On the University Disputations of the Eighteenth Century.

In proof of the degeneracy of the University Studies in the last century, I need only refer to Küttner's "Beitrage zur Kenntniß von England." This excellent work might put to the blush the conceited, ill-judged, unprofitable productions of our modern travellers; and it continues to be a manual indispensable for all who would understand that country; the more recent state of which is throughout closely connected with its previous condition. Küttner's account refers more immediately to the second half of the eighteenth century; but if any alteration had by then taken place, it was for the better: so that the earlier period, à fortiori, deserves the severest censure justly applicable to the later.

Among the many details extant, I will here give only an example (from the Terræ Filius) of a disputatio quodlibetica; which is not likely to have been among the dullest of its kind. original is in Latin.]

[The

Opponent: I propose to you, Sir, this question: whether action on a distant body is possible. Respondent: It is not possible. 0. It is possible: therefore you are mistaken. R. I deny the antecedent. — 0. Here is my proof. If it be granted that there is an emanation of force from one who acts when he is distant, then action on a distant body is possible. But such an emanation of force exists; therefore, &c. . . . . — R. I deny your minor. 0. Here then is a proof of my minor. The Vice-chancellor is the agent; and there is an emanation of force from him when he is distant; therefore, &c. — R. I deny your minor. — O. Here then is a proof of my minor. If when holding a disputation in the little go (? parvisiis) or with his hat on, any one is afraid and is affected in mind, though there is a space between the Vice-chancellor and the disputant or him that has his hat on; then there is emanation of force from the Vice-chancellor upon a distant body. But he with hat on does fear, and does suffer; therefore, &c. R. I deny both your minor and your inference. — O. The minor is certified by the most perfect discipline and experience of the

University the validity of the inference is undeniable; since to inspire fear is an action upon somebody. - MODERATOR: A distinction is needed in your argument. Fear does not proceed from an emanation or effluvium from the person of the Vice-chancellor ; but from his Beadles, who possibly by their sticks inspire fear, &c. &c. . . .

Such jokes as these are among the less ordinary effusions of talent. Generally, the whole party - Moderator, Opponents and Respondents, passed the prescribed half-hour in reading or talking.

NOTE (93) REFERRED TO IN PAGE 289.

On the petty persecution of Whigs in Oxford, in the last Century.

For an account of the matters here alluded to, in as far as they do not rest upon well-known facts of English History, I refer my readers to the notorious "Terra Filius" of Amherst, (1721.) That work, no doubt, was a patchwork composition (more malicious than witty) and in fact, a libel from a not very reputable partisan; as his after-career in life fully proved: and is anything but authentic testimony for the state of things at that time, and even much later, at Oxford; as Meiners, and many others, both English and Germans, have made it. I do not consider myself at all called upon to enter into any minute criticism of this, upon the whole unimportant, work. What we can collect from it is just sufficient for us, in connexion with other testimony of a less detailed and circumstantial but of a more trustworthy nature, and by comparing it with all the circumstances of the times, to establish the fact that all kinds of injuries were done to the Whigs of the University in the manner above described, and that even a permanent, systematic, and secret Terrorism was exercised over them. There is no doubt, at the same time, that many a blow fell upon those who deserved it, and that many who received these merited blows, passed themselves off for martyred Whigs as may be seen very plainly in Amherst's instances. That honorable and respectable persons were also annoyed and persecuted in various ways, is proved by

the many vexations that so meritorious a man as Hearne was obliged to bear. He was one of the few Oxford men of his time who displayed any considerable degree of learning or science; although it was not as Professor, any more than Blackstone. It would be impossible for us to enter into details respecting these vexatious proceedings, even if they had any interest.

Note (94) referred to in PAGES 305 AND 361.

[In this Note, I propose to throw together a variety of Tables, of which the Oxford ones have been principally furnished to me either by Mr. S. W. Wayte or by Professor Powell, and the Cambridge ones have been collected by Mr. James Heywood. For other Tables, see Appendix I. to each volume.

Since 1837, the number of the highest Honors at Oxford has declined: indeed, in five years, only four Double Firsts are found, making that honor as unique as that of Senior Wrangler at Cambridge. I find it is not believed, that the standard of the Mathematical First has risen in the last seven or eight years; and it is certain that Christ Church and Oriel do not furnish members for the Class List as in former years. Perhaps therefore the difference is to be imputed to the fact, that so many of the abler youths now give themselves to the study of Ecclesiastical Antiquities.]

TABLE I.

(Extracted from a Table furnished by Professor Powell.)

HONORS OBTAINED AT OXFORD, FROM 1807 To 1819.