While studying at Moscow University, Alexander Stoletov demonstrated a keen interest in experimental science. However, at that time he did not have a laboratory in which to conduct scientific research. He became close friends with Konstantin Alexandrovich Rachinsky, who would later become the director of the Petrovsky Agricultural Academy, and his older brother, Sergey Rachinsky, who was a professor of botany. The Rachinsky brothers established a scholarship for “a worthy individual” to study abroad for two years, which was awarded to Alexander Grigoryevich Stoletov by the Physics Department. In the summer of 1862, Stoletov was sent abroad to study physics. Stoletov, having graduated from Moscow University, found himself in the German city of Heidelberg, where prominent physicists such as Kirchhoff and Helmholtz were based.

Heidelberg University, the oldest university in modern Germany, was founded in 1386. During his studies, Stoletov attended lectures on mathematical physics given by Gustav Kirchhoff. These lectures were interesting for the young scientist as they were based on the most recent material and were characterized by a wide scope and depth. Later, Stoletov worked in Kirchhoff’s laboratory. He also attended lectures on physiology given by Hermann von Helmholtz.

In the early 1860s, Heidelberg became a popular destination for Russian scientists, including the prominent figure in medicine and education, Nikolay Pirogov. Under his mentorship, young Russian scientists worked in the city. At different times, Sechenov, Mendeleev, Borodin, and Botkin resided in Heidelberg. Therefore, in Stoletov’s biography, Heidelberg is not only a place where he obtained new knowledge, but also a city where he befriended many accomplished scientists.

In addition to Heidelberg, Stoletov went to Göttingen where he listened to lectures by Weber and Meyer, as well as to Berlin to hear Magnus, Quincke, Paalzow, and Dove. He also worked at the physics laboratories in Göttingen and Berlin. The scientist returned to Moscow in early 1866 after spending three and a half years abroad. After some time, he would return to Heidelberg to work for several months studying the magnetic properties of iron at Kirchhoff’s laboratory. The museum displays a token made by the Nuremberg-based firm Lauer in 1886 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Heidelberg University.