MEMOIR 1X
a ee
was so pleased with the boy’s eloquence that he
pleaded for him to be allowed to accompany him to
Paris and there study for the Bar: but at that time
the circumstances of the family were such that no
active profession was in contemplation for the younger
son.
In 1841, having finished his course at the
Gymnasium, Alfred Edersheim entered as a student
of philosophy in the University of Vienna. His
purpose was, while proceeding ultimately to the
degree of M.D., to devote himself in the meantime to
literature. For at this date the law regarding the Jews
was such that but one son out of each Jewish family
was allowed to reside in the city; and this only if his
father enjoyed the privilege of citizenship. The
medical profession, however (at that time the only
learned profession open to Jews), offered this advan-
tage: that, by being attached to an hospital, tempo-
rary residence, and ultimately perhaps citizenship,
might be obtained.
Many tales are told of the adventures into which
at this time the young student was led by his high
spirits. On one occasion he was arrested for mimicry
of the sentinels on duty, and was only released when