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 



