 hopes
rose. I ardently desired the acquisition of knowledge. I had often, when at
home, thought it hard to remain during my youth cooped up in one place, and had
longed to enter the world, and take my station among other human beings. Now my
desires were complied with, and it would, indeed, have been folly to repent.
    I had sufficient leisure for these and many other reflections during my
journey to Ingolstadt, which was long and fatiguing. At length the high white
steeple of the town met my eyes. I alighted, and was conducted to my solitary
apartment, to spend the evening as I pleased.
    The next morning I delivered my letters of introduction, and paid a visit to
some of the principal professors. Chance - or rather the evil influence, the
Angel of Destruction, which asserted omnipotent sway over me from the moment I
turned my reluctant steps from my father's door - led me first to M. Krempe,
professor of natural philosophy. He was an uncouth man, but deeply embued in the
secrets of his science. He asked me several questions concerning my progress in
the different branches of science appertaining to natural philosophy. I replied
carelessly; and, partly in contempt, mentioned the names of my alchymists as the
principal authors I had studied. The professor stared: »Have you,« he said,
»really spent your time in studying such nonsense?«
    I replied in the affirmative. »Every minute,« continued M. Krempe with
warmth, »every instant that you have wasted on those books is utterly and
entirely lost. You have burdened your memory with exploded systems and useless
names. Good God! in what desert land have you lived, where no one was kind
enough to inform you that these fancies, which you have so greedily imbibed, are
a thousand years old, and as musty as they are ancient? I little expected, in
this enlightened and scientific age, to find a disciple of Albertus Magnus and
Paracelsus. My dear sir, you must begin your studies entirely anew.«
    So saying, he stept aside, and wrote down a list of several books treating
of natural philosophy, which he desired me to procure; and dismissed me, after
mentioning that in the beginning of the following week he intended to commence a
course of lectures upon natural philosophy in its general relations, and that M.
Waldman, a fellow-professor, would lecture upon chemistry the alternate days
that he omitted.
    I returned home, not disappointed, for I have said that I had long
considered those authors useless whom the professor reprobated
