Pilypo Ruigio jaunesniojo ir Mato Pretorijaus Klaipėdiečio asmeniniai, visuomeniniai ir intelektualiniai saitai

This article examines the connections between Philipp Ruhig Jr (Pilypas Ruigys, Philippus Ruhigius, 1675–1749) and Matthaeus Praetorius of Klaipėda (Matas Pretorijus Klaipėdietis, Matthaeus Praetorius Memelensis, c. 1635–1704). The biographical details of Ruhig and Praetorius provide a basis for the exploration of the personal ties between their families. The study discusses their professional backgrounds, the significance of their cultural activities, and their contributions to Lithuanian studies. It is established that Ruhig relied on three of Praetorius’ works: his book Orbis Gothicus, the now-lost manuscript of the biography of Theophilus Schultz, and volume XVI of Deliciae Prussicae (1731), which concerned the Prussian language. The conclusion is reached that both men and their backgrounds were connected by shared goals, collaborative work, the ability to respond to the challenges of their time, the questions that they posed, and the work that they produced. Finally, both belonged to what sociology refers to as a small social group, united by service in Lithuanian churches, the preparation of Lithuanian texts, and efforts in shaping the Lithuanian written language. This was the most important link between them, despite the generational gap.