Nor was I more fortunate in putting together an electrical machine.  A friend of the family, whose youth had fallen in the time when electricity occupied all minds, often told us how, when a child, he had desired to possess such a machine:  he got together the principal requisites, and, by the aid of an old spinning-wheel and some medicine bottles, had produced tolerable results.  As he readily and frequently repeated the story, and imparted to us some general information on electricity, we children found the thing very plausible, and long tormented ourselves with an old spinning-wheel and some medicine bottles, without producing even the smallest result.  We nevertheless adhered to our belief, and were much delighted, when at the time of the fair, among other rarities, magical and legerdemain tricks, an electrical machine performed its marvels, which, like those of magnetism, were at that time already very numerous.

The want of confidence in the public method of instruction was daily increasing.  People looked about for private tutors; and, because single families could not afford the expense, several of them united to attain their object.  Yet the children seldom agreed; the young man had not sufficient authority; and, after frequently repeated vexations, there were only angry partings.  It is not surprising, therefore, that other arrangements were thought of which should be more permanent as well as more advantageous.

The thought of establishing boarding-schools (Pensionen) had arisen from the necessity, which every one felt, of having the French language taught and communicated orally.  My father had brought up a young person, who had been his footman, valet, secretary, and in short successively all in all.  This man, whose name was Pfeil, spoke French well.  After he had married, and his patrons had to think of a situation for him, they hit upon the plan of making him establish a boarding-school, which extended gradually into a small academy, in which every thing necessary, and at last even Greek and Latin, were taught.  The extensive connections of Frankfort caused young French and English men to be brought to this establishment, that they might learn German and acquire other accomplishments.  Pfeil, who was a man in the prime of life, and of the most wonderful energy and activity, superintended the whole very laudably; and as he could never be employed enough, and was obliged to keep music-teachers for his scholars, he set about music on the occasion, and practised the harpsichord with such zeal, that, without having previously touched a note, he very soon played with perfect readiness and spirit.  He seemed to have adopted my father’s maxim, that nothing can more cheer and excite young people, than when at mature years one declares one’s self again a learner; and at an age when new accomplishments are acquired with difficulty, one endeavors, nevertheless, by zeal and perseverance, to excel the younger, who are more favored by nature.