Abstract

Using the example of the contacts between The Netherlands and the university theologian and educationalist from Heidelberg, F. H. C. Schwarz, this article demonstrates that intensive personal academic exchange existed already in the early 19th century: It included the reading of scientific literature in foreign languages, book reviews in special periodicals, translation projects, visits across borders, membership of academic societies, scholarships for foreign students and sometimes even offers of chairmanships to scientists of other nations. Even though international research projects were not known at the time, academic contacts did exist and were mostly achieved through correspondence – despite the limitations – as well as travel.