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THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON
half of the destitute, by a majority of twenty-one; and then 1 voted nearly a million of money for the comfortable maintenance of criminals and convicts. A Bill for Preventing the Adulteration of Food and Drinks, was brought in by Mr. Scholefield, Viscount Goderich, and Lord C. Hamilton, and read the first time; second reading, July 16th. 1’rilay, June 26th.-Eleven petitions praying for redress of Poor-law medical grievances. Six in favour of Medical Bill, No. 1, and two in favour of Lord Elcho’s. Second reading of Scottish Lunatic Bill deferred till Monday, July 6th. Monday, June 29th.-Mr. Headlam’s Bill, twelve petitions; Lord Elcho’s, only one. Redress for Poor-law medical officers,
For this purpose I drew up the memorial you did me the honour to publish in THE LANCET of the 20th ultimo. I am happy to say that it is already very
present invidious restrictions.
numerously signed.
Ten years hence it will, I am convinced, be a matter for not for reproach, that a measure so just and so expedient was not supported by every graduate of the UniI am, Sir, yours &c., versity. ROBERT BARNES, M.D. Devonshire-square, June, 1857.
astonishment, if
THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON
To the Editor of THE LANCET. unable to attend the annual gathering of some of my fellow graduates of the University of London, when seven petitions. the proposition of the senate to open the University to all can. In voting the supplies, considerable discussion took place didates was discussed, I did not intend to offer any opinion; concerning the amount appropriated for the support of the but the controversy is assuming such proportions, that 1 think graduates, and particularly the older ones, should support Queen’s University, Ireland. It was nominally opposed, because the or object to the proposition. the pupils of an institution but recently established were few 1 cannot but think that too much importance is attached to in number. The grant was only agreed to after a division. the subject by those who would support the monopoly of the Wednesday, July 1,t. -Before the discussion (see p. 20) on Colleges; for how -many candidates do they presume will prethe comparative merits of Medical Bills, Nos. 1. and 3, there sent themselves for examination who have not at some period been students of some of those Colleges already recognised, or were presented to the House sixty petitions in favour of Mr. others equally entitled with them to be recognised ? It is Headlam’s Bill, and one for Lord Elcho’s, with thirty-two of very evident that the number must be exceedingly few, for against it.-The second reading of the Vaccination and Burial self-education is the greatest rarity, and those whose position Bills was deferred till Wednesday next. in society, present or prospective, is of a nature to render the possession of a degree advantageous to them, would commonly have been students of some College, or of the superior schools which now abound much more than when I was a student. I do not think that it would in any perceptible degree interfere either with the numbers who attend upon College tuition, or would introduce into the University a class of persons inferior "Audi alteram partem." to those now its members. If the question be regarded as one of principle, I think that the senate have the advantage on THE their side. The University was established to open a wider GRADUATES’ COMMITTEE AND EXCLUSIVE- door to the entrance of those who seek a good education, and desire to obtain evidence of having gained it. By its establishNESS IN THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON. ment both those who had limited means and tender consciences To the Editor of THE LANCET. might obtain these advantages, and out of respect to our own SiR,—The present crisis of the University of London has existence, even much more to the idea which originated the placed me in a position which I shall feel grateful to you for University, we ought to carry out the principle as fully as posan opportunity of explaining, more especially to my fellow sible. It is true that it is a provision of the charter that all medical graduates. Ten years ago I took the first step in the graduates should have a collegiate education; but the originaorganization of the graduates, for the purpose of achieving the tion of the University out of a College would naturally give a full measure of those external civil and professional privileges, bias in that direction, and moreover, twenty years ago, where and that share in the government of the University, which were’ could any one have received a smattering of a good education due to us. Much of this has been accomplished. But another except in the Colleges ? Circumstances have changed now, and cherished design was to aid in the development of the Univer- I think that this exclusive idea may properly give place to one sity, by freeing it from the College-monopoly which inflictedl which shall carry out to a wider extent the liberal views which so much injustice upon those whom unpropitious circumstancesI gave birth to the institution. had excluded from College-education, and which so injuriously No one can seriously doubt that there are, or may be, advanrestricted its public influence and usefulness. In this design Iz tages in a collegiate training; but then it must be a training met at first with but scant support. I never concealed froml in fact and not in inference. Are there any of us who do not the committee of graduates that I looked upon this measure as regret that we had not such a training at Oxford or Cambridge? one of paramount importance. Although upon several occa- But then we mean a training which endured for years, and sions my views as to the policy to be pursued have not been1 which placed us under the private, as well as public tuition of identical with those of the majority, I have submitted to thes profound scholars, and in daily association with the noble and decision of the majority upon every point but this. Upon thiselevated in society. I do not suppose that there are many who point I have always reserved the fullest liberty of independentt regard with pride an Oxford or Cambridge ordinary degree, action. Entertaining, as I do, the deepest conviction that no3 except upon those grounds; but on those grounds it i3 invaluaman ought to be excluded from participation in academical1 ble. Now which of the Colleges affiliated with an University honours because circumstances over which he may have nc:> can offer a training at all equal to this? In how few are there control prevent him from joining an affiliated institution, 7[ profound scholars, and in which is there the residence and the have ever regarded this question as too sacred for compromisee high-born associations ? How few students reside within the or concession. The committee, representing the graduates, hass walls of King’s College, or of University either, absolutely, or determined to resist any charter containing a provision for open in comparison with the numbers receiving their education ing the University. The time, then, has come when I can n(othere ? Then in reference to our theological colleges, it is of longer act with the majority. I had concurred in a genera:1 common report that the defective education of the students policy of opposition to the senate, because that body resistecd before they enter, and the advanced age at which they do so, the just demands of the graduates. I can no longer e offer serious obstacles to a sound education during the limited that opposition when the senate not only concedes those de’- period of their sojourn. I cannot think that the amount of mands to the graduates, but also proposes to extend the publicc college-training-that is, of training apart from mere teaching usefulness of the University. For me the casus belli is at ain and learning obtained by our candidates from affiliated Colend. I declined, therefore, to attach my name, even aa secre, leges, is of a nature to add much dignity to the graduate, or tary, to a document purportingto be a " Statement of Fact;s that its absence would be any reflection upon him. If it were and Arguments" in support of the College-monopoly, issued b;y otherwise, or if in order to obtain the certificates now required the committee. I have felt it my duty to give those there must be a lengthened residence, there might be someand others interested,-for the country has even a deeper in thing about which to struggle; but as I believe it to be little terest in this question than the actual graduates,-an opporr- more than a nullity, I should be sorry to see it stand in the tunity of recording their sentiments in favour of abolishing th way of the due extension of the liberal views of the University
SiR,-Having been
Correspondence.
’
’
-
.-
continus
graduates
17
I think there ought to be this, and this only distinction made Ferriers, and Blackies, has Scotland lost by this shutting ou’ between those candidates who have been educated at College, of her graduates. A further result is, that when a (Jollegf Ouj and those who have not-viz., that if the latter fail to pass the! chair falls vacant, the election is often chance-work. examination, the fee shall be forfeited; for otherwise we may patronage in Scotland is so various, and on the whole so bad in maintain a staff of examiners and officials who may waste their’ principle, that very likely merit has little chance against rela· time over the examination of persons who ought not to have tionship, or religious party, or political influence, or jealousy. becomes a presented themselves for examination ; or if this distinction But even with a fair competition the appointment for we look in vain for a great untried were objected to, I would advise that the fee be forfeited whenmen, chance amongst man who has proved his genius and didactic ability amongst ever any candidate is rejected. tutors or lecturers. Then if the lucky candidate I do not support the idea of lowering the requirements for, a failure, or a man of mediocrity, the unfortunate and the status of the degrees, but 1 would open the advantages of the University to whomsoever could meet their requirements. students have no choice but to go to his class. What a burden, I agree with the senate, that there is a difference in this respect what sheet, a heavy professor then becomes, grinding in reference to the medical degrees, for unlike the education away from day to day and year to year at the old story, ginfor a degree in Arts, the medical and surgical art cannot be horse like, but with the differences in favour of the gin-horse, that the effect of his work is to elevate, and that he dies soon. learnt in the study, and from books alone. I trust that we shall not be squabbling amongst ourselves When we consider that generation after generation of our inwhilst a vigorous movement is a-foot to throw into the hands genuous youth have to sit under this, instead of being stimuand and developed, such a professor may be of Oxford and Cambridge the education of the country, apart from those Universities-a movement which with our principles voted a national calamity. Some may call this a caricature of should be made in favour of the University of London; and I the close College system; but those acquainted with such would call the attention of the medical graduates to the invita- " Universities" will not fail to recognise illnstrations. They tion which is now in circulation amongst the London physicians may form the exception, or the minority, but these are the and surgeons to hospitals to attach their names to a petition to abuses to which the system is plainly open. But this is not our only University grievance in Scotland. the old Universities for the purpose just mentioned. If they obtain power to send examiners to all our schools and colleges Not only must the aspiring A.M. take his education in one of institutions, but he must submit to be throughout the country to examine candidates, and grant a sort the few" of degree to them, what will be left for an University to do? examined for the degree by the professor, most likely by the If the University of London has failed at all, it is not in the same whose class he has attended. His fate for "pluck" or character of any of its degrees, but in the absence of a spirit of " pass" is in the despotic hands of one man, who may have his enterprise. It is time that the senate aroused themselves, and whims or his hobbies, or his pliant or his stern moments. But felt the importance of doing more for the country, or assuredly besides these considerations, this plan of examination for honours is bad in principle, in its effect on rival institutions. we shall soon be in relation to the old Universities as Wesleyanism and Dissent are now in reference to the Church, which Even although graduates were permitted to settle down at having at a time of great apathy and religious neglect aroused their University as tutors or lecturers, what chance would we the country, the Church awoke also, and is now defeating them have against the College professor in whose hands the whole by the very means which caused their establishment. Both power of the examination lay ? It would still be of less imOxford and Cambridge are aroused, and haveset about their portance to the candidate to evidence his own powers, or to reformation, and if we permit them, will soon do that which know what Plato or Cicero, or Bacon or Adam Smith, or will leave the University of London, so far as regards the Hamilton or Wbately, had thought, than to know Professor general education of the country, an University without ’scrotchets on this or that great or little question. You see, then, Mr. Editor, how it stands with us in Scotland. members as it is now without a home. We have a double obstacle to remove before our Colleges can Your most obedient servant, becume national Universities. Some of us would like to have EDWARD SMITH, L.L.B., B.A. (Lond.) B. A. (Lond.) SMITH, M.D., M.D., LL.B., ’ one national only University Board, leaving onr present Grosvenor-street, June, 1857. " Universities" to remain as educational Colleges, like Queen’s University and Queen’s Colleges in Ireland. We trust to you and other English journalists for help--you at a distance, who UNIVERSITY REFORM. can see over the ridge of petty interests and prejudices which To the Editor of THE LANCET. confine the views of the more narrcw-minded of our countrySIR,-The cause of University Reform is considerably in- men. debted to your excellent leading article of Saturday, June 20th, Apologizing for taking so much of your valuable space, on the University of London. We, Scotch University reI am, Sir, yours &c., formers, have commonly looked to the London University as a A SCOTCH GRADUATE. June, 1857. type of what a University should be, and are not a little surprised to find that there should be any necessity for the present proposal to open it fully up. Perhaps you are not aware POOR-LAW MEDICAL REFORM ASSOCIATION. that your article has hit the Scotch Universities very hard, To the Editor of THE LANCET. striking at the very root of the evil of our system. You comSIR,-During the last eighteen months union medical affairs plain that class certificates for the London degree in Arts have occupied much space in your columns. Glad should I be are not received from all educational institutions, whether "affiliated" or not. Now, a Scotch A.M. can be had only could I say, this is the last epistle I shall write on the subject after attending courses by the College professors. Our pro- of Poor Law ; but alas ! we have still to fight the hard battle fessors thus enjoy a complete monopoly of teaching for the Uni- of right against might. I must, therefore, crave further inversity degtees, they are what you call thoroughly "patented." dulgence, and a continuance of your able and generous assistThis is established by long usage, not by original constitution, ance. On the 25th inst. the President of the Poor-la,w Board, in and from our University history, which is now being unravelled, it is not very evident when and how this custom reply to Sir John Trollope, said " that an order had recently been issued by the Poor-law Board, directing that the appointcame to be commenced, thereby taking from the graduates their original and long-enjoyed privilege of teaching for the ments of medical officers to Poor-law unions should be made degree. The result is, that our Universities ceased to be permanent. Their salaries were fixed by the Poor-law guarnational, to be Universities proper, and became narrow exclu- dians, and the funds from which they were paid were partly sive Colleges. The Colleges, in fact, absorbed the Universities. the rates levied in their districts and partly a vote of that Scotland, therefore, has no University, but merely four Colleges, House. In those cases in which the remuneration was exlittle chartered corporations, calling themselves by the grander tremely low the Poor-law Board endeavoured to procure an name. One result is that the graduates are turned adrift with addition to it; but he was sorry to say that, generally speaktheir A.M., and find no encouragement to prosecute learning ing, the Poor-law guardians were not disposed to agree with Those whose abilities and aspirations would induce them to re- the Poor-law Board as to the propriety of such addition. Unmain and enter the lists as tutors or lectures, are frowned on, less the Poor-law Board entered into a violent contest with the or, what is more effectual, starved away from their alma mater. boards of guardians on that subject-which he was not at all Whether they look to the classics, mathematics, or the philo- prepared to do-it would be difficult indeed to obtain an insophics, starvation alike stares them in the face in the regula- crease of the salaries. He ought at the same time to state that tion compelling the student to give his fee to the College in a great number of unions the medical officers were suffifessor. How many young Reids, Leslies, Hamiltons, Wilsons, ciently remunerated. There could be no doubt that the great
University turns out a wet
lated,
inspired,
affiliated"
pro-
18
For this purpose I drew up the memorial you did me the honour to publish in THE LANCET of the 20th ultimo. I am happy to say that it is already very
present invidious restrictions.
numerously signed.
Ten years hence it will, I am convinced, be a matter for not for reproach, that a measure so just and so expedient was not supported by every graduate of the UniI am, Sir, yours &c., versity. ROBERT BARNES, M.D. Devonshire-square, June, 1857.
astonishment, if
THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON
To the Editor of THE LANCET. unable to attend the annual gathering of some of my fellow graduates of the University of London, when seven petitions. the proposition of the senate to open the University to all can. In voting the supplies, considerable discussion took place didates was discussed, I did not intend to offer any opinion; concerning the amount appropriated for the support of the but the controversy is assuming such proportions, that 1 think graduates, and particularly the older ones, should support Queen’s University, Ireland. It was nominally opposed, because the or object to the proposition. the pupils of an institution but recently established were few 1 cannot but think that too much importance is attached to in number. The grant was only agreed to after a division. the subject by those who would support the monopoly of the Wednesday, July 1,t. -Before the discussion (see p. 20) on Colleges; for how -many candidates do they presume will prethe comparative merits of Medical Bills, Nos. 1. and 3, there sent themselves for examination who have not at some period been students of some of those Colleges already recognised, or were presented to the House sixty petitions in favour of Mr. others equally entitled with them to be recognised ? It is Headlam’s Bill, and one for Lord Elcho’s, with thirty-two of very evident that the number must be exceedingly few, for against it.-The second reading of the Vaccination and Burial self-education is the greatest rarity, and those whose position Bills was deferred till Wednesday next. in society, present or prospective, is of a nature to render the possession of a degree advantageous to them, would commonly have been students of some College, or of the superior schools which now abound much more than when I was a student. I do not think that it would in any perceptible degree interfere either with the numbers who attend upon College tuition, or would introduce into the University a class of persons inferior "Audi alteram partem." to those now its members. If the question be regarded as one of principle, I think that the senate have the advantage on THE their side. The University was established to open a wider GRADUATES’ COMMITTEE AND EXCLUSIVE- door to the entrance of those who seek a good education, and desire to obtain evidence of having gained it. By its establishNESS IN THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON. ment both those who had limited means and tender consciences To the Editor of THE LANCET. might obtain these advantages, and out of respect to our own SiR,—The present crisis of the University of London has existence, even much more to the idea which originated the placed me in a position which I shall feel grateful to you for University, we ought to carry out the principle as fully as posan opportunity of explaining, more especially to my fellow sible. It is true that it is a provision of the charter that all medical graduates. Ten years ago I took the first step in the graduates should have a collegiate education; but the originaorganization of the graduates, for the purpose of achieving the tion of the University out of a College would naturally give a full measure of those external civil and professional privileges, bias in that direction, and moreover, twenty years ago, where and that share in the government of the University, which were’ could any one have received a smattering of a good education due to us. Much of this has been accomplished. But another except in the Colleges ? Circumstances have changed now, and cherished design was to aid in the development of the Univer- I think that this exclusive idea may properly give place to one sity, by freeing it from the College-monopoly which inflictedl which shall carry out to a wider extent the liberal views which so much injustice upon those whom unpropitious circumstancesI gave birth to the institution. had excluded from College-education, and which so injuriously No one can seriously doubt that there are, or may be, advanrestricted its public influence and usefulness. In this design Iz tages in a collegiate training; but then it must be a training met at first with but scant support. I never concealed froml in fact and not in inference. Are there any of us who do not the committee of graduates that I looked upon this measure as regret that we had not such a training at Oxford or Cambridge? one of paramount importance. Although upon several occa- But then we mean a training which endured for years, and sions my views as to the policy to be pursued have not been1 which placed us under the private, as well as public tuition of identical with those of the majority, I have submitted to thes profound scholars, and in daily association with the noble and decision of the majority upon every point but this. Upon thiselevated in society. I do not suppose that there are many who point I have always reserved the fullest liberty of independentt regard with pride an Oxford or Cambridge ordinary degree, action. Entertaining, as I do, the deepest conviction that no3 except upon those grounds; but on those grounds it i3 invaluaman ought to be excluded from participation in academical1 ble. Now which of the Colleges affiliated with an University honours because circumstances over which he may have nc:> can offer a training at all equal to this? In how few are there control prevent him from joining an affiliated institution, 7[ profound scholars, and in which is there the residence and the have ever regarded this question as too sacred for compromisee high-born associations ? How few students reside within the or concession. The committee, representing the graduates, hass walls of King’s College, or of University either, absolutely, or determined to resist any charter containing a provision for open in comparison with the numbers receiving their education ing the University. The time, then, has come when I can n(othere ? Then in reference to our theological colleges, it is of longer act with the majority. I had concurred in a genera:1 common report that the defective education of the students policy of opposition to the senate, because that body resistecd before they enter, and the advanced age at which they do so, the just demands of the graduates. I can no longer e offer serious obstacles to a sound education during the limited that opposition when the senate not only concedes those de’- period of their sojourn. I cannot think that the amount of mands to the graduates, but also proposes to extend the publicc college-training-that is, of training apart from mere teaching usefulness of the University. For me the casus belli is at ain and learning obtained by our candidates from affiliated Colend. I declined, therefore, to attach my name, even aa secre, leges, is of a nature to add much dignity to the graduate, or tary, to a document purportingto be a " Statement of Fact;s that its absence would be any reflection upon him. If it were and Arguments" in support of the College-monopoly, issued b;y otherwise, or if in order to obtain the certificates now required the committee. I have felt it my duty to give those there must be a lengthened residence, there might be someand others interested,-for the country has even a deeper in thing about which to struggle; but as I believe it to be little terest in this question than the actual graduates,-an opporr- more than a nullity, I should be sorry to see it stand in the tunity of recording their sentiments in favour of abolishing th way of the due extension of the liberal views of the University
SiR,-Having been
Correspondence.
’
’
-
.-
continus
graduates
17
I think there ought to be this, and this only distinction made Ferriers, and Blackies, has Scotland lost by this shutting ou’ between those candidates who have been educated at College, of her graduates. A further result is, that when a (Jollegf Ouj and those who have not-viz., that if the latter fail to pass the! chair falls vacant, the election is often chance-work. examination, the fee shall be forfeited; for otherwise we may patronage in Scotland is so various, and on the whole so bad in maintain a staff of examiners and officials who may waste their’ principle, that very likely merit has little chance against rela· time over the examination of persons who ought not to have tionship, or religious party, or political influence, or jealousy. becomes a presented themselves for examination ; or if this distinction But even with a fair competition the appointment for we look in vain for a great untried were objected to, I would advise that the fee be forfeited whenmen, chance amongst man who has proved his genius and didactic ability amongst ever any candidate is rejected. tutors or lecturers. Then if the lucky candidate I do not support the idea of lowering the requirements for, a failure, or a man of mediocrity, the unfortunate and the status of the degrees, but 1 would open the advantages of the University to whomsoever could meet their requirements. students have no choice but to go to his class. What a burden, I agree with the senate, that there is a difference in this respect what sheet, a heavy professor then becomes, grinding in reference to the medical degrees, for unlike the education away from day to day and year to year at the old story, ginfor a degree in Arts, the medical and surgical art cannot be horse like, but with the differences in favour of the gin-horse, that the effect of his work is to elevate, and that he dies soon. learnt in the study, and from books alone. I trust that we shall not be squabbling amongst ourselves When we consider that generation after generation of our inwhilst a vigorous movement is a-foot to throw into the hands genuous youth have to sit under this, instead of being stimuand and developed, such a professor may be of Oxford and Cambridge the education of the country, apart from those Universities-a movement which with our principles voted a national calamity. Some may call this a caricature of should be made in favour of the University of London; and I the close College system; but those acquainted with such would call the attention of the medical graduates to the invita- " Universities" will not fail to recognise illnstrations. They tion which is now in circulation amongst the London physicians may form the exception, or the minority, but these are the and surgeons to hospitals to attach their names to a petition to abuses to which the system is plainly open. But this is not our only University grievance in Scotland. the old Universities for the purpose just mentioned. If they obtain power to send examiners to all our schools and colleges Not only must the aspiring A.M. take his education in one of institutions, but he must submit to be throughout the country to examine candidates, and grant a sort the few" of degree to them, what will be left for an University to do? examined for the degree by the professor, most likely by the If the University of London has failed at all, it is not in the same whose class he has attended. His fate for "pluck" or character of any of its degrees, but in the absence of a spirit of " pass" is in the despotic hands of one man, who may have his enterprise. It is time that the senate aroused themselves, and whims or his hobbies, or his pliant or his stern moments. But felt the importance of doing more for the country, or assuredly besides these considerations, this plan of examination for honours is bad in principle, in its effect on rival institutions. we shall soon be in relation to the old Universities as Wesleyanism and Dissent are now in reference to the Church, which Even although graduates were permitted to settle down at having at a time of great apathy and religious neglect aroused their University as tutors or lecturers, what chance would we the country, the Church awoke also, and is now defeating them have against the College professor in whose hands the whole by the very means which caused their establishment. Both power of the examination lay ? It would still be of less imOxford and Cambridge are aroused, and haveset about their portance to the candidate to evidence his own powers, or to reformation, and if we permit them, will soon do that which know what Plato or Cicero, or Bacon or Adam Smith, or will leave the University of London, so far as regards the Hamilton or Wbately, had thought, than to know Professor general education of the country, an University without ’scrotchets on this or that great or little question. You see, then, Mr. Editor, how it stands with us in Scotland. members as it is now without a home. We have a double obstacle to remove before our Colleges can Your most obedient servant, becume national Universities. Some of us would like to have EDWARD SMITH, L.L.B., B.A. (Lond.) B. A. (Lond.) SMITH, M.D., M.D., LL.B., ’ one national only University Board, leaving onr present Grosvenor-street, June, 1857. " Universities" to remain as educational Colleges, like Queen’s University and Queen’s Colleges in Ireland. We trust to you and other English journalists for help--you at a distance, who UNIVERSITY REFORM. can see over the ridge of petty interests and prejudices which To the Editor of THE LANCET. confine the views of the more narrcw-minded of our countrySIR,-The cause of University Reform is considerably in- men. debted to your excellent leading article of Saturday, June 20th, Apologizing for taking so much of your valuable space, on the University of London. We, Scotch University reI am, Sir, yours &c., formers, have commonly looked to the London University as a A SCOTCH GRADUATE. June, 1857. type of what a University should be, and are not a little surprised to find that there should be any necessity for the present proposal to open it fully up. Perhaps you are not aware POOR-LAW MEDICAL REFORM ASSOCIATION. that your article has hit the Scotch Universities very hard, To the Editor of THE LANCET. striking at the very root of the evil of our system. You comSIR,-During the last eighteen months union medical affairs plain that class certificates for the London degree in Arts have occupied much space in your columns. Glad should I be are not received from all educational institutions, whether "affiliated" or not. Now, a Scotch A.M. can be had only could I say, this is the last epistle I shall write on the subject after attending courses by the College professors. Our pro- of Poor Law ; but alas ! we have still to fight the hard battle fessors thus enjoy a complete monopoly of teaching for the Uni- of right against might. I must, therefore, crave further inversity degtees, they are what you call thoroughly "patented." dulgence, and a continuance of your able and generous assistThis is established by long usage, not by original constitution, ance. On the 25th inst. the President of the Poor-la,w Board, in and from our University history, which is now being unravelled, it is not very evident when and how this custom reply to Sir John Trollope, said " that an order had recently been issued by the Poor-law Board, directing that the appointcame to be commenced, thereby taking from the graduates their original and long-enjoyed privilege of teaching for the ments of medical officers to Poor-law unions should be made degree. The result is, that our Universities ceased to be permanent. Their salaries were fixed by the Poor-law guarnational, to be Universities proper, and became narrow exclu- dians, and the funds from which they were paid were partly sive Colleges. The Colleges, in fact, absorbed the Universities. the rates levied in their districts and partly a vote of that Scotland, therefore, has no University, but merely four Colleges, House. In those cases in which the remuneration was exlittle chartered corporations, calling themselves by the grander tremely low the Poor-law Board endeavoured to procure an name. One result is that the graduates are turned adrift with addition to it; but he was sorry to say that, generally speaktheir A.M., and find no encouragement to prosecute learning ing, the Poor-law guardians were not disposed to agree with Those whose abilities and aspirations would induce them to re- the Poor-law Board as to the propriety of such addition. Unmain and enter the lists as tutors or lectures, are frowned on, less the Poor-law Board entered into a violent contest with the or, what is more effectual, starved away from their alma mater. boards of guardians on that subject-which he was not at all Whether they look to the classics, mathematics, or the philo- prepared to do-it would be difficult indeed to obtain an insophics, starvation alike stares them in the face in the regula- crease of the salaries. He ought at the same time to state that tion compelling the student to give his fee to the College in a great number of unions the medical officers were suffifessor. How many young Reids, Leslies, Hamiltons, Wilsons, ciently remunerated. There could be no doubt that the great
University turns out a wet
lated,
inspired,
affiliated"
pro-
18