: subjects for which seminary instruction is most universally provided, and that it depends upon the size and importance of the university whether law, history, mathematics, and other special subjects enjoy the same support. However, even in subjects where there never is any need of the elaborate organization, the Germans are too well aware of the advantage of the principle of free intellectual contact, not to secure its application in some shape. Hardly a distinguished professor is content to lecture without giving up an hour or two weekly to so-called Uebungen in his subject, or to a Conversatorium or Disputatorium, in which, for nothing, he practically does all the work of a seminary-leader. To take the single instance of philosophy at Berlin, a man may try himself upon the difficulties of Aristotle under Treudelenburg's watchful eye, or if he likes, cross swords with the famous commentator. And so the other year in Heidelberg, Zeller, besides delivering two courses of lectures, was talking over Mill's "Logic" with his students once or twice a week. Privat docenten also are always to be found in every subject, only too glad to make a reputation by leading open discussions, the seriousness of which nobody who has seen them can make light of. On the whole, I make bold to say that there is not one charge which it would be harder to establish against the German university-system than this, of isolating the students from those personal influences which are the most instructive of all. Into charges that might, I think, be fairly brought, I must at present forbear from entering.* * As an interesting specimen of the actual manner of German examination, I append a translation of part of a certificate "of the first rank," lately awarded, upon a Staats-examen, to a candidate for the facultas docendi in Prussian gymnasia. This candidate having specially devoted himself at the university to philological and historical studies, sought and obtained the faculties in these. The carefulness in setting down the candidate's shortcomings seems to me especially worthy of note; that and the particularity of the whole document are strong evidence of a reality in the test: "At the examination in the classical languages there was put before the candidate a rather difficult passage from "Thucydides," (I. 21), which he treated with discretion, and, entering into a careful appreciation of the various difficulties of thought and expression, brought out the true sense of. The Fourth Epistle of Horace he translated fluently, and without hesitation. The questions added for the explanation of both authors, especially those in literary history, he answered with great ease and exactness. Grammatical rules he had perfectly at command ; but he seemed to have hardly gone quite deep enough into the general science of language. In History, questions were put to him about the rise of Imperialism in Rome, the sources of history for the Italian and Flavian families, the constitution of the Roman Empire in the first and fourth centuries after Christ, provincial administration, taxation, colonies, irruption of the Germans, &c. Then followed questions upon the Völkerwanderung, rise of the Frankish monarchy, fall of the Carlo vingian empire, and also a survey of the German Imperial dynasties. The candidate showed himself at every point well and equally instructed, and displayed a clear appreciation and cultivated power of expression. "The German essay: How must History be taught to serve the end of Education?' in the matter of it, has turned out excellent. For the problem of education is correctly determined; and the way to give historical instruction, so as 252 News. UNIVERSITY OF LONDON. THE adjourned Annual Meeting of Convocation was held on the 2nd of June. A brief discussion on Secondary Education in Schools, in which Mr. Lean, Mr. Shaen, and Mr. Hutton took part, resulted in referring the subject to the Annual Committee, with an instruction to take any steps that they may consider likely to aid in promoting the improvement of such education, in general accordance with the recommendations of the Report of the Schools' Inquiry Commission; and especially to prepare, and cause to be presented to both Houses of Parliament, petitions praying for early legislation, having such improvement for its object. It appears from the Report of the Commission, that while they allow that the matriculation examination of London University affords the best test at present existing of secondary education in schools, at the same time they find that only eight schools sent up as many as three successful candidates per annum during the years 1864, 1865, and 1866. The subject of the expediency of discontinuing the gold medals now given at the M.D. and M.S. examinations, was introduced by Dr. Pye-Smith. As the comparatively few medical graduates present were divided in opinion on the subject, and as it was urged that the principles involved in the discussion would apply with nearly equal force to the case of the medals given at examinations in arts and laws, the further consideration of the question was simply deferred. Dr. Taaffe attempted unsuccessfully to win over Convocation to his opinion, that no person ought to be admitted to any degree unless he has previously studied at a college affiliated to the University. Since the doors of the University were thrown open to all comers, degrees in arts and laws have been taken by men appending "private study" to their names in the calendar, as follows:-B.A., 142; B.Sc., 20; LL.B., 7; M.A., 4; D.Sc., 1; LL.D., 1; total, 175; or, on an average, 21 per annum. It was felt that, whatever opinions might be entertained as to the prudence of the change made ten : to accord therewith, as well in regard to choice and disposition of subjects as in the treatment of them, is set forth with much insight. The essay is further remarkable for its nobility of tone. But in respect of form, there is somothing left to be desired the ideas are not always grounded and worked out with sharpness and clearness; the expository language might be shorter and simpler. The oral exami nation in German spread itself over rhyme, rhythm, and versification of old and middle high German and modern poetry; popular and artistic epos, minne and meistergesang; sacred poetry; the influence of the humanistic movement on German literature; the works of Opitz, Klopstock, and Lessing; the drama : lastly, different parts of the grammar. The candidate's answers all through were so satisfactory that without any hesitation the facultas for the middle classes was accorded to him. "In French and in religion he came up to the 'universal requirements' in a most satisfactory way; also on pædagogy and philosophy." years ago, Convocation could not now recommend a return to the original more exclusive plan. At the close of the adjourned meeting, an Extraordinary Meeting of Convocation was held, summoned by the chairman, in pursuance of a requisition addressed to him by 20 members of Convocation, for the purpose indicated by the following resolution. It was moved by Mr. B. W. Gibsone : "That the Annual Committee be requested to draw up an Address of Congratulation to Her Majesty the Queen on the escape of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh from assassination, and that the chairman be requested to sign and forward the same on behalf of Convocation." The resolution was carried. now of St. This is the At the examination for the degree of M.A., held last month, Mr. Augustus Samuel Wilkins, formerly of University College, London, and John's College, Cambridge, obtained the gold medal in classics. first occasion on which this distinction has been won since 1854; been obtained in only two instances before that date; viz., in 1849 and in 1853. and it had UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, LONDON. BOAT CLUB. THE scratch fours of this club took place on Monday, June 22nd, at Hammersmith. Three boats took part in the race. The race was from Hammersmith Bridge about a mile up the river. Boat A took a clear lead at starting, which it kept all the way, and came in winner by about a length and a half in 6 minutes. Boat B was second. The winning crew received tankards, presented by the club. Dr. Davidson acted as umpire. After the conclusion of the scratch fours, a sculling cup, presented by a member of the club, was rowed for in two heats and a final. The boats were outrigged tubs. The following gentlemen rowed in the first heat:-Messrs. Chilcot, Kaufmann, Hill, and Harding. They came in in the following order :— 1. Kaufmann 2. Chilcot The following two rowed in the second heat, and came in in the order in which they are put down : The final was to be rowed by the first and second in each of the preceding heats, but only the following three started :-Messrs. Kaufmann, Chilcot, and Bateman. They came in as follows:— The starting-point was rather more than a mile from Hammersmith Bridge, and the winning-post was Biffin's. On Saturday, the 4th of July, the crew of the University College Boat Club will row that of St. Mary's Hospital. The following are the University LAST year, for the first time, the medical students walking the London Hospitals agreed to form an "United Hospitals' Athletic Club," which although titularly only for the encouragement of athletic sports, would serve, they were convinced, to stimulate a kindly feeling among them. They then chose a well-known running ground in Brompton for the scene of their goodnatured strife, but as it was found to be not very convenient, the venue was this year transferred to Beaufort House, Walham Green, and we are glad to say that the change was a happy one, as owing to the accessibility of the ground by railway, to its larger size, to the convenience of a grand stand, and last not least, to the glorious weather on both days of the meeting. A subscription of 2s. 6d. constituted membership of the club, and there was also an entrance fee of 5s. for each event, or a composition for all events, with the exception of the three-legged race, for which only 2s. 6d. was demanded from each voluntary Siamese twin. The committee fixed the 11th and 12th inst. for the sports, and offered first prizes for each of the fourteen events, open only to students, members of the club; and when there were six or more entries for one event, second prizes were also given, and in the case of throwing the cricket-ball, the third best man was allowed to keep the ball used in the competition. Nor were nonmedical men forgotten, for the committee, wisely keeping before their eyes the well-known fact, that the medical profession is a liberal one that wishes to insure good health rather than to cure disease, offered a handsome prize for a hurdle race, open to strangers only, but for which, unfortunately, not a sufficient number of entries could be found. Between the events the Band of the London Irish Volunteer Rifle Brigade, which was in attendance each day, played lively airs, adding much to the pleasure of the meeting. It had been intended that the pleasure of the prize winners should have been enhanced by receiving them from the hands of Lady Jenner, who had been quite willing to undertake this kind office had she not been unluckily pre-engaged. Happily, a lady was found in Mrs. Solly, the wife of Samuel Solly, Esq., F.R.C.S., F.R.S., who, at the end of the second day, distributed the prizes, accompanying each bestowal with a few words of encouragement. Mr. Solly then gave an address which, although short, went home, we are sure, to all hearts. The meeting then terminated with three cheers for the Queen, Mrs. Solly, and the Ladies. That the United Hospitals' Athletic Club may go on and flourish is our most hearty wish, and we hope that it shall not be thought out of place, if we suggest for it the significant motto, "Vires acquirit eundo." Subjoined is a short account of the events in the order in which they took place: : 9 Entries. 100 Yards. 2 Prizes. Run in three heats, Cross (King's), Flint (London), and Conolly (Guy's), winning respectively their heats, and Conolly coming in first in the final, with Cross second; both running finely. Time, 10 seconds. R. B. Anderson (St. Mary's). Mr. Anderson cleared 15 feet in width at the same time. Two Prizes and a Challenge Cup, presented by Guy's Hospital. G. A. Norman (St. George's). A. Harding (University). Time, 4 minutes 43 seconds. 1 Prize. A magnificent race, exciting great interest and doubt as to who would be the winner. Mr. Harding's style, and above all his pluck, calling forth well deserved applause. Distance, 99 yards 1 foot. Mr. Spragge won this event last year with a much longer throw, which he would doubtless have eclipsed had he been able to go into training. 3 Entries. Half-Mile Race. G. A. Norman (St. George's). Time, 2 minutes 15 seconds. 1 Prize. This event, won with ease by Mr. Norman, brought the programme of the first day to a close. Two Prizes and a Cup, presented by Sir Thomas Watson, Bart. Time, 54 seconds. Cross (King's). Flint (London). There were so many "scratches" for this race, which was won by Mr. Cross easily, that it was run in one heat instead of in two, as originally intended. Mr. Flint will be formidable, if in training next year |
