the challenges faced by the university and its administration, particularly in relation to Russian oppression and the quest for Finnish autonomy. The opening of the memoir introduces Hjelt's role in the University of Helsinki and the political landscape of the time, establishing a backdrop of conflict between Finnish national interests and Russian imperial authority. It recounts significant events, such as the political maneuvering surrounding the appointment of a chancellor and the resonating tensions at the university, particularly regarding professors' political expressions. As Hjelt reflects on his experiences, he provides personal anecdotes and detailed accounts of key figures, setting the stage for a narrative rich in historical detail and personal insight into the struggles faced during the so-called "routavuodet," or "years of oppression." (This is an automatically generated summary.)