Career
He published this magazine on his own expenses and headed it for 40 years. In recognition of his contributions to Russian language he became a Knight of the Order of Saint Anna and the Order of Saint Vladimir. Many famous Russian and Slavic scholars published their articles and papers in his journal.
He was "only" a Russian teacher, but many scientists considered him their peer.
The main content of his work was the creation of a “method for smarter, more rational and practical education of the mother tongue”. He called this method "The Living Word": “A lively and fascinating word is a great power that can capture the attention of the audience, the force that moves the hearts and feelings, – one might say – the soul of teaching practice.
A charming and humorous story has a great importance for every scientific”. After his death in 1899 there was established the Khovansky-fund and the annual prize for the best teachers.