I should like to embody in the title itself the occasion of these lectures, so as to make it understood at once that the book contains more and something else than the lectures. “From reminiscences of lectures in the years 1827 and 1828, by A. v. Humboldt,” is considered, I am told, ridiculous and pretending. I do not insist on it; but “Souvenirs d’un cours de Physique du monde,” or, “Souvenirs d’un voyage en Perse,” seemed simple enough. How shall I arrange the title of the book? “Sketch of the Physical World, elaborated from lectures by A. v. H.:” or, “Partly treated from Lectures?” All that seems rather awkward. Adverbs will not do for titles. What if I add in small type: “A part of this work has _been_ the subject of lectures in the years 1827 and 1828?” This is, however, rather long and then _the verb_! “_Occasioned by_,” &c., would perhaps be better. I trust to _your_ genius! _You_ will help me out of this labyrinth, I am sure! With the sincerest attachment, Your obedient, A. HUMBOLDT. NOTE BY VARNHAGEN.—I had objected to the first herein mentioned title myself when I once dined at Prince August’s, and Humboldt had heard it from Beuth. 5. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, _3d of April, 1829_. I shall call and thank you and enjoy your being home again, and the good effects which the exercise of your new duties have everywhere had. And I will implore _pardon_ of your gifted lady, so dear to me through the misfortunes that happened in my own family. It is never allowed to present a book to the King, not even by Prince Wittgenstein. It must go the usual way. But I will entreat Albrecht very, very fervently.[4] I am quite exhausted and will be off in a week. Friday. A. HT. 6. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, _26th of April, 1830_. I have just come home from Potsdam, and find your dear letter and your present, so very agreeable to me. The “_Zinzendorf_”[5] will delight me very, very much. He is an individual physiognomy like _Lavater_ and _Cardanus_. The recent pietism, which _began_ to break out at Halle, made me smile. I rejoice that you will kindly accept my “Cri de Pétersbourg”—it is a parody recited at Court—the forced work of two nights; an essay to flatter without self-degradation, to say how things _should_ be. As you and your high-gifted wife, my ancient and kind friend, rejoice in anything agreeable that happens to me, I wish to say that the King sends me to the Emperor to attend the meeting of the Potentates. I shall probably go with the Crown-Prince, who will meet the Empress at Fischbach.