Philippine-German Relations (XVII)
I asked already: Why Rizal chose to study in Heidelberg, instead of Berlin or other German places? Was it the beauty of the place Heidelberg? Or was it the known and glorious achievements of the old university of Heidelberg? Rizal developed really a desire for professional growth in Heidelberg. At any rate, Rizal’s decision to specialize in ophthalmology was prompted by his mother’s failing eyesight. This he accomplishged in Paris under Dr. Louis de Wecker, originally an immigrant German Jew. He lived from 1832 to 1906. After a few months in Paris Rizal finally decided to move to Germany. He believed that aside from improving his skill in the technique of eye diagnosis, he could live more easily there since he was convinced that it was cheaper to live in Germany.
“With respect to my studies about diseases of the eye, they are progressing very well”, Rizal wrote to his parents in the Philippines (100 Letters of Rizal, page 246). “I know how to perform the operations. i shall have to train in studying the ocular fundus which needs much practice. In Germany, I am told that they teach this well, but one has to matriculate and pay $110.00 a month. I am going to Germany with nearly $100 which will be reduced to $75 after deducting the transportation fare. If I find that the cost of living is cheap I shall matriculate and it may not be necessary to help me in two or three months. In six months, I hope to speak German, study and follow my speciality… .”
(To be continued!)
Hi Klaus. Very good piece.
Here’s an idea for you: Why not organise a tour of places Rizal went when he was in Europe. I for one will be very interested and I’m sure a lot Filipinos do too.
I’m sure it will answer a lot on the question of why Rizal achieve so much intellectual sophistication coming from a very backward country then. Of course, you are giving some of those answers now…but to see, hear and feel is to believe.
Hi Dr. Sponk Long, thanks a lot. I always appreciate your comments and ideas. Yes, this would be a great idea, but I am pretty sure, that I wouldn’t have the time and possibilities to organize such a tour, even I would love to do it. We don’t know, maybe some readers have the possibilities to do so. I heartily could add my support.