As I purpose appending to this Letter a Postscript (at the end of the Book), I reserve somewhat which I had to say about the Third[31] half-satirical half-philosophical part of the Work, till that opportunity.
Here, out of respect for the rights of a Letter, the Author drops his half anonymity,[32] and for the first time subscribes himself with his whole true name,
Jean Paul Friedrich Richter.
Hof in Voigtland, 29th June 1795.
[31] Fixlein stands in the middle of the volume; preceded by Einer Mustheil für Madchen (A Jelly-course for Young Ladies); and followed by Some Jus de Tablette for Men. A small portion of the Preface relating to the first I have already omitted. Neither of the two has the smallest relation to Fixlein.—Ed.
[32] J. P. H., Jean Paul Hasus, Jean Paul, &c. have in succession been Richter's signatures. At present even, his German designation, either in writing or speech, is never Richter, but Jean Paul.—Ed.
LIFE OF QUINTUS FIXLEIN.
FIRST LETTER-BOX.
Dog-days Vacation. Visits. An Indigent of Quality.
Egidius Zebedæus Fixlein had just for eight days been Quintus,[33] and fairly commenced his teaching duties, when Fortune tabled out for him four refreshing courses and collations, besprinkled with flowers and sugar. These were the four canicular weeks. I could find in my heart, at this hour, to pat the cranium of that good-man who invented the Dog-days Vacation: I never go to walk in that season, without thinking how a thousand down-pressed pedagogic persons are now erecting themselves in the open air; and the stiff knapsack is lying unbuckled at their feet, and they can seek whatsoever their soul desires; butterflies,—or roots of numbers,—or roots of words,—or herbs,—or their native villages.
[33] For understanding many little hints which occur in this Life of Fixlein, it will be necessary to bear in mind the following particulars: A German Gymnasium, in its complete state, appears to include eight Masters; Rector, Conrector, Subrector, Quintus, Quartus, Tertius, &c., to the first or lowest. The forms, or classes, again, are arranged in an inverse order; the Primaner (boys of the Prima, or first form) being the most advanced, and taught by the Rector; the Secundaner, by the Conrector, &c., and therefore the Quartaner by the Quintus. In many cases, it would seem, the number of Teachers is only six; but, in this Flachsenfingen Gymnasium, we have express evidence that there was no curtailment.—Ed.