AT STOCKHOLM 191 
wished to satisfy themselves as to Linnaeus’s power 
to speak Latin. 
To this the Chancellor without delay replied that 
Linnaeus had been a teacher for years in Uppsala, 
and that according to the testimony of many learned 
men in Europe, hardly any Swede had attained so 
great renown, and hoping that matters would be taken 
in hand without delay. The Consistory briefly 
discussed this, but considered the presence of the 
Vice-Chancellor was necessary; on his arrival he 
stated that he did not willingly depart from his former 
opinion, as based on good and safe grounds, but only 
sought the best method of preventing any incompetent 
person being appointed to the University, as he must 
preside and carry on the duties which belong to the 
chair, etc. Then it was decided to send a new letter 
to the Chancellor, asking why the previous decision 
was maintained, pointing out that Linnaeus had 
gained abroad the highest esteem in botanic matters, 
which did not properly belong to this chair. 
The opposition which the Consistory showed by 
being disposed to negative the Chancellor’s order, 
began to fail. Two meetings were held to justify the 
decision arrived at, and at the last one, Rector 
Frondin admitted that he was somewhat uneasy, feared 
his Excellency’s displeasure, and wished to escape 
signing the letter. Professor A. Celsius thought it 
advisable to agree with the Chancellor’s reply. 
Dean Celsius and Professor Roberg held the same 
view, while Professor Beronius considered it inadvis¬ 
able to oppose a man, a Swede, whose name was 
regarded throughout Europe as illustrious, pointing 
out that in a recent instance, Linnaeus, without being 
asked to show credentials, received the votes of all. 
Finally it was resolved to send the letter to the 
Chancellor, the Rector signing it, though very 
unwillingly. 
This refractory conduct of the Consistory towards 
the Chancellor had this result: that a new aspirant 
