The Youth of Goethe

by P. Hume Brown

[179] Ib. p. 34.

[180] The school was actually founded in 1774, but subsequently, owing to quarrels with his colleagues, Basedow had to leave it. It was closed in 1793.

[181] Basedow remained for a time at Mülheim. As we shall see, he and Goethe met again later in the month.

[182] As Werther was not published till the autumn of 1774, there must be some confusion in Lavater's narrative.

[183] Werke, Briefe, ii. 180.

[184] Biedermann, op. cit. i. 45.

[185] As Goethe at this time knew little of Spinoza's philosophy, it was probably on Spinoza's personal character that he enlarged. On this theme, we have seen, he had discoursed with Lavater.

[186] Biedermann, op. cit. i. 45.

[187] Johann J.W. Heinse, a minor poet of the time, and one of Goethe's most fervent admirers.

[188] Biedermann, op. cit. i. 45-6.