852 
LINNAEUS 
Sweden, he calculated he would gain a better chance 
of obtaining the vacant professorship after the young 
Linne. It will, however, be seen, that if he counted 
on this Thunberg would be a formidable competitor 
for the position. He had brought home from his long 
and extensive travels, rich and valuable collections, 
which, remembering the University’s total want of 
botanic collections, and their small zoological ones, 
would certainly have weighed heavily in the nomination 
to the position. Professor T. M. Fries, after long 
and careful reflection, was convinced that Acrel in his 
negotiations was entirely desirous that the fullest 
advantage should follow from his trusteeship, which 
as the friend of the family for many years he had taken 
upon himself; this view agreeing with his trustworthy 
character, which was generally known and accepted. 
How he also made attempts to conserve the collection 
in the country, either in the University or in the 
possession of private persons, has been narrated 
previously, the only point not being clear, is, why 
he did not let Dahl buy them, but in this we have 
his word against the latter’s, and one may be as 
valuable as the other. It was said by some that 
Dahl’s offer being expressed in such vague terms, 
Acrel, and perhaps the heirs, found themselves obliged 
to prefer the certainty of the English offer, especially 
as they felt themselves bound by the contract practic¬ 
ally completed. With regard to the unjust judgment 
upon Acrel when he wrote his final statement to the 
heirs that he demanded an unreasonably high com¬ 
mission of six per cent., with, in addition, credit for 
half of the disbursements, it is necessary to remember 
that no complaint was made by the heirs for his 
selfishness in pecuniary matters, so that we are entitled 
to believe that the scale of the commission was decided 
beforehand, and that the other disbursements were 
also settled and approved by the family. This is 
strengthened still further by the fact that he continued 
to be one of the family friends. 
