Eduard Gans
Eduard Gans, born in Berlin, was a noted jurist. Beginning in 1816, he studied in Berlin, Göttingen, and Heidelberg, where he was influenced by Hegel’s philosophy. In 1820, Gans returned to Berlin and taught law at the university. Gans also founded and presided over the short-lived Society for Jewish Culture and Scholarship. In 1825, he converted to Christianity, which made it possible for him to become a professor of law, and he subsequently specialized in the historical school of jurisprudence. His liberal political views aroused the ire of the Prussian government.