[Born 1812. Still living.]
Of Jewish parents, and originally intended for theological pursuits.
Completing his education in 1832, he abandoned Rabbinical lore for the
study of history, philosophy, and general literature. In 1841, he
published a life of Spinosa, to whose doctrines he was deeply attached,
and a translation of that philosopher’s complete writings. In 1843, he
produced a much more popular and generally interesting work, “Village
Histories of the Black Forest,” which has been translated into English,
Dutch, and Swedish. Since 1845, Auerbach has resided either at Weimar or
Leipzig. He is zealous in the cause of popular education, and, during
the commotions of 1848, took part with the moderate democrats.
[By Ernst Rietschel. Medallion. 1847. In the possession of the
sculptor.]
SCIENTIFIC MEN AND WRITERS.