Lönnrot went on extended leaves of absence from his doctor's office; he toured the countryside of Finland, Sapmi (Lapland), and nearby portions of Russian Karelia. This led to a series of books: "Kantele", 1829–1831 (the "kantele" is a Finnish traditional instrument); "Kalevala", 1835–1836 (the "old" Kalevala); "Kanteletar", 1840; "Sananlaskuja", 1842 ("Proverbs"); an expanded second edition of "Kalevala", 1849 (the "new" Kalevala). Lönnrot was recognised for his part in preserving Finland's oral traditions by appointment to the Chair of Finnish Literature at the University of Helsinki in 1853.