Page:A Tour Through the Batavian Republic.djvu/171

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THE BATAVIAN REPUBLIC
159

most ancient in the United Provinces, and has enjoyed the greatest share of reputation, was founded the year following this dreadful siege, by the states-general and Prince William. of Orange, to reward the citizens for the unparalleled bravery and constancy with which they defended their town. This institution has had the good fortune to number among its professors and scholars some of the most learned men and excellent physicians that Europe has produced. In its infancy, the younger Scaliger, Heinsius, and Salmasius, prosecuted the study of the ancient languages in this university, with a success which has not since been surpassed; and after their times, Boerhaave, in the physical chair, filled Leyden with medical students from all parts of Europe. To mention all the great scholars and physicians whom this university has produced would be a laborious employment. There is perhaps no science which the professors of Leyden have not eminently contributed to illustrates no branch of polite literature in which they have not excelled.