OP BARON HUMBOLDT. 63 



sive regarding the capability of Alexander for 

 any studies whatever. 



In the company of Dr. Heim, the young 

 Humboldts made short excursions in the neigh- 

 bourhood of Tegel, and witnessed together the 

 annual review of Frederick the Great at Spandau 

 on August 19, 1783. In the same year they 

 removed to Berlin, in order to prosecute in 

 the capital more advantageously their united 

 studies. Wilhelm, the elder, was chiefly en- 

 gaged with ancient languages. In general they 

 had their lessons together, assisted by private 

 tutors. Feeble health prevented Alexander 

 from prosecuting his studies with the same 

 vigour as his older brother, until, by degress, 

 both his physical health and his mental capa- 

 cities improved and developed. The brothers 

 Humboldt were assisted in their studies by 

 the ablest men of Berlin : their position and 

 prospects were most favourable ; and hence 

 the first years of their youthful days in Berlin 

 passed away in unmixed happiness. The 

 love for their native country characteristic 

 of both brothers during their whole lifetime 

 manifested itself more prominently at this 

 period. From their earliest childhood on, the 

 picture of the great Frederick was presented to 

 them, and with it the ideal reforms and actual 



