[30]. Bettina von Arnim.
[31]. A celebrated work on the Christian Dogma by Friedrich David Strauss.—Tr.
[32]. Humboldt refers here to Schelling, the philosopher, who had just received from the King of Prussia a call to Berlin, and who, in a penitent spirit, endeavored to reconcile Christianity and philosophy, thus recanting his former views. Humboldt was quite exasperated at his conduct.—Tr.
[33]. The Stercoranists are those who believe that the Host is subject to digestion.—Tr.
[34]. King Ernest August of Hanover.
[35]. Allusion to the new order—pour le mérite.
[36]. The usual festivities in family circles on New Year’s night in Germany.—Tr.
[37]. The work of Marc Fournier: Russie, Allemagne et France. Paris, 1844.
[38]. Arago uses thou and thee in his letter to Humboldt—the evidence of great friendship and intimacy.
[39]. Humboldt had supplicated for a politically-prosecuted young man, who is alluded to under that designation.—Tr.