ravSaldl flitiuetratj jf llbantj. CIRCULAR OF THE SCIENTIFIC DEPARTMENT. COURSES OF INSTRUCTION For 1852. AL] 11LES VAN BBNTHUYSEN, PRIN'J No. 407 Broad 1851. EnitiOTiftj of llbantj. CIRCULAR OF THE SCIENTIFIC DEPARTMENT. COURSES OF INSTRUCTION For 1852. ALBANY: CHARLES VAN BENTHUYSEN, PRINTER, No. 407 Broadway, 1851. Lfed UNIVERSITY OF ALBANY. SCIENTIFIC DEPARTMENT. The Trustees of the University announce the following courses of lectures for the ensuing winter : A full course on the General Applications of Science to Agriculture, by Prof. John P. Norton, of the Univer- sity. A full course on Geology, with its Applications to Agri- culture, by Prof. James Hall, of the University. A partial course on Astronomy, by Prof. 0> M. Mitchell, of the University. A partial course on Entomology, in its Relations to Agri- culture, by Dr. Henry Goadby, formerly of the Royal College of Surgeons, London. A partial course on Elementary Chemistry, by Prof. Geo. H. Cook, Principal of the Albany Academy. Instruction in Applied Mathematics, particularly in con- nection with Civil Engineering and Astronomy, will be given to such as desire it, by Prof. Geo. R. Perkins, Principal of the State Normal School. In making the foregoing announcement, it may be pro- per to state in a few words, the magnitude of the objects embraced in the enterprise which now engages the atten- tion of the Trustees. It is not intended to limit our action to the organization of an institution which shall only offer facilities for the acquisition of knowledge, such as are at present afforded by the Colleges and other educational institutions of our Country • indeed our aims are so widely different, that we do not anticipate any interference with existing institu- tions, but propose to take the pupils at the point where they are now left, and to furnish such means for professional and profound research, in all the departments of human knowledge, as do not at present exist in the new world, and must be sought in the Universities of Europe. Should we accomplish the high objects herein set forth, our coun- trymen will then be furnished with the opportunity of becoming eminently proficient in all those departments of science, whose recent applications to agriculture, com- merce, and the arts, have wrought such astonishing changes among the civilized nations of the world. These comprehensive views, have not, in all their mag- nitude, originated with the Trustees. Contemporaneously with the conception of the idea of erecting a University in Albany, it was ascertained that the same subject was occupying the earnest attention of many of the most dis- tinguished scientific men in the United States. A partial interchange of views between these gentlemen and the Trustees of the Albany University, has been had, and while all agree that the time has arrived, when this great and powerful nation imperiously demands the organiza- tion of such a University as we have adverted to, all are equally positive that for a long period it will be quite im- possible to sustain more than one such institution on this continent. To secure the location of such a University within the limits of our state, is certainly an object worthy of the highest effort, and while we leave the details of organiza- tion to the future action of those to whom it legitimately belongs, we may venture to present the two most promi- nent features which distinguish the contemplated plan. First — It is proposed to base the University on the pre- sent system of public instruction in our state. Second — To combine with state patronage the important element of self-support. If such an institution were al- ready organized, embracing among its Professors, the high- est talent and ripest scholars of our country, it would present to the state just such courses of instruction as are now demanded, for the accomplishment of the highest objects designed to be reached in the education of her most promising pupils. The Trustees have therefore ventured to hope, that a triple harmonious action, on the part of the state, the sci- entific men, and themselves, may ensure the speedy ac- complishment of this most important undertaking. As an earnest of our own determination to perform our part, we may be permitted to state, that we have already secured the funds requisite to erect and furnish an astro- nomical observatory, and to carry forward during the coming winter, the courses of lectures already specified, under the auspices of the proposed University. This is our commencement : arrangements are already in progress for an increase of advantages for another year, and it is our hope that each recurring season may witness the nearer approach to the complete realization of our most enlarged and comprehensive plans. The facilities for the prosecution of branches of science connected with agriculture, although not yet perfected, will be far greater than have ever before been offered in this country. The Courses to be given are intended to b$ 6 intelligible to every practical farmer, and at the same time to point out the leading and the special advantages of scientific applications. To accomplish this end the lec- tures will be fully illustrated by experiments, diagrams, numerical tables and specimens, while the use of scientific terms will be confined to such as are absolutely necessary to the comprehension of the various subjects presented. Conversational recitations will also be held in connection with the lectures, so that all who wish may have oppor- tunities for seeking the explanation of every difficulty. The general course on Scientific and Practical Agricul- ture, will be delivered by Prof. John P. Norton, of Yale College, and of the University. This course will give a complete outline of the best system of modern agriculture, and of the advantages to be derived from special scientific applications in our own practice. The arrangement of subjects will be as follows : Division of matter into two great classes. Organic and Inorganic. Organic bodies : Carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and hydro- gen. The compounds of these and the forms in which they enter plants ; carbonic acid, humic and ulmic acids, ammonia, nitric acid, &c. The way in which plants ob- tain their food, including an account of the atmosphere and water. The structure of the plant and the functions of its different parts. The substances of which these con- sist. The phenomena of germination, nutrition, and growth of plants. The inorganic or mineral constituents of plants. Sulphur, iodine, chlorine, phosphorus, potash, soda, lime, magnesia, alumina, silica, iron, manganese. Proportions of these and conclusions as to the rotation of crops. Composition of ash in different plants. The soil, its nature and formation. Composition of the principal rocks, and of the soils derived from them ; whole number of inorganic substances in the soil. Mechanical improvement of soils. Draining, subsoiling, and trenching. Special manures, lime, potash, soda, phosphates, gypsum, guano, bones, animal flesh, hair and wool. Barn-yard manures, their composition and the best modes of preserving them. Of mineral manures generally; and artificial manures. Products of the soil. Culture and composition of wheat, oats, rye, barley, Indian corn, rice, peas, beans, turnips, potatoes, tobacco, sugar cane, cotton, &c. Composition of milk, butter and cheese, and the best modes of making the two latter. Theories of respiration, of feeding and fattening of ani- mals. In conclusion, there will be a recapitulation of all the leading points. The chemical substances mentioned, will be shown to the class, and their nature illustrated by experiments. The course on Geology and Palaeontology, will be given by Prof. James Hall, of the New- York Geological Survey, and of the University of Albany. This course of lectures will be given with especial re- ference to its applications in agriculture, in civil engi- neering, the mechanic arts, and to mining. The subject will be treated in the following manner : 1. The Principles and Elements of Geology illustrated from American localities, and by specimens of American rocks and fossils, as far as practicable. 2. Systematic Geology, treating of the Principles of Classification, in all the geological formations. 3. Physical Geography, as connected with, and depen- dent on geological changes. 4 Geological Structure of the North American Conti- nent, particularly that of the United States. 5. Lithological Aspect and Chemical Composition of Rocks, in connexion with the Formation of Soils. 6. The Operations, Past and Present, producing the de- struction of rock formations and the consequent produc- tion of soils. 7. This subject, illustrated by reference to the Geologi- cal Formations of the United States, producing agricultu- ral districts, which have given direction to the course of emigration. 8. The Geological Structure of a country, or of a district, as influencing the kind, quality, and amount of agricul- tural products. 9. Geology, in its applications to Civil Engineering. The principles involved in the selection of materials for construction, the kind of material, &c. 10. The Geological Formations in which these materi- als are to be sought, and the extent of these formations in the United States. 1 1 . The Principles involved in the Excavation of Rock Formations, and Superficial Deposits. The advantages to be derived in these operations from a knowledge of the geological structure of a country. 12. The same principles applied to the mechanic arts. 13. The Formation of beds and veins of Metallic Ores. The geological associations of certain ores. 14. The Distribution of Metallic Ores in the United States. 15. The Principles of the Science of Palaeontology. 16. Characteristics of the Organic Remains of the suc- cessive rock formations, and the application of this know- ledge in the Classification of Rocks. 17. Comparison of the General Features and Extent of the Rock Formations of Europe and America. 18. Comparison of the Fauna and Flora of the different 9 Geological Periods, and the adaptation of the character and habits of the successive races of Animals and Plants to the conditions of the earth as it was during the time of their existence. Dr. Henry Goadby, formerly of the Royal College of Surgeons, London, will deliver a partial course on Ento- mology, with special reference to agriculture. The general arrangement of the course will be as fol- lows : The Scientific definition of the term Insect. The importance to the agriculturist of a knowledge of Insects. Metamorphosis of Insects. Injuries caused by Insects to crops and fruit. Structure of the Insect skeleton. Its adaptation to spe- cial wants. The forms of the Mouth described, with their different purposes. The Organs of Nutrition, their varieties. The Organs of Respiration. The Structure of the Heart, and Circulation of the Blood. The Brain and Nervous System — organs of special sense. On the Instincts of Insects. The Locomotive Organs — legs, and wings. These lectures will be illustrated by admirable prepara- tions, exhibited by the Oxy-hydrogen, and other micro- scopes. In order that the advantages of the instruction thus of- fered may be widely extended, and that the Institution in its incipient steps may place itself not aloof from the peo- ple, but with them, it has been determined to offer free tickets to a certain number of students from eacli senato- rial district of the state. The means of doing this have been furnished by liberal subscriptions from friends of the University. Each senator will have the privilege of selecting two young men from his own district, who shall 10 receive free tickets to the above courses, and to the course of Prof. Mitchell on'Astronomy. This privilege will also be extended to the members of the last senate, so that j \ur young men may be sent from each senatorial district. The same offer of free tickets is made to two young men from the last graduating class of every college in the state. In addition to these offers, the Trustees and Professors will be disposed to consider favorably applications from young men of limited means, who may not be able to em- brace either of the above opportunities, and who are yet desirous of pursuing the courses of study. The course on Scientific and Practical Agriculture, by Prof. Norton, will commence on the second Tuesday of January, and continue about three months, at the rate of three lectures in each week. Ticket for the course, $10. The course on Geology, by Prof. Hall, will commence on the second Wednesday of January, and continue for three months, at the rate of five lectures in each week. Ticket for the course, $10. The course on Astronomy, by Prof. Mitchell, will com- mence early in January, and due notice of the day will be given, by advertisement. The course on Entomology, by Dr. Goadby, will com- mence on the third Friday in January, and continue at the rate of two lectures in each week. Ticket for the course, $5. The course by Prof. Cook, on Chemistry, and that of Applied Mathematics, by Prof. Perkins, will commence as soon as classes are formed. 11 Messrs. B. P. Johnson, Ezra P. Prentice, and Luther Tucker, have been appointed by the Trustees a committee of the Agricultural Department. All letters of enquiry- relative to this department, should be addressed to B. P. Johnson, State Agricultural Rooms, Albany. The price of board in respectable families, varies from $2 to $2.50 per week, exclusive of washing. Two or more young men, by clubbing together, can hire a room respec- tably furnished, for the purpose of lodging and study, for fifty cents each per week, and can furnish themselves with food, fuel, light, and every thing except washing, at a total expense of $1.37i to $1.50 per week, in winter. Students on their arrival in the city, will obtain full information and directions as to boarding houses, rooms, &c, by calling at the State Agricultural Rooms, where a person will be constantly in attendance for this especial purpose. EZRA P. PRENTICE, B. P. JOHNSON, LUTHER TUCKER, Committee of the Board of Trustees. DEPARTMENT OF LAW. The Law School connected with the University, will commence its first term in the city of Albany, on the third Tuesday of December ; 1851, and will continue for sixteen weeks. The fee for the full term is $40, payable in advance. The Faculty consist of Hon. Ira Harris, LL. D., Hon. Amasa J. Parker, LL. D., and Amos Dean, Esq. Judge Harris will lecture upon the Law of the Domestic Relations, the Law of Evidence, and Pleadings and Practice. Judge Parker upon the Law of Real Estate, of Wills, and of Personal Rights. Prof. Dean upon the Law of Personal Property, Law of Contract and Commercial Law. The method of instruction will be by lecture, by exami- nation, and by the reduction of knoioledge to practice, in the conducting of causes in Moot courts. Law circulars, giving full information, maybe obtained by addressing Amos Dean, Esq., at Albany. THE ALBANY MEDICAL COLLEGE. The annual course of lectures in this Institution, com- mences on the first Tuesday of October annually, and continues sixteen weeks. The following are the names of the Professors, and fees of each : ALDEN MARCH, M. D., President of the Faculty, and Professor of the Principles and Practice of Surgery, $10 JAMES McNAUGHTON, M. D., Theory and Practice of Medicine, . 10 T. ROMEYN BECK, M. D., Materia Medic a, 8 EBENEZER EMMONS, M. D., Obstetrics and Natural History, .... 10 LEWIS C. BECK, M. J)., Chemistry and Pharmacy, 10 JAMES H. ARMSBY, M. D., Anatomy, 12 THOMAS HUN ; M. D., Institutes of Medicine, 5 AMOS DEAN, Esq., Medical Jurisprudence, 5 Matriculation fee, $5 ; Dissecting fee, $5. The method of instruction is principally by lecture, and examination. Every Saturday, during the term, is devoted to practical and clinical instruction, at the College and Hospital. The opportunity here oifered, of witnessing a great variety of surgical operations, and of cases under treatment, is a most interesting feature in the course of study. The Professors have means of instruction unsurpassed in any other institution of the kind in this country. They have a well selected library of nearly 3,000 volumes. Their museum is the best of the kind in America ; rich in 14 its specimens, both natural and morbid ; and in the num- ber and great variety of its delicate, and minute prepara- tions. These have been prepared, or selected with great care; by the Professors themselves ; particularly Drs. March, and Armsby, during their recent visits to Europe. The most abundant means* are thus afforded for illustrat- ing the various forms of disease, and of exhibiting the appearances caused by pathological changes, as well as the minute anatomical structure of the different organs. The graduating fee is $20. The candidate for gradua- tion must be 21 years of age, and must exhibit certificates from a physician, and surgeon, duly authorized bylaw, to practice his profession, that he has studied medicine, and surgery, under his direction, during the term of three years. He must have] attended two full courses of lectures, the last of which must have been at this institution. Six weeks before the end of the term, he must deliver to the Registrar, a thesis, written by himself, upon some medical subject, and must pass a satisfactory examination on the several branches taught in the institution, before the Faculty, and Curators of the College. Circulars giving fuller information, may be obtained by addressing Thomas Hun, M. D., Registrar.