4.1 The Sterrewacht Leiden
49
Fig. 4.3 Hendricus Gerardus van de Sande Bakhuyzen. From Wikimedia Commons [42]
have not spent a single word on this, which is a nomination like this one is a
bit meagre.’ It looks as if the minister had a clear preference for Gleuns. Now
Willem Gleuns (1841–1906) had studied mathematics in Groningen and had
indeed spent some time at the Sterrewacht at his own request and had done
some mathematical work there. Probably someone had exerted pressure on the
Minister, for example Gleuns’ father, Willem Gleuns Jr. (1808–1881), who
also had studied in Groningen and in 1837 had obtained a doctorate on a
‘mathematical-astronomical’ study on sunspots. His supervisor was the professor of mathematics, who also was responsible for teaching astronomy, Jan
Willem Ermerins (1798–1869). Gleuns, the father, was a teacher of mathematics at the HBS in Groningen and author of several textbooks and articles,
including on astronomical subjects, and enjoyed some national fame.
Van de Sande Bakhuyzen hurried to answer; the next day already he sent an
extensive letter, which I located with some difficulty in the National Archives.
He explained in extenso that Dr. Gleuns had hardly any practical experience in
astronomy or with telescopes and had shown no evidence of a special interest
49
Fig. 4.3 Hendricus Gerardus van de Sande Bakhuyzen. From Wikimedia Commons [42]
have not spent a single word on this, which is a nomination like this one is a
bit meagre.’ It looks as if the minister had a clear preference for Gleuns. Now
Willem Gleuns (1841–1906) had studied mathematics in Groningen and had
indeed spent some time at the Sterrewacht at his own request and had done
some mathematical work there. Probably someone had exerted pressure on the
Minister, for example Gleuns’ father, Willem Gleuns Jr. (1808–1881), who
also had studied in Groningen and in 1837 had obtained a doctorate on a
‘mathematical-astronomical’ study on sunspots. His supervisor was the professor of mathematics, who also was responsible for teaching astronomy, Jan
Willem Ermerins (1798–1869). Gleuns, the father, was a teacher of mathematics at the HBS in Groningen and author of several textbooks and articles,
including on astronomical subjects, and enjoyed some national fame.
Van de Sande Bakhuyzen hurried to answer; the next day already he sent an
extensive letter, which I located with some difficulty in the National Archives.
He explained in extenso that Dr. Gleuns had hardly any practical experience in
astronomy or with telescopes and had shown no evidence of a special interest