DIPLOMA OF PHILOSOPHY. 109 



diploma in the faculty of philosophy. He did 

 this with no idea of making it a substitute for 

 his medical degree, but partly in deference 

 to Martius, who wished the name of his young 

 colleague to appear on the title-page of the 

 Brazilian Fishes with the dignity of Doc- 

 tor, and partly because he believed it would 

 strengthen his chance of a future professor- 

 ship. Of his experience on this occasion he 

 gives some account in the following letter : 



TO HIS BROTHER. 



MUNICH, May 22, 1829. 



. . . As it was necessary for me to go 

 through with my examination at once, and as 

 the days for promotion here were already en- 

 gaged two months in advance, I decided to 

 pass it at Erlangen. That I might not go 

 alone, and also for the pleasure of their com- 

 pany, I persuaded Schimper and Michahelles 

 to do the same. Braun wanted to be of the 

 party, but afterward decided to wait awhile. 

 We made our request to the Faculty in a 

 long Latin letter (because, you know, among 

 savants it is the thing to speak and write the 

 language you know least), requesting .permis- 

 sion to pass our examination in writing, and 

 to go to Erlangen only for the colloquium and 



