 | Catalogue of the University of Virginia |  |
A STATEMENT
OF THE
COURSE OF INSTRUCTION, EXPENSES, &c.
IN THE
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA.
MATRICULATION.
To be admitted into the University, the student must be sixteen
years of age; but the Faculty are authorized to dispense with this
requisition in the case of application for admission by two brothers,
one of whom is under the age of sixteen.
If the applicant for admission has been a student at any other
incorporated seminary, he cannot be received but on producing a
certificate from such seminary, or other evidence satisfactory to the
Faculty, with respect to his general good conduct.
Every student is free to attend the schools of his choice, and no
other than he chooses; with the condition that he shall attend at
least three Professors, unless he has the written authority of his
parent or guardian, or the Faculty shall for good cause shown
allow him to attend less than three. But should he be twenty-one
years of age, or more, he is exempt from this condition as to the
number of his schools.
Before a student matriculates, he is furnished with a copy of the
laws, which he is required to read. On matriculating, he signs a
written declaration, that he will conform to those laws, and, if he
be a resident student, that he has deposited with the Patron all the
funds in his possession.
COURSE OF INSTRUCTION.
The session commences on the 1st of October, and continues
without interruption until the 29th of June.
The mode of instruction is by lectures and text-books, accompanied
by daily and stated examinations.
In each school there are three regular lectures a week, besides
many others suited to the several subjects into which the school is
divided.
SCHOOLS.
I.—ANCIENT LANGUAGES.
PROFESSOR HARRISON.
In this school are taught the Latin and Greek Languages; the
Greek and Roman History, Geography, and Literature; and the
Hebrew language. The instruction is given partly by lectures
and examinations, and partly by comments on portions of the
text-books appointed to be read by the students.
In Latin there are two classes, a Junior and a Senior, and so in
Greek.
The text-books used in the several classes are chiefly the following:
1. In the Junior Latin Class: Zumpts' Latin Grammar, Krebs'
Guide, Virgil, Horace, Cicero's Orations and his Epistolæ ad Diversos,
Terence, and Cæsar's Commentaries; the last chiefly with
a view to the written exercises.
2. In the Senior Latin Class: Zumpts' Latin Grammar, Krebs'
Guide, Horace, Juvenal, Livy and Tacitus.
3. In the Junior Greek Class: Kühner's Elementary Greek
Grammar, Xenophon's Anabasis, Herodotus and a play of Euripides
or Æschylus. The Greek-English Lexicon of Liddell and
Scott is that preferred.
4. In the Senior Greek Class: Kühner's Larger Greek Grammar,
Euripides, Sophocles, Thucydides, and Homer.
5. For the Roman History, studied in the Senior Latin Class,
Schmitz' History of Rome is used as a text-book. Niebuhr's
History of Rome, the History of Rome published by the Society
for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, Arnold's History of Rome,
and the maps of ancient Italy published by the Society for the
Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, are recommended.
6. For the Ancient History of Greece, studied in the Senior
Greek Class, the History of Greece published by the Society for
the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, or Thirlwall's History of
Greece, and the maps published by the Society for the Diffusion
of Useful Knowledge, are recommended.
It is expected of the students of Latin and Greek that they will
read in their rooms such authors and parts of authors, prescribed
by the Professor, as cannot be read in the lecture-room;—e. g.
Cicero's Epistles to Atticus, his Orations (selected), and Treatise
De Republica, Sallust, Virgil, Terence, Plautus, Æschylus, Sophocles,
Plato, &c.
As an essential part of the plan of instruction, the students of
each class are required to furnish written exercises; these consist
in the conversion of Latin or Greek into English and of English
into Latin or Greek. The exercises are examined by the Professor
and the errors marked; they are then returned to the students,
and the corrections stated and explained in the presence of the
class. For these exercises the text-books are, in the Junior and
Senior Latin Classes, Krebs' Guide; in the Junior Greek Class,
Kühner's Elementary Greek Grammar.
7. Hebrew: The text-books are Biblia Hebraica, Nordheimer's
or Gesenius' Hebrew Grammar, and Gesenii Lexicon Manuale
Hebr. et Chald., or Sauerwein's edition of Rehkopf's Lex. Hebr.
Chald.
In the written translations required as a test of the qualifications
of candidates for degrees, the passages used are selected by the
committee of examination, not from the portions of authors which
have been read and explained in the lecture-room, but at will from
the classic writers generally.
II.—MODERN LANGUAGES.
PROFESSOR SCHELE DE VERE.
The subjects taught in this school are:
1. The French, Italian, Spanish and German Languages, the
English in its Anglo-Saxon form, and their Literature.
2. The History and Geography of Europe, from the fall of the
Roman Empire to the present day.
Instruction, also, is given in Comparative Philology, the different
languages being used as illustrations of the principles of the
Science of Languages. The influence of the history of nations
on their language and literature is explained and exemplified by
extracts from their respective authors, and constant attention given
to the connection between Philology and Ethnology.
There are two classes in French and in German, one for beginners,
the other for more advanced students; and the same arrangement
is made, when necessary, in the other languages. Opportunity
is also given in private to practice speaking the languages.
The method of instruction is by lectures, examinations, written
exercises, and comments on the text-books as read in the lecture-room;
the principal classic authors in each language being used
for this purpose.
Two degrees in this school are required as a condition for obtaining
the degree of A. M.
III.—MATHEMATICS.
PROFESSOR COURTENAY.
In this school there are four classes.
Of these, the Junior commences with the theory of Arithmetic,
the student being supposed to have rendered himself practically
familiar with its various rules before entering the University. The
elements of Algebra are then taught, and after the first difficulties
are mastered, the subjects of Algebra and Synthetic Geometry are
pursued simultaneously.
In the second or Intermediate Class, the course of Algebra,
commenced in the preceding class, is completed, and there are
taught successively the theory of Plane and Spherical Trigonometry,
with the application of the former to the measurement of
heights and distances, and of the latter to Nautical Astronomy,
the theory and practice of Land Surveying and Leveling, Navigation,
and Descriptive Geometry, with its applications to Spherical
Projections, Shadows, and Perspective.
The Senior Class begins with the subject of Analytical Geometry,
and subsequently studies the Differential Calculus, concluding
the course of Pure Mathematics with the Integral Calculus.
There is also a class of Mixed Mathematics, designed exclusively
for such of the more advanced students as may desire to
study the subjects taught therein.
The course embraces the mathematical investigation of the general
laws of equilibrium and motion, both of solids and fluids,
with a variety of applications, especially to Physical Astronomy.
The instruction in each class is conveyed partly by lectures,
and partly by the systematic study of approved text-books, the
student being assisted by full and frequent explanations from the
Professor, and being constantly subjected to rigid examinations.
The progress of the student in every class is also tested by his being
required to perform written exercises, in which the principles
acquired are applied to the solution of particular problems.
The text-books used are:—For the Junior Class, Lacroix' or
Davies' Arithmetic, Davies' Bourdon's Algebra, and Legendre's
Geometry. For the Intermediate Class, Bourdon's Algebra, Legendre's
Geometry and Trigonometry, Davies' Surveying, and
Descriptive Geometry. For the Senior Class, Davies' Analytical
Geometry, Young's Differential Calculus, and Young's Integral
Calculus. For the class of Mixed Mathematics, Pratt's Mechanical
Philosophy.
Any student entering the school has the privilege of attending
all or any of the classes, as he may elect, and if prepared to enter
an advanced class, may often find it highly advantageous to review
his previous studies by an attendance on a lower class also.
IV.—NATURAL PHILOSOPHY.
PROFESSOR WILLIAM B. ROGERS.
There are three classes in this school: the Junior and Senior
classes of Natural Philosophy, and the class of Geology and Mineralogy.
The following is the plan of the course:
JUNIOR CLASS.
1. General or Rational Mechanics,—including Statics and Dynamics,
or the doctrines of Equilibrium and Motion.
2. Mechanics of Solids.—Molecular Structure, Elements of
Machinery, Friction, Strength of Materials, Roofs, Bridges, &c.
3. Mechanics of Liquids.—Structure, Laws of Equilibrium
and Pressure, Flotation, Specific Gravity, Motion in Pipes, Canals
and Rivers, Resistance, Model of Ship, &c.
4. Mechanics of Airs.—Structure, Elasticity, &c. , the Barometer
Pump, &c. , Resistance of Air, Endosmose and Capillarity.
5. Acoustics.—Mechanism of Waves, Sound-waves, Propagation
and Reflection, Musical Sounds, Scales, Speech and Hearing.
6. Thermotics.—Temperature, Expansion, Latent and Specific
Heat, Motion of Heat, Melloni's Laws, Vapours, &c.
7. Electricity, Magnetism, Electro-Magnetism, &c. —Electrotype,
Telegraph, &c.
8. Optics.—Propagation, Reflection, Refraction of Light; Chromatics,
Polarization; Theories, Instruments, the Eye.
9. Meteorology.—The Winds, Revolving Storms, Rain, Dew,
&c. ; Laws of Climate, Outline of Physical Geography.
SENIOR CLASS.
1. General Mechanics, Mech. of Solids, of Liquids, Airs, &c. ,
and Optics, with the construction of Optical Instruments, are here
treated of more thoroughly than in the Junior Class, in a series of
Geometrical and Algebraic Theorems.
2. Practical Statics, including the principles of the Arch, Roofs,
Bridges, &c. , with an Outline of Architecture.
3. Practical Dynamics, Machinery and Motion Powers, Theory
and Construction of the Steam Engine, &c. , Mills, Turbones.
4. Astronomy.
CLASS OF GEOLOGY AND MINERALOGY.
In this class, besides the leading features of general Geology,
especial attention is given to the structure and mineral products of
to maps and sections, the order of stratification pointed out,
the nature of the materials shown by specimens, and the relations
of all these features to the agriculture and other resources of the
country particularly dwelt upon. In this connection the formation
of soils is discussed, and their analysis, together with that of ores,
limestones, marls, &c. , particularly taught. The course includes
so much of general Natural History as is necessary to a knowledge
of the leading fossils.
Text-Books.—Reference is made to Müler's Physics, Bird's
Natural Philosophy, Peschel's Elements of Physics, Herschell's
Outlines of Astronomy, Jackson's Optics, Potter's Mechanics,
Lyell's, Ansted's, or Trimmer's Geology, Agassiz' and Gould's
Zoology.
V.—CHEMISTRY AND MATERIA MEDICA.
DR. R. E. ROGERS.
CHEMISTRY.
This subject, included in the medical as well as the general
academic course, and forming a department of the School of
Chemistry and Materia Medica, may be studied separately, or in
conjunction with the latter.
The Lectures, which are delivered twice a week throughout the
session, embrace a very full illustration of all the topics of theoretical
or practical importance in the science, and in its applications
to Mineralogy, Geology, the Chemical Arts, Agriculture, and
Physiology.
Beginning with an account of the phenomena and laws of Heat,
Light, and Electricity, Mechanical and Voltaic, the course next
takes up the doctrines of chemical reaction, presenting a full and
minute view of the principles of definite combination, with their
hypothetical expression in the form of the atomic theory, and
illustrating these doctrines by numerous experiments and drawings.
To this succeeds Pneumatic Chemistry, in which are discussed
the preparations, properties, and applications of the various gaseous
bodies and their compounds.
This is followed by the detailed account of the metals, their
oxides, chlorides, and other compounds, connecting with each
metal the chemical history of its important salts. A résumé is
now given, accompanied by illustrations of the various processes
of analysis deduced from the preceding facts.
Organic Chemistry is next taken up, embracing an account of
all the more important organic acids, alkaloids, and neutral principles,
together with a view of the alcoholic, aceteous, and other
in the vegetable and animal economy; and that of soils and manures,
as connected with agriculture.
In connection with these topics, experimental illustrations are
given of all the valuable processes for detecting poisons, and for
counteracting their effects. The more important operations of
analysis, as applied to ores, marls, &c. , are also described and exemplified.
Throughout the course, use is constantly made of ample diagrams
illustrating the chemical reactions, according to the method
of equivalents; and the bearings of the recent generalizations of
Dumas, Leibig, Kane, Graham, and others, are particularly referred
to.—Text-Book, Rogers' Turner.
MATERIA MEDICA.
The course of Materia Medica embraces:
I.—General Therapeutics, or an account of the effects of the
various classes of remedies on the organism, and their modus operandi,
as far as understood.
II.—Special Therapeutics, or the application of these agents
to individual diseases, as suggested by experience or the theory of
the particular disease.
III.—A detailed account of the medicinal agents, in their commercial
history, physical properties, chemical habitudes, pharmaceutical
preparations, doses, and the medical applications. This
sub-division of the subject will be preceded by a brief outline of
Systematic and Structural Botany, embracing the Classifications of
Linnæus and Jussieu.
To aid the student in arranging the multifarious details of the
subject, and to abridge the labor of note-taking, a tabular digest
of all the topics treated of, is at each lecture placed before the
class. Upon this and the details of the lecture, the student is expected
to be prepared, as well as upon the corresponding parts of
the text-book.
The means of illustration in Materia Medica are unusually
ample, embracing a very full series of specimens of medicines in
their various states, and an extensive suit of colored drawings of
medical plants, on an enlarged scale. Text-Book: Dunglison's
Therapeutics and Materia Medica.
The lectures on Chemistry are delivered twice a week; those on
Materia Medica once a week, throughout the course. Meetings for
examinations are held separately generally three times a week.
VI.—MEDICINE.
PROFESSOR HOWARD.
In this school are taught Medical Jurisprudence, Obstetrics, the
Principles and the Practice of Medicine. It is composed of two
classes. One of Medical Jurisprudence, and consists of law,
academical and medical students. The other of Obstetrics, the
Principles and the Practice of Medicine, and consists wholly of
medical students. To allow the medical student time to attain
proficiency in Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry, and Materia
Medica, before he is required to apply these branches in the study
of the Principles and the Practice of Medicine, the course is opened
with Medical Jurisprudence, which is followed by Obstetrics,
and both are completed before the Principles or the Practice of
Medicine are entered upon.
MEDICAL JURISPRUDENCE.
The lectures on this branch show the aid which legislation and
the administration of the laws derive from medicine, and consist
chiefly of the application of the principles of medical science to
the elucidation and administration of the laws, and the legal decisions
in cases of insanity, every variety of mental impairment,
crime, &c. , &c. Text-Books:—the Professor's Outlines, and
Beck or Taylor.
OBSTETRICS.
The lectures on this branch comprehend an account of all
labours, natural, preternatural, and instrumental, the professional
assistance to be afforded in each, the treatment of a female before,
during, and after delivery, and the diseases of infancy. The
lectures are amply illustrated by specimens and plates, and all
manual evolutions, and the application of instruments, are demonstrated
on the improved phantome of Hebermehl. The students
also practice manual and instrumental delivery on the manikin.
Text-Book:—the last edition of Meigs' Midwifery.
THE PRINCIPLES OF MEDICINE.
The Principles of Medicine, as taught in this school, comprise
General Pathology, and a brief view of General Therapeutics;
also Etiology, Nosology, Semeiology, Diagnosis, and Prognosis.
The nature and division of causes are first considered, which introduces
the student to their effects—disease. Pathology proper
is next considered under the two forms, Functional and Structural
and proximate, are analyzed into their constituent parts, and
the elements considered separately before they are contemplated
in combination. Structural diseases, being rarely confined to one
anatomical element, cannot be strictly distinguished into ultimate
and proximate elements, and are therefore arranged under the three
heads: increased, diminished, and perverted nutrition. After the
student thoroughly understands the nature of the causes of diseases,
their divisions, modes of operation; and the resulting effects upon
function and structure in the ultimate and proximate elements of
disease, a general view is given of the influences that can be
brought to remove or counteract their elements. And the course
on the Principles is then concluded by the consideration of nosology,
semeiology, diagnosis, prognosis, and the different modes of
death. Text-Books:—Wood's General Pathology, and General
Therapeutics.
PRACTICE OF MEDICINE, OR SPECIAL PATHOLOGY AND SPECIAL
THERAPEUTICS.
As the most natural and practically useful arrangement, all local
diseases are classified and treated of according to their locality, or
the organ or set of organs which they affect; whilst general diseases
are arranged altogether pathologically. Much attention is given
to Physical Diagnosis. Pathological Anatomy occupies a conspicuous
place in the course, and is illustrated by Carswell's large
and splendid colored plates, and, when practicable, by specimens.
Text-Book:—Wood's Practice of Medicine.
VII.—COMPARATIVE ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY
AND SURGERY.
PROFESSOR CABELL.
The heading indicates the subjects taught in this school, and
the order in which they are discussed.
In the first part of the course, the Professor presents a general
outline of the Animal Kingdom, by demonstrating such of the
leading facts of Comparative Anatomy as may serve to indicate
the natural affinities between the different members of the animal
series, and to furnish a basis for a natural Zoological classification.
In the second division of the course, which is mainly devoted
to the study of Human Physiology, the peculiarities of structure
of inferior animals are again noticed, with reference, especially, to
the varieties of the same organ in different animals, in order to
exhibit the simplest conditions of structure essential to its office,
forms.
The third portion of the course is exclusively devoted to the
study of the Principles and Practice of Surgery.
Books recommended:—T. R. Jones' General Outline of the
Animal Kingdom and Manual of Comparative Anatomy, Ruschenberger's
Zoology, Carpenter's Elements of Physiology, Miller's
Principles of Surgery, Druitt's Modern Surgery.
VIII.—LECTURESHIP OF ANATOMY.
DR. JOHN DAVIS.
In this department are taught Special and Surgical Anatomy,
and general Pathological Anatomy; the former, both by lectures
and demonstrations.
The lectures are illustrated by fresh subjects, by wet and dry
anatomical preparations, and by the splendid colored plates of
Bourgery and Jacob, and of Carswell.
The private dissections of the students occupy the afternoon,
and are conducted under the constant guidance of the Lecturer.
Text-Books, any one of the following:—Goddard's Wilson's
Anatomy, Horner's Special Anatomy and Histology, Pancoast's
Wistar's Anatomy, Pattison's Cruveilhier's Anatomy, Leidy's
Sharpey and Quinn's Anatomy.
MEDICAL SCHOOL.
From the foregoing announcement it will be seen that by the
organization of the University, provision is made for teaching all
the branches of Medical Science.
A joint committee of the two houses of the Legislative Assembly,
appointed to investigate the affairs of the University, having
had their attention directed to the peculiar features of this school,
appended to their Report a notice of the advantages resulting from
the direct connection of a Medical School with a general University,
from which the following statement is extracted:
1. Length of Session.—Nearly all the medical schools of this
country are located in our cities or larger towns, and have only a
nominal connection with the colleges from which they borrow
their names and chartered privileges. In these schools the usual
length of a term of instruction by courses of lectures is four
months. In order to embrace all the important branches of Medical
Science in a course of instruction compressed into so short a
time, it is found necessary to employ the services of six or seven
Professors, who deliver six lectures a day. By this arrangement
the students, if they attend all the lectures, are required to spend
rapid succession, and treating of diverse topics. None but those
who have had personal experience in this matter, can fully appreciate
the troubles and difficulties which beset a tyro at the commencement
of his attendance upon lectures; the fatigue of body
and perplexity of mind which he inevitably experiences in his
painful efforts to hear every lecture, and master every subject. In
attempting, after the close of the lectures for the day, to bring in
review the topics discussed by his teachers, he finds links in the
chain here and there broken, he flies from one subject of thought
to another, without adequately mastering any, and confounded by
their number and the utter impossibility of keeping pace in his private
reading at night with the lectures of six Professors, he despairs
of doing more than retaining such portions of the facts stated in
the lectures as may happen to make the strongest impression on
his mind.
In the Medical Department of this institution, the length of the
session, which is nine months, enables four instructors to perform
all the duties which are elsewhere assigned to six or seven. The
students attend but two lectures a day, and thus have ample time
for private reading and for pursuing their Anatomical dissections.
2. System of Daily Examinations.—Immediately before each
lecture, the students in every school in the University are subjected
to a rigid examination on the subject of the preceding lecture,
or on portions of some approved text-book.
Experience has shown this to be an almost necessary adjunct
to the system of teaching by lectures, and it is felt to be of such
importance that the students in other Medical Schools into which
its introduction to any adequate extent is precluded by want of
time, resort to the expedient of employing the services of private
instructors, by whom they may be examined at night on the topics
discussed each day in the lecture-room. The fee paid by the
students for this necessary but extra-collegiate instruction, varies
from $30 to $50 in each case for the four months term of lectures,
and is usually about $100 for the whole year. These fees are
often received by the Professors themselves, in addition to the
usual collegiate fees.
The enactments of the Visitors of the University prescribe that
no Professor shall engage in pursuits of emolument unconnected
with the service of the University, or shall receive from the members
of his class any compensation in addition to that provided
for by the laws. They further require every Professor to reside
within the precincts, both for the purpose of assisting to enforce
the discipline of the college and of being accessible to the students
who may seek assistance in their private hours of study. These
students, then, enjoy here advantages which elsewhere are purchased
at a high price over and above the heavy necessary collegiate
expenses.
3. Order of Studies.—All Medical Colleges aim to place Medical
education on a scientific basis. Indeed, if the practice of the
healing art does not depend on general principles, embodied in
the fundamental sciences of Anatomy, Chemistry, Physiology,
Pathology, and Therapeutics, these branches of Medical Science
had as well be altogether omitted in a course of professional education.
If, however, it does so depend, the propriety and necessity
of laying a good foundation before the superstructure can be
reared, are too obvious to need illustration. This cannot be
done in city schools, in which, as above stated, the lectures on
the different branches of medicine are carried on simultaneously.
This system takes for granted that the students have "read," as
it is termed, with a private practitioner of medicine for a year at
least before they commence their attendance on lectures. This,
however, is not always the case, and when it occurs is not always
an advantage; for it is to be observed, that the fundamental
branches of Medical Science are precisely those which demand for
their illustration the apparatus only to be found within the walls
of colleges.
It is one of the peculiar advantages of the University Medical
School, that it unites, as may have been inferred from the preceding
remarks, the plan of instruction by private pupilage with that
of public lectures, while the length of the session puts it in the
power of the Professors to pursue a philosophical order of studies, the
students having an opportunity of mastering the elementary branches
before their attention is directed to their practical applications.
4. Conditions of Graduation.—The regulations for graduation
of the Medical Schools in cities require that the student shall have
attended two full courses of Medical lectures, and shall have been
the private pupil for a year or two of a respectable practitioner of
medicine. The latter part of this requisition is, however, rarely
insisted upon, although, as above stated, the fact of such previous
study is taken for granted.
At the University, a consecutive course of nine months being
more than equivalent to two courses in the city schools in respect
to the time employed and the advantageous distribution of the
subjects of study, the students are permitted to take their diploma
at the end of one session, if they show themselves worthy. The
rigidness of the examinations deters the majority of the class from
making the trial, and none but the perseveringly diligent attain
the honor, which is here truly a testimonial of attainments.
5. Location in a Village.—This has been urged as an objection,
while in point of fact it is the circumstance on which most
of the advantages just cited depend. A residence in a country
village is, moreover, free in a large degree from the objections that
apply to a city in view of the temptations to extravagance and dissipation
in its worst forms.
The importance of the advantages attributed in the foregoing
notice to the Medical Department of this institution, has been tested
by the experience of over twenty years, during which time
more than one thousand medical students have been educated.
6. It will be noticed that those students who desire to take their
diploma at a city school will yet find an advantage in attending
the first course in an institution organized on the plan of the Medical
Department of the University, by which they avoid the expense
of employing a private instructor, whose other avocations
may, and commonly do, disqualify him for the proper discharge of
his duties as a teacher.
IX.—MORAL PHILOSOPHY.
PROFESSOR M'GUFFEY.
There are three classes in this school:
The Junior Class studies Rhetoric, Belles-Lettres, and Philosophical
Criticism.
Text-Books:—Blair's Lectures, Campbell's Philosophy of Rhetoric,
(Alison on Taste,) (Montgomery's Lectures,) and Kaine's
Elements of Criticism.
The Intermediate Class studies Political Economy, Statistics,
and the Philosophy of Social Relations, or "Ethics of Society."
Text-Books: On Political Economy: (A. Smith,) Say, (McCulloch,)
Tucker (and Carey); on the Progress of Society: (Ferguson,)
Guizot, (Taylor,) and (McCinnon.)
The Senior Class studies Mental Philosophy, Logic, (inductive
and deductive,) together with Theoretical and Practical Ethics.
Text-Books: On Mental Philosophy, Brown's Lectures, Cousin's
Psychology, in connection with Locke's Essay. On Logic,
(Mill,) and Whately. On Ethics, (Butler,) Stewart, (Whewell,)
and Jouffroy.
The lectures will be carried on concurrently during the session,
two a week, to each class.
The examinations will be on the Professor's Lectures and the
text-books, that is, those books enumerated above, the names of
which are not included in parentheses. Those so included are
to be consulted, but are not required to be studied as text-books.
X.—LAW.
PROFESSOR MINOR.
This school is arranged into two classes, Junior and Senior.
The Junior Class studies the Law of Nature and Nations, the
Science of Government, Constitutional Law, and the elementary
principles of Municipal Law.
The text-books used by it are Vattel's Law of Nations, the Federalist,
Madison's Report of 1799, and Blackstone's Commentaries;
in addition to which lectures are delivered on Government,
and on various topics of National and Constitutional Law, not
discussed in the text-books.
The subjects studied by the Senior Class are the Common and
Statute Law, the Principles of Equity, and Maritime and Commercial
Law.
The text-books in this class are: Coke upon Littleton, (Thomas'
edition,) Stephens on Pleading, Greenleaf on Evidence, Chitty
on Contracts, Smith's Mercantile Law, Matthews on Executors,
Holcomb's Equity Jurisprudence, Fonblanque's Equity, and Mitford's
Equity Pleading.
The student, for purposes of reference, should also be provided
with Gordon's Digest of the Laws of the U. S., and the Revised
Statutes of Virginia.
The design of this arrangement of the school into two classes,
is, in part, to embrace in the Junior Course those studies which
not only form an essential part of a liberal professional education,
but which, from their universal interest and importance, constitute
a highly useful branch of general education, whilst the Senior
Course is occupied exclusively with the study of the theory and
practice of Law, as a profession.
Students may attend either class or both, and those not wishing
to study Municipal Law at all, can enter for that portion of the
Junior Course which includes National Law, Government, and
Constitutional Law. Candidates for a degree are required to attend
both classes.
Comments are delivered by the Professor on the text-books of
both classes, the purpose of which is to supply what is deficient,
and explain what is obscure in the text, and to induce a thorough
practical comprehension of the subject under consideration. In
his observations on Municipal Law, the Professor refers to the
leading cases and authorities, American and English, which tend
to illustrate the topic in hand, and particularly explains, in its
appropriate connection, the Statute Law of Virginia, and of the
United States, and its effect on the preöxisting law. Each daily
lecture is preceded by an examination on that of the preceding
day, together with its text.
A moot-court is instituted in connection with the school, upon
a plan conforming minutely to the organization of the courts of
the country, the exercises of which are directed, under the immediate
superintendence of the Professor, with a view to familiarize
the student with the practical details of his profession. His opinion
is required on supposed cases; he is called upon to devise and
to institute remedies, by suit or otherwise; to conduct suits at law,
and in chancery, from their inception, through all their stages; to
most of the functions devolving upon a practitioner of the
law.
Graduates in the school of Law, have the title of Bachelor of
Laws.
EXAMINATIONS.
These are of three kinds: first, the daily examinations, which
precede or alternate with the lectures; second, the public examinations,
two in number, held the one about the middle of the
session, the other at its close; and third, the examinations for
graduation, held towards the end of the session.
I.—DAILY EXAMINATIONS.
In the daily examinations the student is questioned both upon
the subject of the preceding lecture and such portions of the textbook
as may have been designated by the Professor. His preparation
thus tested is noted at the time of examination, and if the
student shall exhibit material delinquency, the fact is communicated
to his parent or guardian in the printed circular which is sent
home at the close of every month.
II.—PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS.
The two public examinations, embracing respectively all the
subjects treated of in the first half, and all those treated of in the
second half of the session, are thus conducted:
The Professor of the school prepares in writing a series of questions
to be proposed to the class, and affixes to them numerical
values, according to his estimate of their relative difficulty. On
the assembling of the class for examination, these questions are
for the first time presented to them; and they are required to answer
in writing in a prescribed time, without communication with
one another or with other persons, and without any reference to
books. Their answers are subsequently carefully examined and
compared, and a value attached to each, not exceeding that of the
corresponding question. In the schools of languages subjects are
also selected for oral examination, and the values of these exercises
marked at the time.
The students are then arranged into four divisions, according to
the merit of their examination, as determined by the following
method: The numerical values attached to all the questions are added together, and also the values of the answers given by each
student. If this last number amounts to three-fourths of the first,
the student is ranked in the first division; if it be less than three-fourths,
and as much as a fourth, in the third; if less than a fourth,
in the fourth division. The examinations are conducted and the
results ascertained by a committee, consisting of the Professor of
the school and two other Professors. The standing of the student
at these examinations is communicated to his parent or guardian
in the last circular of the session.
Those who attain the first division receive in public, at the close
of the session, a printed certificate of their distinction at one or
both of the examinations, as the case may be, and their names
are mentioned in the published account of the proceedings which
terminate the course.
These public examinations, though less thorough than the examinations
for graduation, are sufficiently comprehensive and difficult
to render it impossible for the student, without steady diligence,
to secure a place in the first division.
III.—EXAMINATIONS FOR GRADUATION.
These are partly oral and partly in writing, and are conducted
by the Professor of the school, in the presence of two other Professors,
forming with him the committee of examination, for the
school. Here the student is subjected to searching interrogations
upon the details and niceties as well as the leading principles of
the subject, and he is expected to be accurately versed in all the
topics treated of in the lectures and the correlative texts.
As a due acquaintance with our own language is made indispensable
to the attainment of even the inferior honors of the University,
all candidates for degrees are subjected to an examination,
in order to test their qualifications in this respect. At this, which
is called the English Examination, and is held near the close of
the session, the student is called upon to correct in writing numerous
errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation, and is required
to prepare at the time a short composition on some appointed theme.
DEGREES.
I.—THE ACADEMICAL DEGREES,
Are first, that of Proficient in certain special departments of a
school; second, that of Graduate in a school; third, that of Bachelor
of Arts; and fourth, that of Master of Arts of the University
of Virginia.
The degree of Proficient, conferred in a certificate of proficiency,
applies only to those branches of some of the schools which
by the regulations the student is allowed to attend separately.
These are Geology and Mineralogy, Medical Jurisprudence, Physiology,
Anglo-Saxon.
The degree of Graduate in a School embraces, in the school of
Ancient Languages, the Latin and Greek Languages; in that of
Modern Languages, any two of the languages taught in the school,
except Anglo-Saxon; in that of Mathematics, all the studies of the
school, except the Mixed Mathematics; in that of Natural Philosophy,
the same, omitting Geology and Mineralogy; in that of
Chemistry, the same, omitting Materia Medica; in that of Moral
Philosophy, the same, omitting Political Economy. The degree
of Graduate is also conferred in each of the languages separately,
and in the Mixed Mathematics.
None are admitted to these degrees who fail to give satisfactory
evidence of their attainments at the public examinations and the
examinations for graduation.
II.—THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF ARTS OF THE UNIVERSITY
OF VIRGINIA.
This degree is conferred upon such students as have become
graduates in any two of the scientific schools, viz: Mathematics,
Natural Philosophy or Chemistry, and in two of the literary,
schools, viz: Ancient Languages, Modern Languages or Moral
Philosophy, having also obtained distinction at an intermediate
and final examination of the Junior Class of the two remaining
academic schools. The candidates for this degree have moreover
to satisfy the Faculty of their general literary acquirements by furnishing
an appropriate essay, composed by themselves, on some
subject of literature and science, which they may be required to
read on the Public Day.
III.—THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS OF THE UNIVERSITY
OF VIRGINIA.
To merit this, the highest academical honor of the Institution,
the student must have already become a graduate in the following
schools:
ANCIENT LANGUAGES,
MODERN LANGUAGES,
MATHEMATICS,
NATURAL PHILOSOPHY,
CHEMISTRY,
MORAL PHILOSOPHY.
He must, moreover, give proof of an accurate and comprehensive
acquaintance with his entire course of studies, by an examination
on all these subjects, in the presence of the whole Faculty,
and submit to the Faculty an essay or an oration, exhibiting
a due degree of literary ability; and this, if so directed, he is required
to read or deliver on the Public Day.
IV.—THE PROFESSIONAL DEGREES,
Are that of Doctor of Medicine, conferred on graduates in the
Medical Department, and that of Bachelor of Laws, on graduates
in the School of Law.
To merit the degree of Doctor of Medicine, the student must
prove by his examinations, that he has made satisfactory attainments
in Anatomy, Surgery, Human and Comparative Physiology,
Principles and Practice of Medicine, Obstetrics, Materia Medica,
Chemistry, and Medical Jurisprudence.
To attain the degree of Bachelor of Laws, he must in the same
manner give evidence of a due acquaintance with the Law of Nature
and Nations, the Science of Government, Constitutional Law,
Municipal Law, including the Common and Statute Law, the
principles of Equity, and Commercial Law.
Honorary degrees are forbidden by the laws of the University.
THE PUBLIC DAY.
On the closing day of the session, which, unless that day be
Sunday, occurs on the 29th of June, the Visiters, Faculty, Officers
and Students, and the Society of Alumni, assemble in the Rotunda,
whither are also invited the friends of the students, and the
public generally. On this occasion the certificates and diplomas
are awarded to the successful candidates, the results of the examinations
are announced, and addresses are delivered by one or more
of the Bachelors and Masters of Arts, and by the Orator appointed
by the Society of Alumni.
EXPENSES.
The expenses for the session of nine months are as follows:
1. Fees.—If one Professor be attended $50; if two, each $30;
if more than two, each $25. Every student is required to attend
three schools, unless, for special reasons, leave is given to attend
but one or two.
For the class of Anglo-Saxon in the school of Modern Languages,
of Geology and Mineralogy in the school of Natural Philosophy,
of Physiology in the school of Anatomy, of Medical
Jurisprudence in the school of Medicine, or of National Law,
Government, and Constitutional Law, in the school of Law, the
fee is $15 only.
2. Board and Lodgings.—Board in any of the University-hotels
or boarding houses, licensed by the Faculty, $100; for
which sum diet, bedding, room-furniture and attendance are furnished.
Washing may be had for $8-10 for the session. Rent
of an entire dormitory $16; if occupied by two students $8. Only
nine dormitories can, by regulation, be occupied by a single student.
Fuel and candles are furnished by the Proctor at cost and
five per cent. commission, and cost, for each of two students in the
same dormitory, about $15.
3. Matriculation fee, and use of Library and public rooms,
$15 00.
The expenses of the students resident in the University are lim-
ited as follows:
1. For board, washing, the use of the dormitory, and public
rooms, and tuition fees, the sums before stated.
2. For clothing during the session, an amount not exceeding
one hundred dollars.
3. For pocket-money during the session, a sum not exceeding
forty-five dollars.
4. For books and stationery, whatever the parent or guardian
may think fit to allow.
5. For medicine and medical attendance, whatever may be necessary.
These are in no case to be exceeded, unless under special circumstances
the Faculty shall allow it.
PROHIBITION OF CREDIT.
The act of the Legislature prohibiting merchants and others,
under severe penalties, from crediting students, is strictly enforced.
The license to contract debts, which the Chairman is authorized
to grant, is confined (except where the parent or guardian otherwise,
in writing, requests,) to cases of urgent necessity; and these
it is hoped that parents and guardians will, as far as possible, prevent
from arising, by the timely supply of the requisite funds.
HOTELS OR BOARDING-HOUSES.
Hotels or boarding-houses are provided in the precincts of the
University for the accommodation of students; and no student is
permitted to board or lodge out of the precincts, unless in the
family of his parent or guardian or of some particular friend, approved
by the Faculty. Except that students above the age of
twenty-one years may reside out of the precincts, in such private
boarding-houses as the Faculty may approve.
The charges at the private boarding-houses, being those licensed
by the Faculty, are required by the regulations not to exceed those
of the hotels within the precincts.
The hotel-keepers are bound to maintain good order among their
boarders during meals, and to report all cases of misconduct of
which they have knowledge, whether occurring in their own
houses or elsewhere.
KEEPING OF STUDENTS' FUNDS.
Every student resident within the precincts is required, on matriculating,
to deposit with the Patron all the money, checks, bills,
drafts, and other available funds, which he shall have in his possession,
or under his control, in any manner intended to defray his
expenses while at the University, or on his return from thence to
his residence. Nor shall he matriculate till he shall have deposited
a sum at least sufficient to pay for the use of his dormitory
and the public rooms, to pay the fees of the Professors whom he
may design to attend, to pay three months' board to his hotel-keeper,
to purchase the text-books and stationary which he may
want at the commencement, twenty dollars on account of fuel and
candles, and ten dollars to cover contingent charges and assessments
against him for injuries to the buildings, &c. , which two
last mentioned sums are credited in the final settlement of his accounts.
In like manner, he shall deposit with the Patron all the
funds which he shall receive while a student of the University for
the purpose aforesaid. At the end of the first three months of the
session, he shall deposit enough to pay his board and other expenses
for the next three months; and at the expiration of the second
period of three months, he shall deposit enough to pay his
board and other expenses for the residue of the session.
Students resident out of the University, are required, on matriculating,
to deposit with the Patron funds sufficient to pay the fees
of Professors whom they may propose to attend, the sum charged
for the use of the public rooms, and ten dollars to cover contingent
charges.
PRIVILEGED STUDENTS.
Ministers of the Gospel, and young men preparing for the ministry,
bringing proper certificates from their congregations as to
character and standing, may attend any of the schools of the University,
without payment of fees to the Professors.
The Faculty, at their discretion, may allow any man of undoubted
moral character, above the age of twenty-three years, to
attend lectures in any of the schools of the University, and to
reside out of the precincts, exempt from the rules and regulations
prescribed for the government of students; except only, that he
shall pay the usual Professors' fees, and the usual compensation
for the use of the public rooms, and shall observe all those laws
But the privilege so allowed may be withdrawn by the Faculty,
at any time, when in their opinion it has been used to the evil example
of the students, or otherwise to the injury of the Institution.
MONTHLY CIRCULAR.
At the end of every month, a circular letter is addressed by the
chairman of the Faculty to the parent or guardian of each student,
in which are stated his absences from lectures and examination,
and any other irregularities of which he may have been guilty;
together with such further information as to the student's progress
and conduct, as it may be deemed proper to communicate.
The object of such report being on the one hand to incite the
student to steady diligence by eliciting the commendation and
encouragement of his friends, and on the other to restrain him
from idleness and disorder, or to urge him to amendment by their
admonition and advice, the usefulness of these circulars greatly
depends upon the prompt and judicious attention they receive
from those to whom they are addressed. Parents and guardians
therefore cannot be too earnest in communicating such advice or
encouragement as the monthly reports may suggest.
LIBRARY.
The Library of the University, originally selected and arranged
by Mr. Jefferson, has since been augmented by several valuable
donations, among which the legacy of Mr. Madison, amounting to
587 volumes, that of the late Christian Bohn, Esq., a generous
and enlightened citizen of Richmond, amounting to 3,380 vols.,
and a donation of 234 works presented by an unknown benevolent
lady through the Rev. Dr. Alexander, of Princeton. Through
such additions, and the annual increase by purchase, the library
now numbers upwards of 18,000 volumes, comprising an unusually
large proportion of standard literary and scientific works in
the principal European languages, together with a rich and extensive
collection of engravings.
Students are allowed the use of the books, under the usual restrictions,
and the Librarian is in attendance daily at stated hours
to comply with their orders and to receive the books returned.
SOCIETY OF ALUMNI.
This association is composed of such former students of the
University as, having finally left the Institution, have on nomination
been elected members, at the annual meetings. Its objects
are the promotion of letters and general education, as well as the
life.
The society holds its meetings at the close of the session, commencing
business usually on the 28th and terminating on the 29th
of June. An orator or an essayist is annually appointed by the
society from among its members, and the oration or essay is generally
delivered in the Rotunda on the Public Day, at the conclusion
of the academical proceedings.
LITERARY AND PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES.
There are two literary and two professional societies formed by
the students of the University, which meet weekly at their own or
public rooms for the purpose of cultivating debate and composition,
and hold occasionally public exhibitions.
RELIGIOUS EXERCISES.
Divine service is performed in the chapel every Sunday morning
and evening during the session, by the Chaplain of the University,
who is appointed in turn from the principal religious
denominations. Students also have the opportunity of attending,
at their choice, daily morning service in the chapel; and, on Sundays,
service at any of the churches in Charlottesville.
STATE STUDENTS.
To render education at the University available to meritorious
young men of limited means, provision has been made for the
admission of one student from each Senatorial district of the Commonwealth,
without payment of Professors' fees, board or University
charges.
The advantage is meant to be restricted to those who are not
themselves, and whose parents are not in a situation to incur the
expenses of education, otherwise.
Their connection with the University is to continue two years,
but for extraordinary proficiency the Board of Visiters may prolong
the term. They stand, in all respects, except expense, on the
same footing as other students, enjoying the same privileges, and
subject to the same laws.
By way of remuneration to the State for the assistance thus
afforded, they are expected to teach in some public or private
school within the limits of Virginia, for two years after leaving the
University.
The selection of students, on this foundation, is made by the
Faculty on the first day of July, annually. Applications for vacancies,
accompanied by proper testimonials, addressed to the
of June.
☞ Persons interested will be pleased to observe the following
particulars:
1. The applicant is requested to state his age, which must be
over seventeen years, and to designate the several schools of the
University he may wish to enter, observing that the enactments
require him, if under the age of twenty-one years, to attend at
least three, unless, for good cause, the Faculty permit him to attend
a less number.
2. In order to be admitted, the applicant must exhibit satisfactory
testimonials—1st. Of irreproachable moral character; 2nd.
Of capacity, as well by partial cultivation, as original vigor of
mind, to profit by the instruction given at the University; 3rd. If
he desires to enter the schools of Mathematics, or of Natural
Philosophy, that he possesses a familiar acquaintance with all the
branches of numerical Arithmetic, or if he desires to enter the
school of Ancient Languages, that he is qualified to commence the
study of the higher Latin or Greek authors; and 4th. That neither
he, nor his parents, are in a situation to incur the expense of his
education without aid.
☞ Appointments for the following districts are to be made on
the first of July, 1851:
District IV.—Kanawha, Putnam, &c.
District VI.—Wythe, Tazewell, &c.
District VII.—Scott, Washington, &c.
District VIII.—Morgan, Berkeley, &c.
District XXV.—Fauquier and Prince William.
District XXVII.—Madison, Culpeper, &c.
District XXVIII.—Nelson, Albemarle, &c.
District XXX.—Greensville, Brunswick, &c.
District XXXI.—Sussex, Isle of Wight, &c.
If no application be made from any vacant district, an appointment
will be made from the State at large.
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