48
4 Observator and Professor
Fig. 4.2 Frederik Kaiser, director of the Sterrewacht Leiden, under whose directorship
the building was realized. Archives Sterrewacht Leiden
From the documents of the curators of Leiden University we know that
Hendricus van de Sande Bakhuyzen informed them of the intended departure
of Valentiner in June 1875; they in turn informed the Minister. The latter
indicated that the appointment of a successor would follow as soon as possible
after receipt of a proposal. Van de Sande Bakhuyzen did submit a proposal
on August 10 to appoint Kapteyn as second observator, in addition to the
honorable resignation of Valentiner and the appointment of his brother Ernst as
first observator. He mentioned that Kapteyn, at his request, had already worked
at the Sterrewacht for some time, from which his suitability for the position
had been confirmed. He hinted that there were possible other candidates, but
that Kapteyn was to be preferred. It then remained quiet for some time.
On September 21, Hendricus van de Sande Bakhuyzen received a letter
from the Minister suggesting another possible candidate. ‘Curators have recently nominated D r Kapteyn for the position of observator. The Minister
suggested however that D r Gleuns should also be considered. [...] You know
him from his numerical work at the Sterrewacht.’ He was requested to provide
arguments for his choice. At the end of the letter the Minister wrote: ‘And
then also clarify who this D r Kapteyn is + what he has done so far. Curators
4 Observator and Professor
Fig. 4.2 Frederik Kaiser, director of the Sterrewacht Leiden, under whose directorship
the building was realized. Archives Sterrewacht Leiden
From the documents of the curators of Leiden University we know that
Hendricus van de Sande Bakhuyzen informed them of the intended departure
of Valentiner in June 1875; they in turn informed the Minister. The latter
indicated that the appointment of a successor would follow as soon as possible
after receipt of a proposal. Van de Sande Bakhuyzen did submit a proposal
on August 10 to appoint Kapteyn as second observator, in addition to the
honorable resignation of Valentiner and the appointment of his brother Ernst as
first observator. He mentioned that Kapteyn, at his request, had already worked
at the Sterrewacht for some time, from which his suitability for the position
had been confirmed. He hinted that there were possible other candidates, but
that Kapteyn was to be preferred. It then remained quiet for some time.
On September 21, Hendricus van de Sande Bakhuyzen received a letter
from the Minister suggesting another possible candidate. ‘Curators have recently nominated D r Kapteyn for the position of observator. The Minister
suggested however that D r Gleuns should also be considered. [...] You know
him from his numerical work at the Sterrewacht.’ He was requested to provide
arguments for his choice. At the end of the letter the Minister wrote: ‘And
then also clarify who this D r Kapteyn is + what he has done so far. Curators