Prof. C. F. Lütken

Abstract

CHRISTIAN FREDERIK LÜTKEN was born on October 7, 1837, at Sorö, a small town in Zealand, which at that time possessed an academy where his father was professor of philosophy. When quite a young man, even before his student days, his interest in the natural sciences was awakened, and after his examinations were completed he devoted himself heart and soul to zoology. In 1848 his studies were interrupted by the war between Germany and Denmark, in which he enlisted and served as a lieutenant. In 1852 he left the army and obtained his master's degree with distinction, almost immediately after which he was appointed assistant to Prof. Steenstrup, at Copenhagen, whose pupil he had been in his early days at Sorö. Thus began a connection with the zoological museum of the University which lasted for 47 years, terminating only when illness enforced his resignation.