CHAPTER X 



Kharkoff University — Physiology — The Vorticella — Controverey with 

 Kiihne — The Origin of Species — ^The Gasterotricha — University 

 degree. 



There was now no choice and he had to resign him- 

 self to the Kharkoff University. There is not much to 

 relate about this period, which was but a fugitive 

 episode in the course of Elie Metchnikoff, for the 

 " Alma Mater " did not have upon him either the 

 influence or the prestige which it generally exerts upon 

 youth. 



Whilst the stream of new ideas had already reached 

 the Lycee, the University of Kharkoff had remained 

 extremely conservative ; this was owing to the fact 

 that the Lycee professors were young men, whilst those 

 of the University were elderly and old-fashioned. 

 Officials rather than scientists, they were content with 

 ancient methods, and lectured without practical work, 

 from obsolete and ill-chosen manuals. A few of them 

 drank, others neglected their work. In the Medical 

 and Natural Science Faculties, only two agreges were 

 newly appointed, Tschelkoff, the physiologist we have 

 already mentioned, and a chemist named Beketofi. 

 These two were indeed scientists and master-minds, 

 and it was only under their direction that any one 

 did any serious work ; the other lectures were pure 

 formalities. Elie wished to go in for medical studies 



40 



