28 HERMANN VON HELMHOLTZ 



that aspect of physiology against which he and Liebig had 

 been contending, and to found an entirely new era in science. 



In the meantime Helmholtz, after receiving a prize in May 

 for his excellent hospital work, was on duty in the eye wards 

 during August; after which, on the recommendation of his 

 superiors (who had long since recognized his merits), he was 

 appointed assistant-surgeon to the Royal Hussars at Potsdam, 

 under the regimental doctor Branco. His Government Ex- 

 amination was not due for two years, so that he could reckon 

 on a protracted period of leisure, not unduly interrupted by 

 official duties, for the development of all the weighty thoughts 

 that had pressed on him since the beginning of his student 

 life, of which the investigations already accomplished were 

 merely the preliminary verification. 



