Henrik Gabriel Porthan

Henrik Gabriel Porthan (* 8 or November 9, 1739 in Viitasaari, Finland, † March 16, 1804 in Turku ) was a Finnish scholar and is considered the " father of Finnish history ." Port Hans parents were the pastor and his wife Kristina Porthan, born Juslenius. The family was Swedish-speaking. At the site of Port Hans birthplace in Viitasaari today a memorial stone at him.

Academic career

Porthan began his studies in 1754 at the Academy of Turku, the former Finnish capital Turku and earned a Master's degree in 1760. In 1772, he became University Librarian in 1779 and Professor in 1802 councilor.

Philosopher

As a lecturer in philosophy Porthan gained great influence. He represented an eclectic philosophy and was a follower of the teachings of John Locke and an opponent of Immanuel Kant

Linguist

Porthan was a pioneer of modern Finno-Ugric. He began with the collection of Finnish folk songs and poems, a work that was later completed by Elias Lönnrot. He wrote a grammar of the Finnish language and worked on a dictionary of etymology of Finland, which remained unfinished, however.

Historian

As a historian, sat Porthan continuing the work of M. Juusten and extended his historical work. Porthan dealt primarily with the Finnish church history, critics accuse him, however, to have been prejudiced as a Protestant against Catholic customs and traditions.