  As a matter of fact, Boltzmann's reputation as a theoretical physicist was actually widely known and well-respected. In 1888 he was offered (but declined, after a curious sequence of negotiations) a most prestigious chair in Berlin. Later, several universities (Vienna, Munich, Leipzig) competed to get him appointed, sometimes putting the salaries of several professorships together in their effort (Lindley 2001). He was elected to membership or honorary membership in many academies (cf. Höflechner 1994, 192), received honorary doctorates, and was also awarded various medals. In short, there is no factual evidence for the claim that Boltzmann was ignored or suffered any unusual lack of recognition from his contemporaries. His suicide seems to have been due to factors in his personal life (depressions and decline of health) rather than to any academic matters. 