a treatise. He had
for some time manifested a deep interest in natural science, and
particularly in the branches of chemistry and physiology. He wrote
his thesis in Latin, choosing as his subject, "The wisdom of God in
forming the Human Hand." This was for his age, a work of great merit,
and even his father seemed to have become proud of his abilities, and
gave his free consent for the studious boy to go to Leipzig that he
might attend the lectures at the University, and presented him with
all the money he possibly could spare, amounting to nearly fifteen
dollars in our currency. "This," says Hahnemann, "was the last money
I received from my father." He left his home for Leipzig on Easter,
1775.

He was at first somewhat puzzled by that troublesome subject, "the
ways and means," but fortunately becoming acquainted with two rich
Princes of Greece, who were anxious to be instructed in the English
and French languages. Hahnemann entered into a lucrative engagement
with them as instructor, and also obtained employment as a translator
of medical and philosophical works. The remuneration he received for
private teaching and translating, not only enabled him to supply all
his moderate wants and purchase of books, but he saved a considerable
amount besides. In order to save so much, and at the same time attend
faithfully upon all his classes, he denied himself sleep every other
night. In 1777, we find him attending the hospitals of Vienna where
his excellence of character, and extent of medical information,
completely won him the friendship and confidence of the celebrated
Doctor von Quarin, who perceiving the noble qualities and promising
abilities of the young man, adopted him as a special protege.
Hahnemann says of him, "To him I owe my claims to be reckoned as a
physician. I had his love and friendship." After this, he visited the
University of Erlangen, where he graduated, receiving the degree
of Doctor of Medicine on the 10th of August, 1779. At this time, an
earnest longing for the air of Saxony and the scenery of his native
district seems to have taken possession of him. After having occupied
several prominent positions, the government offered him the office of
District Physician in Gommern, which he accepted in 1782.

After three years residence in Gommern, during which time he had
married, he became tired of professional idleness--as he expresses
himself--and we find him removing to Dresden. For about a year he
oc