There is no doubt about the meaning of Wilhelm von Humboldts reform of the Prussian university. It has been imitated throughout the world. But how has it been implemented? For the first time the author associates aspects of educational formation and cultural history with economical facets. In the centre of attention are the earnings of the full professors and especially their so called "Kolleggelder," payments of the students for lectures. Thereby can be proved how important financial aspects have been for the success of the "Humboldt-System" and how the full professors became an "elite" in...