1885.11.17 English

Copenhagen 17th November 1885[1]

 

 

Sir Steenstrup, Councillor of State

 

Dear Sir,

 

 

Yesterday I returned from my short journey and today I take the liberty to forward to you and  to the other directors[2] the 2 articles, recently published in “Berlingske”,  that very briefly describe my work related to weighing and measuring.

 

It is still somewhat incomprehensible to me that I have not been granted the chance to present to the Board the evidence that we have worked immensely hard and successfully in all areas of the sphere under our research. This repudiation is so much more perplexing, considering that both you, Sir, and his Excellency Madvig[3] used to express the opinion that I would be allowed to meet the Board. But even in the event that such a permission is not granted, I might at least – in my view – be conceded the privilege of presenting my material, the raw materials and my graphic drawings, in front of a smaller circle of members of the Board.

 

Once more I take the liberty of recommending my case for your possible support and assistance.

 

 

Your most faithful and devoted

 

 

R. Malling-hansen

 

17/11 85

 

 

[1] Handwritten letter

[2] CB: This letter deals with the same issue as the one dated November 10, namely that RMH is requesting financial support from this (to us unknown) fund for printing and publication of his discoveries concerning the Periods of Children’s Growth. Hence, we must find out the nature of this fund, for which Mr Madvig and Mr Steenstrup are on the board; from the previous letter it emerges that it is a state fund, foundation or charitable trust.

[3] CB: Presumably Johan Nicolai Madvig (1804-1886), a leading Danish politican during the 19th century. MA in 1825 – only 21 years old! Professor of Philosophy 1829-1879! Minister of Culture 1848-1851. Chief Inspector of Schools 1848-1874. One of the leading politicians among the national-liberals during the two wars between Denmark and Germany 1848-51 and in 1864.

Japetus Steenstrup, 1813-1897. Photo: The Royal Library
Johan Nicolai Madvig, 1804-1886. Photo: The Royal Library