Correspondence (incoming): begging letters, E

of a fulfillment of these pure aspirations. He completed a scientific course at the University of Moscow, attracting the attention of the professors of these sciences to the study of which he passionately devoted all his spare time, finding in this his sole satisfaction. On finishing the course he remained at the University to prepare for the vocation of a Professor of Philosophy & Psychology. That same year he was elected a member of the Psychological Society connected with the University. This success guaranteed to him the road for following up his scientific studies, and he might have considered himself satisfied, as circumstances were favorable to his broad intellectual interests and that would certainly have been the case if the conditions of his private life had been a little more propitious. Under the influence of the daily demands of his life he is brought face to face with this dilemma either to abandon for ever his dreams of scientific work, dedicating himself to a practical occupation, as a matter of course in a very limited sphere, or to maintain his striving to realize his vocation, as it had flashed upon him once and for all before the court of his mind and senses, but at the same time not to meet with success in search of the material means needful for the attaining of his desired end. Naturally he adhered to the second solution of the question; under these circumstances after long hesitations and doubts, he arrives at the following decision. Whatever it may cost, he is bound to arrive at the marked aim, and if his entire readiness to provide the means of existance for himself and family does not find any practicable application

then there remains only one issue, to seek for a certain time, about 2 - 2 1/2 years, the outside assistance necessary for the preparation for a scientific degree. The possibility of such an issue involves necessarily the existance of a humane and enlightened feeling on the part of the person, who would give his pureminded entreaty for his aid during this difficult transitory period to Miss, whose generosity and riches are known to every man. Now I should imagine that you will not be very surprised when I say that the whole position represented here by me is of a personal character, in other words, the Miss, to whom the young man has addressed himself, is you, and the youth who burns to be of use to science and enlightenment the conditions of whose life are preventing him from giving himself up to intellectual work, is I.

Miss! help me - and in few years you will be convinced that helping me you have fulfilled a useful thing - you will see that your little capital will bring in handsome profits! I entreat you to be so kind as to let me know your decision. I think is useless to mention that the matter is too grave to allow me to live in perfect equanimity and patience during the time which must elapse between my present letter to you and your decision thereon.

Respectfully yours S. Ewerling

My address: Russia, Moscow, Rasgouliai, Aptekarsky per, house Michailow, lodg. N1. Sergius Nicolas Ewerling.

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