<^ ^^-^^ '• '^O'^ ^^^^^1^^^- "^^^rS o,^^^^" ^^<'^ V-0^ 'oK .- ^^-V.. 4 O V-^^'v**' "°^*^-'*/ V*^*y "°-^''^^ Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2010 with funding from The Library of Congress http://www.archive.org/details/briefsketchofsomOOIind BRIEF SKETCH OF SOME OF THE PRINCIPAL UNIVERSITIES OFEUROPE o AND OF ^mH \IS3'E^11S) OTiiSIl^o BY HSRVEY {.INDSLY, A. M., M. D. WASHINGTON. JACOB GIDEON, JR., PRINTBU 18S6. The writer of the following pages had occasion, some time since, to collect the principal facts here pre- sented to the public : and it occurred to him, that their publication at this time, when the foundation of a Lit- erary Institution in this city is under contemplation, might be of service — as it will enable those who are desirous of knowing something of the state of the Prin- cipal Universities in Europe, to do so, without the labour of examining the various works, from which this ac- count is compiled. A BRIEF SKETCH, &c. GERMAN UNIVERSITIES As the Literary Institutions of Germany are, perhaps, n\ore inter- esting to the American student than those of any other country— on account of their distinguished reputation and the peculiarities of their organization, we shall commence with a description of them. The German Universities consist invariably of four distinct facul- ties, Theology, Medicine, Law afld Philosophy. It will be perceived at once, therefore, that the arrangement is essentially different from our Colleges and even from our Universities. In fact they are professional schools, and are resorted to, only by young men, who are preparing themselves directly for the active duties of life, and never by boys, as is the case^ in our Colleges. The schools called Gymnasia, (of which we will give a brief account hereafter) in which preparation is made for the universities, correspond very neaiMor exactly, with our colleges. To form a University then, on The German plan, all that is necessary is, to place a Law, a Medical and a Theological Seminary in the same place, and under the same government: unite the libraries and apparatus of each— and add to all a faculty of Languages, Letters and Science. In the faculties of Law, Medicine and Theology, those branches are taught, which have a direct reference to those professions : the faculty of Philosophy comprises every thing not embraced in the other three — Hebrew, Persian, Arabic, Greek, Latin, English, French, Italian and Spanish Literature, History, Mathematics, Mineralogy, Chemistry, Botany, Moral and Intellectual Philosophy, Logic, Rhetoric, Painting, Drawing, Architecture, &c. &c. Those students who attend the first three faculties, of course, are preparing themselves to become Divines, Lawyers, or Physicians : those who attend in the Philosophical, are ei- ther looking forward to professorships in the universities, or situations in the gymnasia : or they are preparing themselves for the general cultiva- tion of science and literature ; or finally, they are such as are devoting their chief attention to professional studies, and at the same time increasing their acquaintance with other branches. The Universities of Germany exercise no control over the conduct of the students : they attend what lectures they please, or if they choose, none at all,; they board where they please and live as they please ; and are never called to an account fbr their actions, unless guilty of open misconduct. Hence, as might be supposed, where so many young men are assembled together, much dissipation and immorality are the conse- quence, together with occasional riots, renowning, &c. It is said, how- ever, by recent observers that the practice of duelling formerly so fright- fully common, has in a considerable degree disappeared. In the large cities as Berlin and Vienna, the students are much more orderly than in the small towns where they form a distinct class, and are so numerous compared with the other population, as to have the power completely in their own hands. In Heidelberg, it is remarked by a traveller who was there in 1826, that 300 duels had occurred during the preceding term of four and a half months. These duels, however, we should observe, are seldom fataly being always fought with small swords, while the body is defended by a sort of thick, padded leather coat extending nearly to the knees, and defending every part of the body except the face and lower extremities. The faces of some of the students are abundantly marked by scars, inflicted in these honorable contests. The professors are divided into two classes, ordinary and extraordi- nary. They are both alike appoinled and paid by government, but differ in rank. The first constitute the Academical Senate and form the government of the University, and have a dean of the faculty who is chosen from and by themselves. The professors extraordinary, are merely lecturers and teachers without any other immunities or privileges. Besides these, there is another class of private teachers, composed of young men who have taken the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (equiva- lent to our Master of Arts) and who have permission to read lectures and give private instruction. The regular salaries of the ordinary pro- fessors vary according to their reputation from gSOO to gl,500 — while the professors extraordinary receive from SlOO to §500, and sometimes they are glad to have the appointment without any salary whatever. The private teachers have no salary. All the professors and teachers receive fees from the students, generally a Frederic d'or (about 84) each. This, to professors of distinguished reputation and who have large clas- ses, forms by far the largest part of their income, amounting in some cases to g4000 or gSOOO per annum. It should be remarked, that the widows of Professors are entitled to pensions, which are continued till the youngest child comes of age. This class of private teachers is the nursery from which the Profes- sorial chairs are filled. If a private teacher distinguishes himself, par- ticularly in his department, he is very soon appointed a professor extra- ordinary — and eventually, if he continues to hold a high rank, he is promoted to the highest class. But this depends altogether upon his talents and industry, for the government does not restrict itself to its own university in its appointments, but looks out for ability and reputa- tion wherever they can be found; and hence, if the extraordinary pro- fessors are outstripped in the race of distinction by others not connected with the university, they will have the mortification to see them placed over their heads. Here is the greatest possible stimulous to exertion, for money, rank and fame all depend upon the ability with which they perform their respective duties. This arrangement of the professors is one of the most striking fea- tures in the organization of a German University; and it is worthy of serious consideration, whether a modification of this plan could not be advantageously introduced into some of our most flourishing colleges and universities. That it has great and important advantages no one can doubt— and the evils (if any) attending it could probably be obvi- ated without much difficulty. One very marked benefit arising from this arrangement, is the in- ducements it holds out to the professors and teachers to exert themselves to the utmost. The 2d and 3d classes are looking forward continually to the grade next above them— and know that they can reach it only by the display of commanding talent and unwearied assiduity. The 1st class who have already attained the goal of their ambition, are still urged forward by the apprehension of being overtaken and per- haps surpassed by those heretofore below them. For it must be borne in mind, that the three classes of teachers all lecture on the same sub- jects, and if one in the 2d class for example (as sometimes happens) should obtain more reputation than his superior, the students will flock to his room and leave the other deserted — and thus the first will lose money and character at the same time. Another advantage is, that by this mode a number of individuals are constantly preparing themselves as teachers or professors extraordinary for the higher chairs — so that when a vacancy occurs in the latter, it can be ably and immediately filled. "Whereas in this countiy, as a general rule, when a vacancy in a college is to be filled, we do not expect to 8 obtain a professoi- already well qualified for the duties of the chair, but merely one who we suppose from his talents and character, will become qualified. This, it is manifest, is an important dirterence in favor of the German plan. Besides, the private teachers there who do not remain permanently at the university, are fitting themselves to become accom- plished instructers in the Gymnasia or Academies. The principal objection which has been made to this arrangement is, its tendency to excite collision among the officers, and thus disturb that harmony so necessary to the successful operation of a university — and it is said that collisions have occasionally occurred to a painful and dis- astrous degree. But if this difficulty is inherent in the German plan, could it not be so modified as to get rid of this objection and yet retain all its advantages ? There are two courses of lectures given by all the professors, and are styled respectively "publice," "privatim." The first are given gratu- itously, the second are paid for : the history of this matter is briefly this: when the universities were first organised, it was the understanding, that all the lectures should be gratuitous, and it was for these the salary was paid. In process of time, however, the professors began to give a private course, for which they charged a fee : and eventually they made the public course merely nominal, giving but one or two lectures a week and making them as dull and uninstructive as possible — and reserving all the interest and effort for the private course. The lowest fee is about g4 — some of the Law professors charge g8 — and glO or S12 are de- manded in some instances in the Medical Department. The number of students who attend any particular professor, de- pends upon the nature of his subject and the extent of his reputation, and also upon the whole number of students in the University. Some- times when a very distinguished man is appointed to a chair, it renders that department fashionable and the lecture room crowded, although, it might previously have been almost deserted. The celebrated Gese- nius was an instance of this, in relation to Hebrew literature. When first called to Halle, there were but fourteen students of Hebrew — in eight or ten years there were 500. The system of education in the German Gymnasia and Universities is much more thorough than with us, particularly in relation to the An- cient languages. Owing to the very great subdivision of labour among the professors, they have it in their power to become perfectly masters of their respective branches. A professor, perhaps, will devote his whole life to a single language, as the Latin or Greek, and sometimes to a few works even in that language. It is not intended, however, to con- vey the idea, that they are not acquainted with other languages and branches, but merely that their attention is devoted principallt/ to one and that they teach but one. They can usually read with facility, some ten or twenty languages, and often speak three or four. The exegetical mode of teaching languages which is scarcely attended to at all in our seminaries, is carried to very great perfection in the German. The stu- dent is expected to be acquainted with the life and character of the author he is reading, together with the circumstances under which the work was written — with the geography and antiquities of the places mentioned — with the character, intelJectual, physical and moral of the people — with their customs and manners — philosophy, mythology, &c. — in this way, and in this way only, can ancient authors be thoroughly understood, and their numerous beauties fully appreciated. The same system is pursued in stud^ung the modern languages: no other mode is thought to be of any value. The rules, as to admission, are few and simple. All foreigners are received without hesitation and without any restrictions. German stu- dents are required to produce a certificate of their having been a certain number of years at a Gymnasium — or else to stand an examination upon the branches usually taught at the Gymnasia. Every student, within twenty-four hours after his arrival, must present himself to one of the secretaries, expressing his wish to join the institution. He then signs a paper, the principal articles of which, are — that he will obey the laws — will not fight duels — nor belong to any secret society, particularly five or six which a short time since were abolished by government. The German Universities difter entirely from most of our colleges with respect to their public buildings. Very little is expended on these, their funds being chiefly appropriated to procuring the materiel oi learn- ing — books, museums of anatomy, mineralogy, apparatus, &c. In several of the universities, even lecture rooms are not provided ; the professors lecture in their own houses, or where their classes are too large to admit of this, they obtain any other rooms that may be conveni- ent and suitable. This is particularly the case at Gottingen, * where • Is it not a great error in some of our literary institutions where it is so difficult to procure funds, to expend so much in buildings, to the neglect of what is vastly more important — literary and scientific collections ? One million of dullarf.; at least, will probably be expended on the buildings of the new Girard College at Philadelphia, before they will be ready for the reception of students. For §'25l),00U 2 10 the only public buildings are the library rooms, a lying-in-hospital, and the Hippodrome, n large building appropriated to a ridingschool. The Universities of Berlin and Bonn occupy former palaces, and have am- ple space for lecture rooms and all the scientific collections. It will be understood, of course, from this statement, that lodging rooms and board are never furnished the students by the university. They live where and as they please. In Gottingen, it is customary where the student can afford the expense, to have two rooms — a study and a chamber, which cost S50 per annum. He breakfasts in his room, and dines at a restaurateur in the Parisian fashion. The whole annual expense may be estimated at S150 to S'SoO — varying, of course, with the habits of the individual and the character of the city in which the university is located. The large cities, as Berlin and Vienna, being more expensive than the small ones. Having thus given a general description of a German University, and which is applicable to most of the institutions of that country, we Avill proceed to a more particular account of some of the most celebra- ted. 1. Gottingen. The University of Gottingen is one of the most dis- tinguished in Germany: and thousands of young men from every part of the world have here received their education. It was founded in 1734 by George 2d of England, and owes its unparalleled success and great reputation to the unwearied exertions of Munchausen the Hanover minister of George. No expense was spared in purchasing books, ob- taining collections and apparatus, and in procuring the service of the most distinguished Literati of Germany as Professors ; and the consequence was, in a very few years, students flocked to this flourishing institution from every part of Europe. Among its illustrious officers, may be enu- no doubt, edifices equally large and convenient, though less elegant, could have been constructed. Suppose this hadbeen done, and the remaining §750,000 ex- pended in procuring libraries, scientific collections, &c. Gii-ard College might then have commenced operations with a library of one hundrtd and fifty thousand volumes, with a botanic garden, a collection of minerals, anatomical museum and a chemical, astronomical and philosophical apparatus unrivalled on this continent, and perhaps not surpassed in Europe. Would not such a plan have been more lionorable and beneficial to Philadelphia, than the one adopted ? It is not intended^ however, to reflect upon the course of the directors of that institution: the writer is not sufficiently acquainted with the peculiarities of Mr. Girard's will to form an opinion upon that point. 11 tnerated Halle, Mosheim, Michaelis "the Prince of Orientalists," Hejrne Blumenbach, Eichhorn and many others whose names will be remember- ed as long as science and learning are held in honour. One cause of the great success of this institution is the liberal charr acter of the Government, which has imposed no restrictions (as has been done in several of the German Universities, aind particularly that of Vienna) on the studies to be pursued and the books to be read : leaving these entirely to the discretion of the Professors. Gottingen is not so flourishing as to number of students now, as it has been. The foundation of the universities of Berlin and Bonn, which have become very distinguished, is the principal cause of this decline. In 1825 there was 1545 students, in 1830 less than 1300. The average annual expense is about §250. The library of Gottingen is one of the largest and said to be the best in Germany. Utility, rather than display has been the governing principle in its selection, and hence, probably no library in the world, which cost no more than this, can boast of so many really valuable works. It contains about 250^000 volumes, and a handsome appropriation is an- nually made for its increase. The terms of admission to strangers, are of the most liberal character — as is the case also with respect to the taking out of books by the students. The arrangement of the man- uscript catalogue (which is so large as to amount to 150 folio vol- umes) deserves notice as singular and beneficial. It is a list of all the subjects alphabetically arranged, with references to the chapter and section. If, for example, an individual wishes to consult the different works in the library which treat of the commerce of Tyre, he looks for the word commerce; underthis head he will find an account of the com- merce of different nations from A, in succession, and having arrived at Tyre, he will find a reference to all the books in the library which treat of this subject. The original annual expenditure upon this institution was about ^62500, while now it amounts to £15,000. In 1826 there were 89 professors and teachers in all the faculties. The professors of the TiCgal faculty are the most distinguished and em- inent in Germany. The Medical, also stand very high, although, from the want of hospitals and facilities of dissection — a necessary conse- quence of the smallness of the place — the number of Medical students is not so great as at Berlin or Vienna. Blumenbach in physiology, and 12 Lano-enbeck in surgery, are the most celebrated professors. The Theo- logical faculty are not particularly distinguished. 2. Berlin. To the year 1810, this was merely a medical school, when it was constituted a University by the addition of the other three facul- ties — and it has now more students than any other institution in Ger- many. The advantages of its location in the midst of a wealthy, and populous city (Berlin contains 220,000 inhabitants) and the patronage and support of the Prussian government, are sufficient to account for its rapid advancement in splendour and usefulness. The university build- ings are what was formerly the palace of Prince Henry, brother to Frederick the Great. They are of immense extent, and are amply suf- ficient for all the various collections and for lecture rooms for the Pro- fessors. No pains or expense have been spared by the Prussian Monarchs to render tiiis institution, the pride and ornament of their splendid capital. The most eminent men have been called thither from every part of Germany : and the most unwearied exertions have been made to obtain extensive collections in all the various branches of Natural History, and these cabinets are said to be the most full and complete in the world, except those of the garden of plants in Paris. The celebrated natural- ist, Lichtenstein, was sfent to South America for the purpose of increas- ing these collections by specimens from that part of the world. After having devoted several years to this object, he returned with splendid and most numerous cabinets of Ornithology, Zoology, Botany and Min- eralogy. The Botanic department is particularly valuable and com- plete. The number of students in 18S0 exceeded 1800, and the instructers were upwards of 100. Of these, about 500 were in the Theological department — in Law 600 — in Medicine 400 — and the remainder in the Philosophical faculty. There is, properly speaking, no university li- brary, but the students and faculty make use of the King's, which occu- pies a splendid building immediateiy opposite the university, and is open to all on the most liberal terms. It is open for consultation every day except Sunday, two iiours in winterand three in summer. The number of volumes is 180,0(0 besides 7000 manuscripts. All the faculties are filled by eminent men. In Theology is Strauss« one of the most eloquent and popular preachers of Prussia — and Nean- der the "first eclesiastical historian of the age." In Law Von Savigny is pre-eminent; and in Medicine are the distinguished names of Graefe, Hufeland, Busch and others. InP hilosophy, this university boasts of 13 Hegel, " the prince of metaphysical philosophers" — Encke, the Astron- omer — Ritter, the celebrated Geograjiher, &c. &c. 3. Halle. Halle is a small town of 25,000 inhabitants. The Uni- versity was founded in 1694, and although not very flourishing for a long time, has now become one of the most distinguished in Germany — and indeed, with the exception of Berlin, is perhaps superior to any in the talents of its professors and the number of its students. The Theo- logical faculty is particularly celebrated. The names of Thomasius, Francke, Michaelis, Knapp and Gesenius are renownd^d throughout Chris- tendom. The last named professor is an instance of great pwrcocity of learning: the first edition of his Hebrew Lexicon having been published before he was twenty-four, his large Hebrew Grammar at twenty-seven, and his celebrated Commentary on Isaiah at thirty-tw^o. The Law faculty are highly respectable : and in Medicine, Meckel stands pre-eminent. His collection of Comparative Anatomy commenc- ed by his father, and enlarged by himself, is said to be the best private mu- seum in the world. As an author he is universally known to Physicians in both Hemispheres. The university buildings are very mean, though attempts are now making to improve them : and the King has granted §30,000 for this purpose. The Library contains 40,000 volumes. Halle being a small place, is completely under the controul of the numerous students who resort thither from all parts of Germany — and rows, duels and renowning of all sorts, are here very fashionable. 4. Vienna. The University of Vienna being under the despotic gov- ernment of Austria, differs essentially from the other institutions of Germany. No freedom of choice is allowed to the students as to their course of studies. All are obliged to devote two years to the philosophi- cal department. In the professions, five years' study is required of Medical students : four years, of the Theological, and the same of the Legal. Strict examinations are made in all the departments, and no student need expect to obtain any place under government (and all places Medical, Legal and Theological are dependent upon the Mon- arch) without having passed creditably through these examinations. As a specimen of the arbitrary and rigid controul exercised over the stu- dents, it may be mentioned that but one course of statistics, viz: of Austria, is allowed, for fear as has been remarked that the students may discover that other countries are more prosperous, and of course better governed than their own. It was enacted in 1826 that no foreigner Qver ten years of age should be admitted into this university — a restric- 14 tion more narrow and selfish than exists even In Italy, where, except in Rome, foreigners are received on the same footing as citizens. The Austrian youth are virtually prohibited from being educated at any for- eign institution, for governmental patronage is bestowed only upon grad- uates of their own universities, and without this patronage in some shape, a German youth can hardly earn his bread. The library of the university contains 80,000 volumes, and the Royal library 300,000, arranged in an immense and splendid room. 5. Leipsic. This University was founded in 1409, by some of the Professors of Prague, who, in consequence of some difficulty witli their colleagues, left that city and came to Leipsic, with a large number of the students. It is one of the most flourishing institutions in the country, and, until the foundation of Gottingen, was without a rival in the North of Germany. ^ The lectures here are delivered in Latin, while in most of the other universities German is employed. The ancient languages are cultiva- ted here with particular attention. Hermann, the most distinguished Greek in Germany, is Professor here. He lectures on Grecian litera- ture in the most classical Latin, and with the greatest animation and enthusiasm. His celebrity throughout Europe is such, that it is said he has been invited both to Cambridge and Oxford. The number of stu- dents in 1829 was nearly 1400. The library contains 60,000 volumes and 1600 manuscripts. 6. Munich. This university was founded in 1826, and has already become very flourishing under the skilful and munificent patronage of the present King of Bavaria. The number of students is 1600. The Royal library, which appertains to the university, is the largest on the continent, except those of Paris and Copenhagen, and contains 400,000 volumes and 8,500 manuscripts. GERMAN GYMNASIA. In the Gymnasia of Germany, are taught those branches which are commonly pursued at our high academies and colleges. Boys are recei- ved here between the ages of eight and twelve ; and are trained to a most thorough course of study, particularly in the department of langua- ges. The students are expected not only to translate Latin and Greek with readiness and fluency, but also to write them : and in addition, the Latin language is spoken, and in the latter part of the course all their exercises are held in it. The French is also written and spoken. This mode of teaching the ancient languages, it is obvious, is calculated to 15 make much more thorough classical scholars than the plan pursued in most of our institutions, of merely making translations.* There are two grades of teachers in the Gymnasia, as in the universi- ties, called the upper and under. The former receive about gl500per annum, the latter from S8U0 to glOOO. There is here, also, great sub- division of labour, there being from six to twelve teachers in every school, each of whom has a particular department, to which all his energies are devoted. In some Gymnasia, there are two or three teach- ers for Greek, and as many for Latin. The University of Copenhagen, is in some respects, one of the most distinguished in Europe. It was founded in 1475 ; and has now forty instructers and about 700 students. The general course of instruction and discipline, is very similar to that of the German Universities, and need not, therefore, be particularly described. The students must un- dergo an examination before they can be received : the first year is occupied by all in the study of Mathematics, Philosophy, Physics and Astronomy ; and it is not till the second year that the regular professional study is commenced, which is continued for three or four years. Upon leaving the university they are subjected to a very strict examination, of several days, and are reported as laudabiles, liaud illaudabiles, et non contemnendi. This kind of examination is not practised in Germany, except in conferring degrees. The library contains 80,000 vols.: but in addition to this, the members of the institution and the public have ac- cess to the Royal library — one of the most magnificent in the world, and containing 400,000 vols. Here are deposited the interesting oriental manuscripts, collected by the celebrated traveller Niebuhr. It is a singular fact, that till within a few years, the most populous city of Europe, should have been without a University. Such, however, was the case with London before the present institution was organised. *May we not hope that the time is not far distant, when there will be a thorough reform in our mode of teaching Latin and Greek ? If it is worth while to learn a language at all, is it not worth while to learn it well ? It seems to us, that fre- quently the time employed in learning the languages (as it is called) in our schools, is wasted, because so little is actually learned. If the German mode of speaking the language was adopted, the student would make much more rapid progress, and indeed, might master it thoroughly, without a greater expenditure of time than is now taken up in obtaining a mere smattering of it. 16 The University of London presents the most ample means for in- struction, so far as the number and reputation of its professors is con- cerned, and is advancing rapidly in the increase of its library and tlie vari- ous scientific collections. Thereare about twenty professorships upon the usual branches, including among others — those of Jurisprudence and the Law of nations; of Botany and vegetable physiology; of Morbid and Comparative Anatomy; of Engineering, and the application of Mechan- ical philosophy to the arts, &.c. The general organization and discipline are nearly similar to the Universities of Germany. There is merely a building for public pur- poses, which was erected at an expense of £56,000. The students board at home or at private boarding houses, the heads of which are ac- countable to the faculty for the decorous deportment of the students who live with them. This supervision, it is obvious however, is nothing more than nominal. The price of board is stated to be from £60 to £100 for a session which commences about the 1st of October and con- tinues to the middle of July. For the accommodation of those students who live or board at a considerable distance from the university, refresh- ments (including breakfast and dinner) are afforded by the steward at a fixed price regulated by the faculty. The students are at liberty to attend just what branches and lec- tures they please. Prizes and certificates of honour are given to dis- tinguished merit in the separate classes, and a general diploma for a certain prescribed course of study. The instruction is given both by lectures and examinations, the latter being very strict in the languages, mathematics and indeed in all the branches pursued by the younger mem- bers of the institution. The professors are supported principally or en- tirely by fees, which vary from £5 to £8 for each course of instruction. The anatomical museum is extensive and valuable containing be- sides an extensive series of preparations, a large collection of drawings in illustration of morbid structure. The Library contained 8000 volumes in 1830, and is open evei-y day from 10 to 4. The Law and Medical Libraries are separate, and are open in the evening as well as during the day. The medical students are admitted to see the practice in the Middlesex Hospital, for which, however, a very high fee (£40) is charged. The Universities of Oxford and Cambridge in England, are similar in their general organization and arrangement, to each other ; and also re- 17 semble in their course of instruction, most of the colleges in our country ; except that they require more of their graduates than we do of ours, par- ticularly in the department of ancient languages. Each of these venera- ble universities is composed of a number of separate colleges, which have a distinct set of officers,- and in some respects independent of each other, although under the same general government. Oxford consists of twenty colleges and five halls, and contains 4000 students. Cambridge has twelve college's and four halls. The first college in Cambridge University was founded in 1247, and it has gone on gradually increasing to its present gigantic dimensions. The general system of government is similar to the greater part of our colleges. The students board in the university, so far as it has ac- commodations for them : though, on account of the want of these at Cambridge, many are obliged to board in the town^ Their whole con- duct, however, is under the immediate supervision of the officers. The regulations require three years study to be eligible to the degree of A. B. —four more for the degree of A. M.— seven more for that of Bachelor of Divinity— and five more for D. D. Mathematics and Natural Philosophy seem to be the favorite studies here, as the ancient languages are at Ox- ford. The annual income of Cambridge University, is about Jl 6,000 per annum, derived from the stocks, lands, fees, government annuity, the privilege of printing almanacs, &c. The annual expenditure is about £12,000. Twelve hundred pounds are annually given in prizes to the most meritorious scholars, and more than three-fourths of this sum are for the promotion of classical learning. Some of the examinations are very strict, and obviously require a much more minute and thorough acquain- tance with Latin and Greek than most of our graduates can boast of. The following exercises will serve as specimens of what is required of the students on these occasions. It should be remarked, that these exercises are to be performed in the space of two or three hours, without reference to dictionaries, or books of any description— pen, ink and paper only being allowed them. 1. Translations from Latin prose and poetry into English. ^' ^0* do. Greek prose into English. ^- ^^' ^0- C^t'eek poetry into English and Latin prose and verse. '^' ^^- •io- English into Greek and Latin prose and verse. 5. Exercises of turning different dialects into each other. 3 18 6. Miscellaneous questions, embracing evi'iy subject an educated man can be supposed to be acfjuaiiited wiih — history, manners and customs of ancient nations, clironolojjy, biography, criticism. The following were among tiie exercises a few years since. English poetry to be translated into Latin Hexameters — Milton's Paradise Lost, Book 9th, 385tli line to 4n. "Thus saying, from her husband's hand, her hand soft she with- drew," &c. From Shakespeare's Henry 4th, part 1, 23 lines — •' 1 know you all ; unci will a while uphold The unyoked humor of your idleness," &c. Great competition is excited for the honors, at these ancient institu- tions. There are three grades or classes of honors, called wranglers, senior optimes and junior optimes. The highest of these confer a distinc- tion on a young man which is never forgotten, and ushers him forth to the world under the most favorable auspices. There are libraries connected with nearly all of the colleges at the universities, some of which are among the largest and the most valuable in the world. The University Library at Cambridge, contains 200,f 00 vols. Trinity College, 90,000, arranged in a splendid room 200 feet by 40. The Bodleian Library at Oxford, however, far surpasses all the others, in the number and value of its books. This magnificent collec- tion was founded by Sir Thomas Bodley, in the reign of Queen Eliza- beth, and now contains 400,000 vols., besides 30,000 manuscripts. It has an income of £3000 per annum, and is entitled to a copy of every work printed in Great Britain. EDINBURGH A^D GLASGOW. The discipline and mode of instruction in the Scottish Unrversities, resemble chose of Gernumy more than those of England: this is particu- larly the case with Edinburgh. Here examinations are seldom or never held, and the students attend the lectures, or not, as they please. While in Glasgow, examinations are mingled with the lectures, and a more rigid discipline is exercised over the students. This institution enjoys the advantage of the splendid museum of the late William Hunter : it is a most rich and valuable collection of natural history, medals, books, original paintings, ancient manuscripts and ana- tomical preparations — the latter, probably, including one of the finest varieties of wet preparations in Europe. The medals are of such value that the British Museum offered £25000 for them, besides furnishing 19 such duplicates as they possessed — an offer which was promptly decli- ned by the university. The buildings present a very humble and even mean appearance, al- though very extensive. There is a large garden in the rear, which is divided into three parts : one of which is a botanical garden, another is a place of recreation for the students, and the third, which contains the observatory, is reserved for the amusement and retirement of the profes- sors, their families and friends. The faculty consists of a Lord Chancellor, a Lord Rector, (both of whom are honorary, the latter elected annually) a Dean, a Principal, 13 Professors and 6 Lecturers. Five of these are appointed by the Crown — all the others by the university. There are usually here about 1400 students, one-fourth of whom are medical. They are all distinguished by a coarse red cloak, in addition to their ordinary dress. The library contains 3(1,000 vols. The following are the titles of the Professorships in the university of Edinburgh, as they existed in 1826. 1. Literature and Philosophy. Latin, Greek, Mathematics, Logic, Moral Philosophy, Natural Philos- ophy, Rhetoric and Belles Lettres, Natural History and Agriculture. 2. Theology. Divinity, Divinity and Church History, Hebrew and Chaldee. 3. Law. Civil Law and Institutes, Scots Law, Public Law, Conveyancino-. 4. Medicine. Dietetics, Materia Medica and Pharmacy, Practice of Physic, Chem- istry and Chemical Pharmacy, Theory of Physic, Anatomy and Patholo- gy, Principles and practiceof Surgery, Theory and Practice of Midwifery, Clinical Medicine, Clinical Surgery, Military Surgery. PARIS. The Literary and Scientific institutions of the Metropolis of France are so numerous and so extensive that we can give but a cursory des- cription of them— and they ate so well known, that more than this is unnecessary. The Universite Royale is the oldest establishment of the kind in the kingdom, and has for centuries been well known throughout Europe : and although at the revolution it was for a while suspended, it has since been reorganised on a scale more liberal and extensive than ever. It 20 consists of four colleges and embraces professors in every branch of Science and Literature. The faculties are divided into five classes, Theology, Law, Medi- cine, Science and Letters. The School of Law in the University is now divided into five sec- tions. 1. Le Droit Remain. 2. Le Droit Civil Francais. 3. Le Pro- cedure et le Droit Criniinel. 4, Le Droit Naturel et des Gens. 5. Le Droit Positif et Administratif. The two last were established in 1 820. A student of liaw cannot take the first degree called Baccalaureate, unless he is a Bachelor of Arts in the faculty of Letters, and has stu- died two years : to take the degree of a Licentiate three years study is necessary, and four are required for a Doctorate. Courses of Lec- tures must have been regularly attended, and public examinations and Theses maintained. The School of Medicine occupies a large and splendid building in the Rue de I'Ecole de Medecine. The first stone of this magnificent edifice was laid by Louis XV in 1769 : it was opened for the reception of students on the 3 1st August 1776 — and it is a specimen of the most elegant and at the same time purest architecture in Paris. It is built in a quadrangular form, enclosing a large court of about sixty feet in depth and one hundred in breadth. The front towards the street is one hundred and ninety-eight feet in length and is adorned with sixteen massive columns of the Ionic order. Above the entrance is a bas relief by Berruer, representing in allegorical figures, the Government accom- panied by Wisdom and Beneficence, granting favours and privileges to Surgery: and the Genius of the Arts presenting the plan of the building. The Amphitheatre or Anatomical Lecture room is a very spacious apartment and capable of accommodating 1500 persons: but notwith- standing its great size, the number of students from all parts of the civilized world that flock to this celebrated seat of medical learning is so great, that it is sometimes not only crow ded to excess, but numbers are not able to gain admittance. Upon the wall opposite the President's chair is the following inscription, " Adcjedes hominum prisca amphitheatra palebant: Utloiigum discant vivere, nostra patent." Upon the first floor is an extensive and valuable cabinet of human and comparative Anatomy : together with a very full and useful collec- tion of wax preparations, superior to any thing of the kind in Europe, if we except the celebrated collection at Florence, for which the inimi- table labours of FoiUana have done so much. 21 The library js contained in a spacious apartment, with a bust of Hippocrates in the centre : the number of volumes is upwards of 33,000 and consists of works in the Greek, Latin, Arabic, French, German, English, Italian, Spanish and Russian languages, principally on Medi- cine and the auxiliary sciences. The books are arranged and classed in the following order, 1, Medicine, properly so called ; 2. Surgery; 3. Obstetrics ; 4. Natural Philosophy; 5. Chemistry; 6. The dififerent branches of Natural History. The faculty is now composed of twenty-three Professors, eleven hon- orary professors, and twenty-four associates. The Lectures are divided into the following classes. 1. Anatomy. 2. Physiology. S. Medical Chemistry. 4. Medico-Physics. 5. Medical Natural History. 6 Pharmacology. 7. Hygiene. 8. Surgical Pathology (two professors) 9. Medical Pathology ;two professors) 10. Operations and dressings for wounds, &c. 11. Therapeutics and Materia Medica. 12. Legal Med- icine. 13. Midwifery and Diseases of Women and Children. 14. Clinical Medicine (four professors.) 15. Clinical Surgery (three profes- sors.) 16. Clinical Midwifery, In order to obtain a Medical Diploma, the candidate must previously have received the degrees of Bachelor of Letters and Bachelor of Sci- ence, which imply an intimate acquaintance wiih the Greek and Latin Languages, History, Geography, Philosophy, Mathematics, Natural Philosophy, Chemistry, Botany, Mineralogy and Zoology. He must then assiduously devote himself to the study of Medicine for four years, and attend all the regular lectures. He is then admitted to an examin- ation (held principally in the Latin language)— and if this be passed creditably — to his degree. Each Professor receives a fixed salary of about 3000 francs per annum, besides his share of the fees paid by the students for their exam- inations and degrees. The dean of the faculty is chosen every five years, and is entitled to an additional sum of 3000 francs for his addi- tional duties. A peculiar costume is worn by the Professors on all occasions, of peculiar form and ceremony. This consists of a crimson satin robe with black silk facings : a crimson silk cap ornamented with a gold band, and crimson silk breeches trimmed with ermine. The Lectures are delivered gratuitously, but still the various fees which the students are obliged to pay, average about 300 francs per annum. 22 The faculty of Sciences lecture in the ancient College du Plessis — Sorbonne on the higher branches of Algebra, Natural Philosophy, As- tronomy, Medicine, Chemistry, Mineralogy. Botany and Zoology. The faculty of Letters occupy a part of the same building, and give instruction in Greek, Latin, Modern Languages, Moral and Intellectual Philosophy, &c. Besides the University, there "are several special schools in Paris, of considerable celebrity, the most distinguished of which is 'the College de France. This institution was founded in 1.t29 — but rebuilt and re- organised in 1774, It consists of a spucio'is court siu-rounded on three sides by buildings : it has twenty-one Professois. some of whom enjoy a reputation for leotniog and talents co extensive with the civilized world. In addition to tlie ordinary professorships there are chairs for the Hebrew, Ch.)ldaic and Syriac languages, Arabic, Ttirkish, Per- sian, Chinese and Tartar, p.nd Sanscrit !an;:;uage and literature. Tiie Polytechnic school, founiied in 1795, is intended chieily for the cultivation of .^Jathematics, and li^i'.gaiee.'ing Civil, Military anu Naval. The annual charge is 1000 franca to each student. The course of stu- dy is completed in two years, except in particular cases, when a third is added. L'Ecole Royale des beaux arts, is appropriated to the teaching of painting, sculpture and architecture. The various establishments comprised under the general name of "Jardin des Plants," reflect the greatest credit on the liberality of the Government and the scientific taste of the nation. Within its walls are agricultural and botanical gardens of great extent : green and hot houses of more than 600 feet in length : a very extensive menagerie of wild beasts, arranged in ample and convenient enclosures : an aviary embracing every bird known in France and the surrounding countries : a museum of Natural History more than 600 feet long : an extensive library : a valuable cabinet of comparative anatomy : and an amphithe- atre, in which public lectures are delivered on all the branches of nat- ural history, on general chemistry, on pharmaceutical chemistry, and on the application of chemistry to the arts. Most of the Professors have likewise dwelling houses within the garden. Paris is not less distinguished for the splendour and extent of her libraries, than for her other scientific and literary institutions. The Royal Library is the largest and most valuable in the world, containing 450,000 volumes, an equal number of tracts bound in volumes, and 80,000 manuscripts- There are besides five other public libraries, antl 23 forty special ones. The library of the arsenal contains 150,000 vol- umes.— St. Genevieve 110,000— Magaxin 92,000, &c. We shall now proceed to give a few particulars respecting two or tiiree of our American Universities, and v;ill commence with the Uni- versity at This institution is the oldest, and in some respects, one of the most important in the country. In its organization it is a University in the European sense of the word, embracing what would be called in Ger- many the four faculties of Philosophy, Law, Medicine and Theology. In the first, or collegiate department, the students generally board and lodge in the college buildings, are subject to and under the immedi- ate supervision of the faculty — and pursue a regular prescribed course of study. The annual bills amount to S172, of which about S60 are for tuition. The Corporation have adopted the principle pursued at the West Point Academy with respect to the formation of divisions in the classes: these divisions shall be as numerous as shall be found practicable and conducive to the improvement of the students, and "each division shall be encouraged to proceed as rapidly as may be found consistent with a thorough knowledge of the subject of their studies." By this means the more industrious and talented students are enabled to make the greatest possible progress and are not detained in their honorable career by those of less perseverance or inferior abilities, as in the case of most of our colleges, where the recitation must be arranged to suit the average capacity of the whole class. The whole income of the University is usually about g45,000— of which g21, 000 are derived from the funds of the institution, and the remainder from fees for tuition, degrees, &c. The following are the titles of the dift'erent officers vv^ith the salary of each — 1. President — S2550, besides house rent and fees for degrees, amounting generally to nearly g500 — £. Hollis Professor of Divinity, .... Sl,7^0 3. Royal Professor of Law, 400 24 4. College Professor of Metaphysics and Logic, - - '.,700 5. Eliot Professor of Greek Literature, . - - - 1,700 6. Instructer in Spanish and French, .... 1,000 7. Hersey Professor of Theory and Practice of Medicine, 50) 8. College Professor of Law, 1,27') 9. Hersey Professor of Anatomy and Surgery, - - 700 10. Hancock Professor of Hebrew and other oriental languages, 1 700 1 1. Ervin-i Professor of Chemistry, .... 200 1 2. HoUis Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, 1,700 13. Dexter Professor of Sacred Literature, - - - 1,640 14. Rumford Professor and Professor of Materia Medica, 840 15. Lecturer on Botany and Zoology, .... 210 16. Smith Professor of French and Spanish, - - - 1000 17. Boylston Professor of Rhetoric and Oratory, - 1,700 18. Eliot Professor of Greek Literature. .... 425 19. Lecturer on Chemistry, . . - . . 800 20. Instructer in Italian, 500 21. Instructer in German, -...-- 500 Six tutors, whose salaries vary from g600 to glOOO. It should be remarked that the Professors in the I^aw and Medical Departments receive fees from the students attending their Lectures, in addition to their salaries. The regular Medical Lectures are delivered in Boston, while two or three of the Medical Professsrs give short popu- lar courses to the under graduates and others at Cambridge. KEW YORK. The University of the City of New York has been recently organ- ised and is now in successful operation. A very handsome building of white marble has been erected at a cost of something over glOO,000, •which contains rooms for Lectures, Recitations, Library and Scientific collections. The students from a distance board " in respectable pri- vate houses, where their morals and general conduct are under the in- spection of the head of the family, who is responsible to the faculty, for the faithful discharge of the trust committed to him." The University according to its original plan embraces four facul- ties, viz: A Faculty of Letters and the Fine Arts. A Faculty of Science and the Arts. A Faculty of Law. A Faculty of Medicine. \\ 25 The two first arc already established, and measures have been or are about to be taken to organize the faculty of Law. The faculty of Medicine will probably not be put in operation immediately, as there is already a flourishing Medical Institution in the city, forming a part of the University of the state of New York. All the candidates for the Baccalaureate are required to pursue a regular course of study, similar to that adopted in most of our best colleges, and which is finished in four years. Students however who do not wish to take this course, are allowed to attend any branches they please : which allows the merchant, the mechanic and others to partake ,,f the ad vantages of the University, without devoting any portion of their time to the studies which may not be directly applicable to their respective pursuits in life. The price of tuition is eighty dollars per annum, to students who pursue the whole course. Those who attend to particular branches, pay twenty dollars for each branch. The following are the titles of the different officers : 1. Chancellor. 2. Professor of Civil Engineering and Architecture. 3. Professor ot the Literature of the Arts of Design. 4. Professor of Intellectual and Moral Philosophy and Belles Let- trts. 5. Professor of Greek Language and Literature. 6. Professor of Latin Language and Literature. 7. Professor of French Language and Literature. 8. Professor of Italian Language and Literature. 9. Professor of Spanish Language and Literature, 10. Professor of German Language and Literature. 11. Professor of Hebrew and Oriental Languages and Literature. 12. Professor of Mathematics. 15. Professor of Natural Philosophy and Astronomy. 14. Professor of Chemistry and Botany. 15. Professor of Geology and Mineralogy. Some of the Professors receive regular salaries, while others are supported entirely by the fees received from the students who attend their lectures or recitations. UXIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA. The organization of this institution is peculiar, differing in several respects from any other in our country. Every student is \v^\.\ to alteiul 26 such professors as he chooses : provided, that if under the age of twen- ty one, lie shall attend at least three professors, unle.ss he has the writ- ten autliority of his parent or j^uardian, or the faculty shall, for good cause shown, allow him to attend less than three. The mode of instruc- tion is by text books and lectures, accompanied by examinations. Three honorary distinctions arc conferred in this institution : a cer- tificate of Proficiency: that of Graduate in any school : and that of Master of Arts of the University of Virginia. The first, the faculty may confer on any student who shall, on ex- amination, give satisfactory evidence of a competent acquaintance with any ot those particular branches, which according to the regulations may be separately attended in any department. The second, they are authorised to confer on any student who shall upon examination give satisfactory evidence of his proficiency in the general studies of the schools. And the third is obtained by graduation in the departments of Ancient Languages, Mathematics, Natural Philosophy, Chemistry, Moral Philosophy, and in any two of Modern Languages. No particular period of study is prescribed for the acquisition of these honours. The student may apply for examination whenever he considers himself qualified — and if ihe examination be creditably sus- tained the degree is conferred. The title of Doctor of Medicine is conferred on the graduate in the Medical Department. The annual charge is about SI 40 for board, fuel and room rent. The professors' fee is an additional charge ; if one professor only be attended, the fee is SJO ; if two, each §30; if more than two, each 825. The following Professorships or "schools," as they are termed, have been constituted; — Ancient Languages ; Modern Languages; Mathe- matics; Natural Philosophy ; Chemistry and Materia Medica ; Anato- my and Surgery; Meilicine; Moral Philosophy; Law. There is one Professor to each of tiiese departments. The buildings having been designed by the illustrious founder of the University, for architectural effect, are unusually ornamented and costly: upwards of 55 3 (0,00- have been expended upon them. They form four parallel rows nearly equidistant from each other: at the head of the two iiiuenuost, stands tlie Rorunda. a handsome brick building having il»e pro|)ortions and half the dimensions of the Pantheon at Rome. The dome, and nearly one-liiird of the perpendicular wall of this, forms a lar"-e and bLnuitUul room, lighted from above bv a circular window, and 27 bj others opening below to the floor of the room : this is appropriated to the Library which contains about 7000 volumes. The other apart- ments of the Rotunda are employed as Lecture and Recitation rooms, and for the preservation of apparatus, minerals and other scientific col- lections. The other buildings are dormitories one story high for the students, houses for the professors and " hotels" for boarding the students. The salaries of the Professors vary from SIOOO to «,15uO per an- num, which added to the fees received from the students, forms an in- come of S2000 to S4000. APPENDIX. A list of tlie Universities of Germany, with t'.ie number of Professors and stu- dents in each, as tl ley existed in 1826. — Universities. JVo. of Imst'rs. No. of Slud'nts. "" livvan. 86 1526 Breslau, 4-9 710 Prussia, < Bonn, Konigsburg, Grcefswalde, 56 30 931 303 227 Halle, 54 1119 ACRTHIA, { Vienna, Prague, Erlangen, 77 55 34 1688 1449 498 Bavahia, ^ I-an'lshut, 48 623 / Wurgburg, 31 660 Baden, k Switzerland. Heidelberg, Freyburg, Basle, 55 35 24 626 556 214 WURTEMBFRG. Tubingen, 44 827 Hesse Uarm Stadt Geisen 39 371 Hessecassel Marberg, 38 304 Hanover. Weisiar. Gottingen, Jena, 89 51 1545 432 Saxont. Leipzic, 81 1384 Mecklenburg, Host )ck. 34 201 HOLSTEIN, Kiel, 26 238 1059 16,432 The following table ofthe principle ril)ruries in Germany, exhibits in a striking point of view, the taste of this energetic people for the accumulation of literai-y treasures. No. Vols. No. Vols. Carlsruhe, 70,w00 Dresden, 240,000 HEinELBKRR, 50,000 Berlin, 18o,000 Darmstadt, 85,000 Konigsburg, 50,000 Matence, 90,0u0 Fretbubg, 20,000 Frankfort, lOO.uOO Tubingen, 2U,000 Geisen, 20.0;i0 Stuttgard, 116,000 Mahbdrg 55,000 WURZBUHG, 30,000 Cassel, : 00. 000 Eulangen, 40,000 WOLFENBUTTLE, a tOWU of Landshut. 100,000 700(- inhabitants. 200,000 MuNicu: 400,000 Hamburg, 80,000 The largest libr ■arv in Germa- Weimar, 110,000 n^ and the third in the .1 ENA, 50,000 world. Leipsiu, 100,000 A'lENNA, 4 libraries — in all 590,000 Halle, 50,000 Prague, 100,000 tt^ S.0 ,^'\ > .^^"V -^^ ^ v*^ ' * * ' o « o -^ . -..„.. yK -.^.- ,,. . ■^O' V^'^^/ %^^-/ \*^^\,^^ -o ". "*./ -'J^'- ^^/ .-^^'t "w" -'Jft <-. '••' A^ ... ^^ "•* A ^* ,/ ^'^^^ '^yiw*' , "^ ^-^ v"- » « • \ ^oV rAQf 'bV .♦^ ^^^ ''.^^^\>^/ _^ '^o^ ^°^*^ V ^*5 DOBBSBROS. ■=" V ^^L^^"-^ *=^ _A,* '^ LIBRARY BINDING ^ ^ ♦■fS^fe* ^ C*^