For the Purpose of Clarifying some Biographical Details of David Sarajishvili

David Sarajishvili, a Georgian public figure, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, was born in Tbilisi on November 23, 1848. He received an extensive and high-quality education in his hometown and later at university of St Petersburg, then at universities in Germany and France.
This article aims to clarify certain ambiguous aspects of his biography by examining documents housed in the Heidelberg University Archive’s Acts of Quality Assignment. Specifically, concerns the clarification of the academic degree awarded to David Sarajishvili. Biographers have presented varying information about this matter. The article also offers a concise overview of his achievements. Our research reveals that in 1871, Heidelberg University had no independent Faculty of Chemistry. Instead, the Faculty of Philosophy was responsible for awarding degrees in Mathematical and Natural Sciences, and _ unlike modern requirements _ no thesis was mandatory for earning a PhD.
In 1871, Sarajishvili passed a two-hour „strict doctoral examination“ at the Faculty of Philosophy in three subjects, earning the distinction „Insigni cum laude“ („Excellent / Notable Success“), as stated on his Latin diploma. Consequently, he was awarded the title Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Free Art, which, because he had declared chemistry as his primary subject, is equivalent to a Doctor of Chemistry.
Sarajishvili introduced the production of cognac using classic French methods to Georgia, elevating it to commercial importance of both economic and national significance. In 1888, he opened the first cognac factory in the entire Russian Empire _ not just Georgia. Between 1889 and 1913, his beverages earned 14 medals at various exhibitions across Russia and Europe.
Sarajishvili contributed generously to many areas of public life: he funded the education of talented young people, provided allowances to the poor, financed the construction and renovation of churches and monasteries, theaters, and hospitals; sponsored newspapers and journals; supported archaeological expeditions; helped compile Georgian folk songs; and assisted in founding educational and agricultural societies, as well as promoting the theater. Respected both in Georgia and abroad (including in Germany, where he studied, and in other places where he conducted business), David Sarajishvili occupies a vital place in Georgian history. Clarifying details of his biography is particularly significant, as his life story forms part of our nation’s historical narrative.