164 HERMANN VON HELMHOLTZ 



so that while there is some probability of the construction of 

 the Anatomical Buildings, nothing is decided. In Heidelberg, 

 on the other hand, I have a position that is in every way 

 convenient for my scientific enterprises. I went to Heidelberg 

 myself, at Carnival time, when they take a few days* holiday 

 here upon the Rhine, to inspect the situation, and also to 

 Carlsruhe. The present accommodation in Heidelberg is im- 

 possible, and I was obliged to ask for a new Physiological 

 Institute, to which the Minister agreed without much difficulty/ 



His father replies with great satisfaction on March 9 : 



' I am rejoiced at your good fortune, and that you have 

 made a reputation which secures you a most distinguished 

 position and an academic position while you are still so 

 young. I told you before that the post at Heidelberg was, 

 in my opinion, in every way more profitable to you than the 

 Chair at Bonn, where I was little pleased with the temper of 

 the learned gentlemen, and thought it very unlike Konigsberg. 

 The proximity of the Court and the fashionable world is not 

 good for men of letters, who are too prone to idealism from 

 their preoccupation with science, and too little versed in worldly 

 matters. I was grieved to hear of your beloved Olga's illness. 

 Doubtless the first days of summer will relieve her of her 

 suffering, which one may hope will not return in the more 

 southern and much milder climate of Heidelberg, with its 

 sunny valleys, near to so many famous health resorts. You 

 must work harder than ever in the future, to live up to your 

 great renown, and overcome all envy at your appointment/ 



But as Helmholtz had not obtained his discharge from the 

 Prussian Government by April, he was obliged to postpone 

 his departure, for Heidelberg till the autumn. On April 28, 

 on his return from a visit to Donders at Utrecht, he received 

 a letter from du Bois-Reymond announcing the death of 

 Johannes Miiller, with the information on good authority that 

 the Prince of Prussia had made very sharp inquiries into the 

 reasons for Helmholtz's departure from Bonn, and had declared 

 his intention of going himself to Baden, to release Helmholtz 

 in person from his contract, and set him at liberty to enter 

 into new relations with the Prussian Government. Helmholtz 

 accordingly writes to Donders: 



'The Prince of Prussia, who is at present carrying on the 



