Rizal took ophthalmology in order to cure his

mother’s eye ailment.

WHY DID RIZAL GO TO PARIS?

Rizal went to Paris to increase his knowledge on

ophthalmology.

ACTIVITIES IN PARIS:

Passed by Barcelona on his way to Paris (visited

friends: Maximo Viola and Eusebio Corominas)

Worked as an assistant to Dr. Louis de Weckert,

leading French ophthalmologist

Outside work hours, he often visited Juan Luna’s

studio. He even posed for some of Luna’s works.

(Death of Cleopatra, The Blood Compact)

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Location: Gay Paris (1885-1886)

Rizal as a Musician

Rizal didn’t really have the natural talent for music;

he studied music because all of his friends were.

Learned the piano, solfeggio, voice in a 1.5 months

(letter to Enrique Lete, 1878)

Rizal was able to play the flute really well through

determination and constant practice.

Location: historic Heidelberg (Feb-aug 1886)

Rizal reluctantly left Paris after acquiring enough

knowledge on ophthalmology. (Feb 1, 1886)

Visited other German border towns (Strasbourg)

ACTIVITIES IN HEIDELBERG:

Rizal arrived February 3, 1886. The city is known for

its old university and romantic surroundings.

Worked at the University Eye Hospital (under Dr.

Otto Becker)& attended lectures of Prof. Wilhelm

Kuehne

Visited scenic spots (during weekends). He noticed

that German Catholics & Protestants lived in

equality and harmony. (no discrimination despite

differences)

In spring of 1886, Rizal wrote one of his famous

poems “To the Flowers of Heidelberg”, reminiscent

of his garden home in Calamba. (this shows Rizal’s

homesickness and his ability to never forget where

he came from)

Rizal was able to witness the 5th centenary

celebration of the University of Heidelberg just 3

days before his departure.

Again, he felt sad to leave. He left August 9, 1886.

With Pastor Ulmer at Wilhelmsfeld

Rizal spent 3 months here (summer

vacation from studies)

He stayed in Pastor Ullmer’s home. He

was favored by the wife and family.

Rizal left June 25,1886.

Rizal never forgot to express his

sincerest gratitude to the Ullmer family

(evidenced by his letters)

Rizal sent his first letter to Blumentritt,

who eventually became Rizal’s best

friend.

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Location: Leipzig and dresden (Aug-nov 1886)

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ACTIVITIES IN LEIPZIG:

Rizal arrived Aug 14,1886. Cheapest cost of living.

Attended lectures in the University of Leipzig

(history and psychology)

Translated William Tell from German to Tagalog.

He wanted the Filipinos to know the story of Swiss

independence. (also translated Fairy Tales)

Worked as a proof-reader in a publisher’s firm

Rizal left Leipzig Oct 29,1886

ACTIVITIES IN DRESDEN:

Rizal met Dr. Adolph Meyer, director of

Anthropological & Ethnological Museum.

Only stayed in the city for 2 days and heard

Catholic Mass. Rizal was impressed by the mass.

Rizal left Dresden November 1,1886

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Location: berlin (Nov 1886-1887)

RIZAL WELCOMED IN BERLIN’S SCIENTIFIC CIRCLES:

Rizal was impressed with Berlin’s scientific atmosphere and the absence of race prejudice

Met Dr. Feodor Jagor, who foretold the downfall of the Spanish rule and the coming of Americans to

the Philippines in his book (Travels in the Philippines)

Was introduced to Dr. Rudolf Virchow, famous German anthropologist, and Dr. Hans Virchow ,

professor of Descriptive Anatomy

Met Dr. Wilhelm Joest, German geographer

Worked in the clinic of Dr. Karl Ernest Schweigger, famous German ophthalmologist

Became a member of the Anthropological, Ethnological, and Geographical Society of Berlin.

His knowledge in science was duly recognized. In fact, he was the first Asian to be honored as such.

Rizal wrote a scholarly paper Tagalische Verkunst (Tagalog Metrical Art) and received favorable

comments

RIZAL’S LIFE IN BERLIN:

Rizal lived a methodical and frugal life.

He was a medical assistant by day and student by

night. He exercised daily and practiced his German,

French and Italian skills. He even took French private

lessons (under Madame Lucie Cerdole)

His leisure moments were spent touring the

countryside around Berlin, while observing customs,

dresses and occupations of peasants.

The winter of 1886 was his darkest winter. Rizal was

flat broke and his health broke down due to lack of

nutrition.

Top 5 Reasons why Rizal lived in Berlin: 1. Gain further knowledge on ophthalmology 2. Further his studies of sciences and

languages 3. Observe economic and political conditions 4. Associate with famous German scientists

and scholars 5. Publish Noli Me Tangere

2 German Customs Rizal Admired: 1. Yuletide Custom: the careful taking of

Pine tree bush and turning them into decorations for children to see.

2. Self-introduction during gatherings

On German Women:

“The German woman is serious, diligent, educated and friendly. She is not gossipy, frivolous and quarrelsome like the Spanish woman. She is not particular about beautiful dresses and expensive

jewelry, though she could dress nicely like any other woman in the world” (Letter to Trinidad) The women in the Philippines are more concerned with how they look rather

than how much they know. However, Rizal still praises the manners, devotion and hospitality of Filipino women. They must cultivate their intellect and take more interest in worldly affairs in order to command higher respect.