of May 30, 1810, appointed 

 a commission for the purpose. 



The appointment of jirofessors continued at salaries averaging be- 

 tween 1,200 to 1,500 thaler ($900 to $1,125), with from 200 to 500 thaler 

 ($150 to $375) added for travelling expenses. 



On September 22, 1810, the section of public instruction submitted 

 to the King its final report, in which it was stated that "Thus this 

 important institute has been opened in accordance with the will of your 

 Majesty, and the section recognizes with respectful thanks the pow- 

 erful protection and grateful i)rivileges accorded the university to 

 which alone it owes its rapid and healthy establishment. For among all 

 the renowned universities of Europe there is not one possessed of such 

 a number of tried teachers, with such scientific means, and with sucU 

 splendor in building." 



