Rizal spent 1886-1887 in Berlin, Germany, which was known for its scientific community and lack of racial prejudice. There, he met Dr. Feodor Jagor, a German scientist who had written a book about the Philippines. Dr. Jagor introduced Rizal to other prominent German scientists, including Dr. Rudolf Virchow. Rizal joined scientific societies and worked in an ophthalmology clinic. He studied various subjects and observed Germany's economic and political conditions. With help from a friend, Rizal was able to publish his novel Noli Me Tangere in 1887 while in Berlin.

1. Berlin

2. Rizal in Berlin (1886-1887)BERLIN: remarkable for its scientific atmosphere and the absence of race prejudice.Rizal met for the first time Dr. Feodor Jagor, celebrated German scientist-traveller and author of Travels in the Philippines, a book which Rizal read and admired during his student days in Manila.

4. Dr. Feodor JagorVisited the Philippines in 1859-1860.Travel in the Philippines was publishedin Berlin in 1873.In this book, Dr. Jagor foretold the downfall of Spanish rule in the Philippines and the coming of America to the Philippine shores.Rizal had a letter of introduction by Blumentritt for him.

5. Dr. Rudolf VirchowDr. Jagor introduced Rizal to Dr. Rudolf Virchow, famous German anthropologist, and also to the latter’s son, Dr. Hans Virchow, professor of Descriptive Anatomy. Rizal also met Dr. W. Joest, noted German geographer.Rizal worked in the clinic of Dr. Karl Ernest Schweigger, famous German ophthalmologist.

6. Scientific Circles in BerlinRizal became a member of the ANTHROPOLOGICAL SOCIETY, and the GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY OF BERLIN, upon the recommendation of Dr. Jagor and Dr. Meyer.Rizal was the first Asian to be recognized by Europe’s scientists.

7. Living in BerlinTo gain further knowledge of ophthalmology;To further his studies of sciences and languages;To observe the economic and political conditions of the German nation;To associate with famous German scientists and scholars; andTo publish his novel, Noli Me Tangere.

8. Life In BerlinMethodical and frugal life in BerlinWorked as an assistant in the clinic of Dr. Schweigger, eminent German ophthalmologistAttended lectures in University of Berlin.Physical exercises in his boarding house and gymTours around city and the country sides, observing... Cafe Bauer, where Rizal used to sit and read newspapers

9. German WomenMarch 11, 1886: Rizal wrote to Trinidad and expressed admiration for German women, describing them to be serious, diligent, educated, and friendly; not gossipy, not frivolous, and not quarrelsome; not particular about beautiful dresses and expensive jewelry, but could dress nicely like any other woman in the world.

10. Rizal with Nelly Bousted, et al.

11. Noli Me TangereCame off the press on March 1887, after Dr. Maximo Viola, Rizal’s friend from Bulacan, arrived in Berlin at the height of Rizal’s despondency and loaned him the needed funds to publish the novel.Rizal’s reading of Harriet Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin, which portrays the brutalities of American slave-owners and the pathetic conditions of the unfortunate Negro slaves, inspired Dr. Rizal to prepare a novel that would depict the miseries of his people under the lash of Spanish tyrants.

12. Next: Rizal’s Grand Tour of Europe with Maximo Viola (1887)