European Travel
In 1835, Fisk suffered another relapse in his battle with what appears to have been some sort of chronic respiratory disease. His physician advised him to take a sea voyage to try and regain his health. The Trustees of the Wesleyan University were anxious for him to make a complete recovery and offered to let him take a year off to travel to Europe to acquire books and laboratory equipment for the University. Wilbur and Ruth left New York in the company of a faculty member and friend, Wilbur B. Lane, in 1835. Before their departure in 1835 the Board of Fellows of Brown University awarded him a Doctor of Divinity degree.
While in England, Fisk gave many sermons, and throughout his trip he was actively engaged in carrying out his assignment of acquiring supplies for the university. In addition to sightseeing, the European tour proved to be quite strenuous for his frail constitution. His health did improve, however, and after he returned to Middletown in 1836, he resumed his duties as president of the university. In 1838 Harper's published his book describing the European tour: Travels On The Continent Of Europe; Viz., In England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, And The Netherlands.
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