MEMOIR OF LINNAEUS. 
got into disagreeable embarrassments, by pronouncing 
the famous Seven-Headed Hydra to be a deception, 
composed of weasels' jawbones, covered with serpents' 
skins. He found it necessary to leave the place, for 
in so great value was this serpent esteemed, that it 
had been pledged in security for a loan of ten thousand 
marks, a value which this discovery by no means 
enhanced. Upon his arrival at Harderwick, he was 
introduced to the professors, wrote and defended his 
thesis, and finally received his degree of M.D., with 
a diploma containing testimonials of his abilities, as 
flattering as those given upon his leaving school had 
been discouraging. 
When this object was accomplished, it had been 
arranged, that Linmeus should settle in Sweden as a 
practical physician, under the patronage of Dr Moreus, 
and he set out on his return, travelling through 
Holland, that he might gain the acquaintance of the 
celebrated men, and increase his information in the 
profession he had now chosen. Various circumstances, 
however, prevented his immediate return, and the 
three probationary years had almost expired, before 
he could revisit his country or claim his bride. 
At the commencement of his journey homewards, 
the first place where Linnaeus remained for any time 
was Amsterdam. Here he gained the friendship of 
the celebrated Boerhaave, and that of Dr Gronovius ; 
the latter a person of still greater importance to his 
after fame. Gronovius was so much pleased with 
the sketch of the Systema Naturce, by our young 
