A Hajdú-Bihar Megyei Levéltár évkönyve 20. 1993 (Debrecen, 1993)
Tanulmányok - Rácz István: A Debreceni Református Kollégium professzorai
THE PROFESSORS OF DEBRECEN COLLEGE István Rácz The first written record of the title „professor” dates back to 1681, and it was not until 1792 that teachers were called „professor” for the first time, as par of the college regulations. 118 professors taught in the College of Debrecen until 1848. Teachers got professorships at a young age: Sámuel Piskárosi Szilágyi was 22^ György Maróthi 23, Ézsaiás Budai 26, and Pál Sárvári 27 years old when they were appointed professors. The clerical as well as the secular leaders of the college paid careful attention to the selection of the professors. Before 1790 the professors were chosen by the City of Debrecen and the Parish of Debrecen, while later the Parish alone decided on this important question. The nomination for professorship was always regarded as a sign of honour, and was accepted by most of the nominees. In order to make the portrait of the professors complete, the author has examined not only their teaching methods and scientific research, but also, for the first time in local historiography, has made an attempt to explore the main features of their poperty, their social and legal status, and their life style. The professors, with few exceptions, were of noble birth, but they did not enjoy any privilege in Debrecen. Nevertheless, they were granted civic rights. Many of them had extensive properties, and they lived in prosperty. 42
