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188
SÖNYA KOVALÉVSKY
strass, and more especially on account of the one
entitled " Zur Theorie der partiellen
Differentialgleichun-gen" (Crelli’s Journal). It is considered to be one of
the most remarkable works she ever published. By
special dispensation she was exempted from the viva
voce examination. The following letter to the Dean of
the Philosophical Faculty in Göttingen shows the
characteristic motive which led Sönya to crave this
favor, so rarely, and only in the most exceptional
cases, granted.
The very reverend Dean will graciously permit me to add
something to the letter in which I present myself for admission
to the degree of Doctor Phil, in the mathematical faculty. It is
not lightly that I have decided on this step, which compels me
to forsake the retirement in which I have hitherto lived. It is
only a wish to satisfy my dearest friends which causes me to
desire from my inmost heart to be fairly tested. I wish to give
them an incontestable proof that, in devoting myself to the
study of mathematics, I am following the determined bent of my
nature, and that, moreover, this study is not without result. It
is this which has made me overcome my scruples. I have been
told that, as a foreigner, I can obtain the degree in absentia if I
can show works of sufficient importance, and produce
recommendations from competent authorities.
At the same time I hope the very reverend Dean will not
misconstrue me if I acknowledge openly that I do not know whether
I have sufficient aplomb to undergo an examen rigorosum, and I
fear that the unusual position, and having to answer, face to
face, men with whom I am altogether unacquainted, would
confuse me, although I know the examiners would do all they could
for me. In addition to this, I speak German very badly. When
I try to speak it, it seems to escape me, though, when I am at
leisure, I can use it in all my mathematical work. The cause of
my faulty German is that though I began to speak it five years
ago, I spent four of those years quite alone in Berlin, never
having any occasion to speak or hear the language, except during the
few hours my honored master devoted to me. For these reasons
I venture to request the very reverend Dean kindly to intervene
so that I may be exempted from the examen rigorosum.
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