LINNiEUS. 235 



treated with neglect, and even with contempt. 

 Science in the North had few gifts to bestow ; and, 

 in order to obtain the means of subsistence, he found 

 himself once more obliged to attempt the practice of 

 medicine. In this, however, he had very little suc- 

 cess, public opinion being opposed to the professional 

 qualifications of one who had merely the reputation 

 of being an aspiring botanist ; and in the capital he 

 seemed destined to undergo hardships similar to 

 those which he had experienced at Upsal. In this, 

 perhaps, the inhabitants judged rightly ; for the im- 

 portant office of a physician certainly ought not to 

 be assumed by one who has resolved to devote the 

 greater part of his time to studies unconnected with 

 the healing art. The only favour, he says, which 

 was at this time conferred upon him was his being 

 elected a member of the Academy of Sciences of 

 Upsal ; and he would have again left Sweden had 

 not his Elizabeth prevented him. 



In this perplexed condition he remained until 

 the summer of 1739, when the tide of misfortune 

 began to ebb. At this time he received from his 

 friend, the illustrious Haller, an offer of the botani- 

 cal professorship at Gottingen, which, however, the 

 prospect of success in his own country induced him 

 to reject. The first turn in his affairs was caused 

 by his having cured two young men of debility 

 brought on by long excesses ; and in less than a 

 month he had under treatment most of the profli- 

 gates in the capital. Soon afterwards a catarrhal 

 fever or influenza became prevalent. He happened 

 to be called to visit, among others, the lady of an 

 Aulic councillor, for whom he prescribed a remedy 

 which she was directed to carry about her for occa- 



