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Mihail BalugianskijScientist and statesman
Country:
 Russia |
Content:
- Mikhail Andreyevich Balugyansky: A Scholar and Statesman
- Academic Career
- Invitation to St. Petersburg
- Contributions to Law and Finance
- Tutor to Grand Dukes
- St. Petersburg University and the Rector's Crisis
- Conflict with Nicholas I
- Return to the Commission for the Codification of Laws
- Establishment of the Second Division
- Overseeing Student Training
- Later Career and Legacy
- Scholarly Contributions
- Character and Reputation
Mikhail Andreyevich Balugyansky: A Scholar and Statesman
Early Life and EducationMikhail Andreyevich Balugyansky was born in Zemplinsky County, Hungary, in 1769. He pursued his legal studies at the University of Vienna and graduated with honors.
Academic Career
Balugyansky became a professor at the newly established Grozsvardein Academy, where he taught economics and political science. Later, he joined the faculty of the University of Pest.
Invitation to St. Petersburg
In 1803, Balugyansky was invited to St. Petersburg to teach at the Teacher's Seminary, which was later transformed into the Pedagogical Institute. He also served as editor for the Commission for the Codification of Laws, specializing in public finance and economics.
Contributions to Law and Finance
From 1809 to 1812, Balugyansky headed the 4th Department of the Commission. He worked on projects related to public law, rural legislation, and ministries' reorganization. He also researched the history of financial administration from Peter the Great's reign to 1812.
Tutor to Grand Dukes
From 1813 to 1817, Balugyansky taught economics and political science to the Grand Dukes Nicholas and Michael Pavlovich. He also contributed to the emancipation of serfs in Livonia and drafted a financial plan for the government.
St. Petersburg University and the Rector's Crisis
Election and AdministrationUpon the establishment of St. Petersburg University in 1819, Balugyansky was elected Dean of the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences. He also served as the university's rector from October 1819.
Conflict with Nicholas I
However, Balugyansky resigned as rector in 1821 due to conflicts with university officials who accused professors of promoting anti-Christian and revolutionary ideas. He continued to fight against the persecution of his colleagues.
Return to the Commission for the Codification of Laws
Collaboration with SperanskyIn 1822, Balugyansky rejoined the Commission for the Codification of Laws and oversaw its proceedings. He worked closely with Count Mikhail Speransky, who led the commission.
Establishment of the Second Division
In 1826, the Second Division of the Imperial Chancery was established to oversee law codification. Balugyansky was appointed as its head. Speransky became the overall director, and Balugyansky played a supporting role.
Overseeing Student Training
Balugyansky was tasked with supervising the training of students from theological academies who were preparing to teach law. He provided guidance and arranged for them to study abroad.
Later Career and Legacy
Senate and II DivisionBalugyansky was appointed as a senator in 1839. He remained the head of the II Division until his death in 1847.
Scholarly Contributions
Balugyansky's scholarly works, including his treatise on the history of economic systems, remain unpublished in the archives of the II Division.
Character and Reputation
Balugyansky was described as a modest, compassionate, principled, and honorable man. He possessed a vast knowledge of economics and politics, and his ability to organize and guide his students was widely admired.
