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Giessen, 18. Aug. 1858.

Dearest and most honoured Sir!

I received Your congratulatory letter the 18. July, the day of my Jubilee of past half a hundert Years of office, and I can't express, how great joy, emotion and satisfaction I felt by the aspect of Your affectionate remembrance. I appreciate Your letter as the dearest one of the gread number of treasures I received this Day from the goodness of my friends, pupils and Colleagues, and also of many learned Societies and Academies. Your excellent lines shall be carefully kept in my family as a dear memorial.

But You put me to the blush by bestowing praises upon me I am far to deserve.

However the advertence, good opinion and indulgency of the first obstetric practitioner, teacher and writer in England, well known and greatly esteemed in Germany and, by rare exception, well acquainted with our language and literature, is very much flattering for me; and I return my best thanks.

You receive this lines by a dear friend of mine: Dr. Eckhard, Professor of Anatomy and Physiology, who is longing for Your acquaintance. I beg You to admit him among Your friends and to direct him in his intention to visit the dinguished Professors and the public and private institutions of Anatomy and Physiology in Edinbourgh.

If You should be amused to hear a description of the Days of me Jubilee Dr. Eckhard will be ready to give an account of them.

My best wishes to You!

I have the honour to sign respectfully

* as Yours

Ritgen.