A STUDENT AT UPSAL. 17 
misfortunes and adverse chances, but ultimately became the theatre of 
his greatness. 
He arrived at Upsal , with a considerable store of knowledge ; but 
his finances were slender, and such as they were, from the vivacity of 
his temper he could hardly manage them to advantage. Meanwhile he 
pursued his favourite study with all possible zeal, free from care and 
anxiety respecting his bodily support. His professors were Olof or 
O laus Rudbeck, jun. and Robebg. They were both old men; a 
circumstance, which, in several instances, proved fortunate to Linn^us. 
The greatest adept in natural history, and especially in botany, in 
Sweden, was Olaus Celsius, a clergyman, first professor of divinity, 
and afterwards head of the chapter of Upsal. When LinnjEUS first 
began to reform natural history he described him in a letter to 
Baron Haller, as the only botanist of his country*. At first the 
youth hoped, in vain, to profit by the learning of this great man, who 
was then at Stockholm on official business. He was, therefore, obliged 
to continue his career without any guidance except that of his own 
genius. The works of the immortal men of the two last centuries now 
served to enlighten his progress. 
A twelvemonth had scarcely elapsed, when Linnaeus saw himself 
reduced to the most calamitous and distressed circumstances. What little 
substance he had brought with him was expended, he could expeft no 
supplies from home, his debts and the cares of providing for his liveli- 
hood increased, and no chearing prospeft promised a mitigation of hi&. 
* In Sutcia nullus est botanicus , preterquam Ol. Celsius, primarius Tbeologia Pn- 
ftssor, qui absque generibtis pi ant as amat, muscos sedulo quarit. Rudbecklus enim decrepltus 
est. This letter to Baron Haller is dated from Hartecamp, near Leyden, May i, 1737. 
hapless 
D 
