Chapter 68

Sure enough, John and Koch's conversation didn't last more than five minutes.

At such a ball, even if Koch chatted with everyone who wanted to talk to him for five minutes, it would probably go on until late at night. So John was very considerate and didn't take up too much of the other person's time. After a brief few minutes of conversation, he stepped back.

"What did you talk about?"

As soon as John returned, Pick immediately asked eagerly.

"It was simple!"

John shrugged and smiled, "We just talked about his research and my respect and anticipation for his findings... Oh, right, Mr. Koch said he's going to teach at the University of Berlin next year!"

"What?!"

Pick and Luther looked at each other, both seeing the surprise in the other's eyes.

Robert Koch is going to teach at the University of Berlin?

This was a huge piece of good news for medical students like them. After publishing his papers on tuberculosis, Koch's reputation was undoubtedly one of the leading figures in German medical circles. Having such a distinguished person at the university would be a great honor for everyone.

Seeing his two excited friends, John smiled slightly but was considering Koch's words in his mind.

From the content of their conversation, Koch seemed quite interested in John. After all, it was not easy for someone his age to recognize the value of Lister's and others' research. Koch, who had nurtured many people throughout his life, keenly sensed John's potential. However, John himself was a bit hesitant. He was focused on standardizing surgical procedures first, then conducting some basic research, and finally working on drug development and creating new disciplines. As for bacteriology, which was developing the fastest in this era...

John really didn't want to do these basic laboratory tasks.

More importantly, John knew how dangerous it was to study bacteria in this era. People's understanding of these microorganisms was just beginning, and without the effective protective measures of the future, John didn't want to risk his life. After all, Koch and Pasteur often had to travel to places like India and Africa, where epidemics were rampant, and many people died from infectious diseases as a result.

"Uh... let's talk about it later!"

Soon, John once again demonstrated his skill of "putting things off" and pushed this matter to the back of his mind.

After meeting Koch, the most important celebrity-chasing wish of the day was finally fulfilled. John naturally focused his energy on the ball itself. Because old Hunter rarely enjoyed balls, he seldom brought John to such occasions, and this was his first time in Germany, so he was quite interested.

However, after a while, John pursed his lips.

The music was some classical dance tunes, and the dancing made John drowsy. The attire in the hall was the long dresses that John had long grown tired of. Although there were a few quite pretty girls, none of them left him particularly impressed. Moreover, with no other acquaintances besides his two friends, John quickly became bored and felt like yawning.

However, while John was observing his surroundings, he didn't notice that many people were secretly looking at him. At 1.85 meters tall, with a slender but well-proportioned build, and a face that, while not exceptionally handsome, had a unique charm, John stood out in this ball dominated by middle-aged people. In such a gathering of important figures, John's composed demeanor also caught people's attention. Even Pick and Luther gained a new appreciation for their friend after seeing him calmly converse with Koch.

"Feeling bored?"

Seeing John looking a bit gloomy, Luther asked with a smile.

"Yeah, a bit."

John didn't hide it, nodding and smiling wryly.

"Ha, these balls are indeed not very interesting."

Pick also chimed in with a smile, "They're small in scale, and most of the participants are from the medical field, so they're quite dull. If you have the chance, I can take you to some balls hosted by people from the business and industrial sectors; those are much more interesting."

"Oh?"

John's interest was piqued by Pick's suggestion.

A few days ago, he had received a letter from Joshua, urging him to find a bicycle partner in Berlin. However, John had been busy "recharging" and hadn't had the opportunity. This ball was a great opportunity, and now that he had a good understanding of the knowledge system of this era, he had plenty of time.

Thinking about this, John smiled and nodded, "Sure, I'd definitely like to check it out if I have the chance..."

...

Out of politeness, John didn't leave until the ball ended. However, after returning to his rented house and washing up, he didn't feel like sleeping. He lay in bed, lost in thought.

Today's meeting with Koch had reignited the dormant ambition in John's heart!

He had been at the University of Berlin for a full year, and he had learned and understood everything he needed to. Apart from a few things he had no interest in, John couldn't think of anything else worth his continued effort.

At this moment, countless ideas were jumping and shouting in his mind, urging him to let them out!

"Having too many directions to pursue is also a kind of trouble!"

Sighing contentedly, John got up and sat at the head of the bed, lighting the kerosene lamp.

According to John's plan, he would study at the University of Berlin for at most one more year. During this year, he would fully demonstrate his "talent" in the medical field. With his knowledge already aligned, he was confident that the professors would allow him to complete his theoretical studies early and move on to the clinical stage.

Of course, if possible, John would also make some "achievements" in physics and chemistry. This wasn't because John lacked "focus" and wanted to develop comprehensively in three fields; it was simply because in this backward era, he couldn't wait any longer for some future discoveries!

The importance of X-rays in clinical diagnosis is self-evident, but it would be another ten years before Röntgen discovered them, and it would take nearly thirty years for them to be used in medicine. Many drugs were still hidden in German dye works, waiting for John to find them early. This required him to lay the groundwork in physics and chemistry. Otherwise, if a physician suddenly discovered X-rays and developed many drugs in the near future, it would shock many people.

Of course, John had the ability to do these things.

Although he was just an ordinary surgeon in his previous life, the knowledge of physics and chemistry in his mind was still well-preserved, especially the basic chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry he studied in college. He had done many experiments and was quite confident. However, physics was a bit more challenging. Most of John's memories were of principles, and even the experiments he had done were different from the current instruments and equipment, so he would need some external help.

"In any case, let's make a plan for the next few years!"

John was now wide awake and found paper and pen, enthusiastically writing and drawing at the table: "I don't need to stand out too much in physics and chemistry; just showing some talent and doing some experiments with the professors to leave an impression will be enough. In the medical field, I can occasionally visit Koch's lab, but I need to start making a push in the clinical stage when the new semester begins. Next year, I can start presenting some substantial work..."

...