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Details
MELANCHTHON, Philipp (1497-1560). Autograph letter signed ('Philippus Melanthon') to the Mayor and Council of Saalfeld, Wittenberg, 4 September 1542, in German, 3 pages, folio (332 x 215mm), integral address panel, contemporary docket (skilful restoration to margins).
ON THE CHARACTERISTICS REQUIRED OF A SCHOOLTEACHER: Melanchthon has been asked by the Council to report on whether Jacob Birnstiel is a suitable man to serve as a schoolteacher. Having summoned him, Melanchthon finds that he is a good grammaticus and writes well; his capabilities are sufficient for the work. But he is still young, 'und die Jugend unachtsam ist' (and youth is inattentive); also, not all good intelligences have the desire for school work, 'und dieses Werk, wie alle Sachen eine besondere Emsigkeit bei den jungen Knaben, sie anzuhalten, zu fragen, ein Ding oft zu repetiren, darf' (and this work, as with all things, requires an especial industriousness with the young boys, to encourage them, to question them, to repeat something often); Magister Stephan is therefore to be asked to supervise and encourage his colleague, as Melanchthon himself has discussed with them both. Melanchthon has no doubt of Sebastian's skill, desire and modesty and hopes that with God's grace their school will be well looked after.
A brilliant scholar, Melanchthon was professor of Greek at the University of Wittenberg at the age of 21, and retained an interest in educational reform throughout his life.
ON THE CHARACTERISTICS REQUIRED OF A SCHOOLTEACHER: Melanchthon has been asked by the Council to report on whether Jacob Birnstiel is a suitable man to serve as a schoolteacher. Having summoned him, Melanchthon finds that he is a good grammaticus and writes well; his capabilities are sufficient for the work. But he is still young, 'und die Jugend unachtsam ist' (and youth is inattentive); also, not all good intelligences have the desire for school work, 'und dieses Werk, wie alle Sachen eine besondere Emsigkeit bei den jungen Knaben, sie anzuhalten, zu fragen, ein Ding oft zu repetiren, darf' (and this work, as with all things, requires an especial industriousness with the young boys, to encourage them, to question them, to repeat something often); Magister Stephan is therefore to be asked to supervise and encourage his colleague, as Melanchthon himself has discussed with them both. Melanchthon has no doubt of Sebastian's skill, desire and modesty and hopes that with God's grace their school will be well looked after.
A brilliant scholar, Melanchthon was professor of Greek at the University of Wittenberg at the age of 21, and retained an interest in educational reform throughout his life.
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