Biographical Sketch of Dr. Karl Ritter. 223 
erted the greatest influence upon him, were Salzmann himself, 
Bechstein and Gutsmuths, the latter of whom continued here 
also, to take special care of young Charles, and probably im- 
planted in him a love for geographical knowledge. 
The method of instruction was that suggested by Basedow, 
and tried first in the Philanthropin at Dessau, but it was freed 
from those vain and needless peculiarities that adhered to it 
there. Classical languages were less studied, but the most atten: 
tion was paid to all those sciences and accomplishments, which 
stand in direct relation to life, and among these the modern lan- 
prnges occupied a more prominent place, than anywhere else. 
fo this an unusual impetus was given by scholars from different 
countries, who thronged, soon after the opening of the institu- 
tion, to Schnepfenthal. By physical training, and by strength- 
entug the character and intellect, a general and equal develop- 
ment of body and mind were especially aimed at, and, although 
practical rationalism. pervaded the whole institution, darkening 
| alittle the deepest sources of true blessings, there still reigned 
Piety, love, and the purity of high moral sense. Under these 
lnfluences all those noble qualities of Ritter’s heart and mind 
were developed, that distinguished him so much in after days. 
The future lay dark before him, and he had not decided upon 
his course in hfe, but he felt'a strong desire to study, of which 
however there was as yet no prospect. is mother, though 
married again several years after the death of her first husband 
Pig celebrated pedagogue Zerrenner, was not able to provide 
thim. But Providence interposed here also. A rich mer- 
pen from Frankfurt on the Main, associated with the large 
Hit Bethmann, Mr. Hollweg, visited the institution at Schnep- 
al and became very much interested in the young Ritter. 
. sre of his circumstances, he declared himself willing, 
* recommendation of Salzmann, to furnish the necessary 
— of study, upon the condition however, that Ritter, after 
wear ania his studies, should enter Hollweg’s house as 
Ctor of his children. cuits 
: Hall Ritter went, at the age of 17 years, to the University of 
“ {nd was matriculated November 2, 1798, as studiosus ca- 
m under the prorectorate of Curt Sprengel. Here he 
; Be oe, vnich however he sometimes regretted in later hie. 
8 and eutions A. H. Niemeyer, to whose circles he had ac- 
8h imp 2! Whose house he lived, and who exercised upon him 
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