WESTPHAL, Rudolf Georg Hermann. Obernkirchen in Schaumburg 3.7.1826 — Stadthagen, Schaumburg 10.7.1892. German Philologist and Musicologist. Son of a mining engineer. Gymnasium in Bückeburg and Rinteln. From 1845 studied theology and classical philology at Marburg, also learned Arabic and Sanskrit (Gildemeister). In 1852 both Ph.D. and PD at Tübingen (für Klassische Philologie und Vergleichende Sprachwissenschaft), 1854-56 ao. Professor. In 1857-62 ao. Professor at Breslau, then private scholar in Breslau, Halle and Jena, in 1872-74 teacher in Livonia, at Ritterschule zu Fellin 1872-73, at gymnasium of Goldingen (Kuldĩga) 1873-74. In 1875-81 Professor at Katkov Museum in Moscow, then back to Germany, again living as private scholar (the family was rather wealthy). Married. He was an eccentric character and had always financial difficulties. After promising early works his publications turned dull and uninspired.
Publications: Several publications on classical philology: on grammar, literature, metrics and music.
– Vergleichende Grammatik der indogermanischen Sprachen. 1. Das indogermanische Verbum: nebst einer Übersicht der einzelnen indogermanischen Sprachen und ihrer Lautverhältnisse. 45+663+98 p. Jena 1873.
– Allgemeine Metrik der indogermanischen and semitischen Volker. 16+514 p. B. 1892.
Sources: A. Rossbach, A.D.B. 42, 1897, 205-216; Stache-Weiske 2007, 702; Wikipedia briefly with photo (more in German version, with photo).
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