Correspondence P.A. Pletnev and J.K. Grot as a source on the history of universities and university links in the first half of the XIX century

The article examines various forms and mechanisms of academic interaction that developed between the universities of the Russian Empire, namely between St. Petersburg and Helsingfors (Alexander) universities. This interaction is reflected in the correspondence of two professors-philologists: P. A. Pletnev and J. K. Grot, which served in 1840–1853 at the University of Helsingfors. The results of inter-university communication include the organization of the Russian language department at Alexander University with the participation of Russian professors and teachers, the participation of professors and students of one university in commemorative practices of another (anniversary celebrations, solemn acts), the exchange of scientific and educational literature, organized expert activities, academic migrations, although relatively few in number. An analysis of the forms of cooperation reflected in the confidential personal correspondence of representatives of the two universities reveals the similarities and differences between the two models of the university — the imperial, based the capital and the territorial university, which was the Alexander University in the Grand Duchy of Finland. The observations are based on materials from the correspondence of P. A. Pletnev with J. K. Grot, both published in the 19th century, and archival ones — from the Pletnev fund at the Institute of Russian Literature of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Pushkin House). In addition, documents of university and departmental office work were also involved. The main source under study reflects not only the details of the biographies and characters of both correspondents, but also the peculiarities of everyday academic life, university administration, professorial life, the moods of both correspondents, which change depending on the academic and political situation. The correspondence between the two professors provides an insight into the relationships and conflicts within academic corporations at St. Petersburg and Helsingfors universities. It is important that these relations and events were reflected in the source directly and synchronously with their flow.