Dear Mamma, ... I am thinking of staying here another month, after which I shall go (at least that is my desire) for ten days to Giessen, where there will be a General Congress of naturalists and physicians from the whole of Europe. This Congress tempts me so much that I want to do my utmost to attend it.
Besides all the scientific benefit that I shall reap from conversations with scientists, I can also study Professor Leuckart’s rich collections. This would complete the studies which I am successfully pursuing at the seaside.
In order to realise my ardent wish to profit by such treasures, I must remain three weeks longer at Heligoland, travel to Giessen and live there for ten days; all that out of the money which was to keep me here until the 26 Aug. only.... Therefore, instead of living in the hotel, I have taken a room at a fisherman’s, for half the price; instead of a dinner and coffee I eat what I can get and I only spend 90 centimes a day for my food. (Food is dear, as all the provisions come from Hamburg and from England.) Instead of changing my linen two or three times a week, I only do so once or twice, which allows me to spend less on laundry.
The money thus economised, together with the sum which I had put aside for my first installation at Petersburg, constitutes a sufficient capital to provide the following joys and advantages: 1°, I shall stay three weeks longer at the seaside, which will allow me to get on with my researches and to increase my collections; 2°, I shall attend the Congress; 3°, I shall be able to study Leuckart’s collections and take advantage of his books and counsel.
I beseech you not to look upon this description of my present life as a complaint or a murmur; on the contrary I am delighted to procure so many advantages at so small a cost; I am happy, too, to be able to assure you in all conscience that I am not wasting the money that you have found for me with so much care and affection. I only wish I could find myself oftener in the same conditions.
Please also believe that my health is in no way suffering from my work. I give you my word that until now I have not had a single headache.
Moreover, I do not think work is at all detrimental to health; I see here several German scientists who could fell an ox with their fist! Altogether I beseech you not to be anxious on my account; you have quite enough painful preoccupations without that, and I am in such excellent circumstances that there really is nothing to worry about. I kiss your hands many times.
Yours affectionately,
Elie Metchnikoff.
P.S.—Write to me oftener. Every word from you is so precious to me!