AT STOCKHOLM 
187 
could testify that Dr. Linnaeus, who had lived in his 
(Rudbeck’s) house as tutor, was more eminent and 
more fitted for the post. Roberg also interposed 
difficulties, and the result was, that the third 
professorship was not instituted. Probably it was 
seen that both the chairs would soon be vacant. 
At the request of the University Chancellor, the 
Estates declared that in case of old age or other 
reason, a professor might resign, but enjoy his salary 
during life. The Chancellor, then Count Carl 
Gyllenborg, requested the University to state if the 
students were likely to suffer by the age and weakness 
of professors. It was easy to see that the Chancellor 
earnestly wished that both Rosen and Linnaeus should 
become professors at Uppsala, presumably by the 
resignation of the veteran professors. 
This affair was not remarkable for any especial 
promptitude in the Consistory; after many delays, 
Rudbeck declared that he did not think he should be 
included amongst those who could not discharge their 
duties, as although he was now eighty years of age, 
he was still in full vigour, and was daily at work 
upon his “ Thesaurus harmonious.” He still could 
teach, if a deputy were appointed in order that the 
other important matters he had in hand might be 
completed and printed. Roberg also demurred to the 
Chancellor’s suggestion, and two other professors, 
Gronwall and O. Celsius, aged respectively sixty-eight 
and sixty-nine, protested against being superseded. 
Thus no one admitted the weakness of old age, 
and the Consistory had to declare its belief, that both 
Rudbeck and Roberg were able to discharge their 
duties, in spite of their great age. This statement 
was combatted by Rosen, who hastened to inform 
Linnaeus, that the two professors in question were 
regarded by the Consistory as coming under the rule 
concerning resignation. They protested vehemently 
and so furiously, that he (Rosen) had never seen 
the like. 
