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SCIENTIFIC DEPARTMENT.

FRANCIS H. SMITH, M. A., Professor of Natural Philosophy.

CHARLES S. VENABLE, LL. D., Professor of Mathematics.

JOHN W. MALLET, Ph. D., M. D., LL. D., F. R. S., Professor of General and
Applied Chemistry.

JOHN R. PAGE, M. D., Professor of Agriculture, Zoology, and Botany.

WILLIAM M. FONTAINE, M. A., Professor of Natural History and Geology.

— —, (To be elected), Director of Leander McCormick Observatory and
Professor of Practical Astronomy.

FRANCIS P. DUNNINGTON, B. Sc., Adjunct Professor of Analytical and Agricultural
Chemistry.

WILLIAM M. THORNTON, Adjunct Professor of Mathematics Applied to Engineering.[1]

JOSHUA W. GORE, C. E., Instructor in Mathematics.

SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICS.

Prof. Venable.

This school embraces two distinct departments or courses:

  • 1. Pure Mathematics.

  • 2. Mixed Mathematics.

Pure Mathematics.

In the course of Pure Mathematics there are three classes—Junior,
Intermediate, and Senior.

Junior Class.—Theory of Arithmetical Notation and Operations, Algebra, Geometry,
Geometrical Analysis, Elementary Plane Trigonometry, with the use of Logarithmic
tables. The preparation desirable for entrance in this class is the thorough
study of Arithmetic, of Algebraic Operations through Equations of the Second Degree,
and of Plane Geometry.

Intermediate Class.—Plane and Spherical Trigonometry, with applications, Analytical
Geometry of two dimensions, the Elements of the Theory of Equations. The
preparation desirable for this class is the study of Algebra, Geometry, and Plane Trigonometry,
with the use of Logarithmic tables.

Senior Class.—Analytical Geometry of three Dimensions, Differential and Integral
Calculus, Calculus of Variations, and Theory of Equations. Lectures are given in this


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class on the History of Mathematics, and on the elements of some of the modern Mathematical
Theories.

Text-Books.

Junior Class.—A portion of Todhunter's Algebra, Venable's Legendre's Geometry,
Todhunter's Trigonometry for Beginners.

Intermediate Class.—Snowball's Trigonometry, a table of Logarithms, Puckle's
Conic Sections.

Senior Class.—Syllabus of Solid Geometry, Courtenay's Calculus, Todhunter's
Differential Calculus, Todhunter's Theory of Equations.

In the Junior Class there are three Lectures each week; in the Intermediate
Class, two Lectures each week; in the Senior Class, three Lectures
each week.

Mixed Mathematics.

This course is designed for those students who may desire to prosecute
their studies beyond the limits of the Pure Mathematics. It embraces
Applications of the Differential and Integral Calculus to selected
portions of Mechanics, Physics, and Physical Astronomy. There is one
class in Mixed Mathematics.

Text-Books.—Price's Infinitesimal Calculus, Vols. III and IV.

In the class of Mixed Mathematics there are two Lectures each week.

The instruction in each class in the School of Mathematics is conveyed
partly by lectures and partly by the systematic study of approved
text-books. The student is assisted by full and frequent explanations
from the Professor, and constantly subjected to rigid examinations. The
progress of the student in each 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.

Any student entering the school has the privilege of attending all or
any of the classes, and if prepared to enter an advanced class, may often
find it highly advantageous to review his previous studies by attendance
on a lower class also.


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SCHOOL OF NATURAL PHILOSOPHY.

Prof. Smith.

This School includes two departments—General Physics and Practical
Physics.

I. General Physics.

Junior Class.—The Junior Class meets three times in each week
throughout the session of nine months. The object of the course of lectures
to this class is to furnish the student with a comprehensive view of
Modern Physics, and to make him familiar with its methods of investigation.
With the design of laying a thoroughly scientific basis for the
course, a large space is given at the outset to the discussion of the cardinal
doctrines of motion, force, energy, and potential, and to their simpler
applications in the pressure and motion of visible masses.

With this preparation the student proceeds to the subject of Molecular
Physics, embracing Sound, Light, Heat, and Electricity. Throughout
the course the established laws of motion and force are kept steadily in
view, and an attempt is made to exhibit the evidence, daily becoming
stronger and clearer, for the prevalent belief among scientists, that the
entire body of Physics is a coherent and harmonious system of mechanical
truth.

Text-Books.—The Professor's Syllabus; Everett's Units and Physical Constants.

For Reference.—Treatises by Clerk Maxwell; Jamin; Daguin.

Senior Class.—This class meets thrice each week, and studies Mathematical
Physics and Astronomy. The parts of Physic studied in this
class are such as may, from lack of time, be crowded out of the Junior
course. They are usually Light and Sound one session, and Heat and
Electricity the next.

Text-Books.—Cummings' Electricity; Bartlett's Acoustics and Optics.
Norton's Astronomy, with Chauvenet's Astronomy for reference.

Candidates for graduation in the school of Natural Philosophy are required
to attend only the foregoing classes.

II. Practical Physics.

To meet the wants of students who may be preparing themselves to
become teachers of science, and of those who, for other reasons, desire to
push their studies in Physics beyond the limits of the lecture-room course


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the Visitors have recently instituted a special department with the above
title, and have authorized a separate diploma of graduation to be given
to such as exhibit proficiency in its exercises. The course of instruction
in this class will be partly theoretical and partly experimental, embracing
the following topics:

A. Theoretical.—Reduction of observations. Graphical representations
of results. Interpolation. Method of Least Squares. Essays on
prescribed Physical topics.

B. Experimental.—In this, the main portion of the course, the student
will learn physical manipulation, and the use of instruments by actual
practice.

1. Lecture-room Apparatus and Lecture-room Experiments.

2. Physical measurements and "instruments of precision." Cathetometer.
Spherometer. Dividing Engine. Goniometer. Balance. Syren.
Monochord. Revolving Mirror. Photometer. Microscope. Spectroscope.
Polariscope. Electrometer. Galvanometer. Meteorological instruments,
with daily use of the same.

Text-Books.—Chauvenet, "Method of Least Squares." Kohlrausch, "Physical
Measurements."

SCHOOL OF GENERAL AND APPLIED CHEMISTRY.

Prof. Mallet.

In this school are two classes:

I. The class in general Chemistry hears three lectures each week
throughout the session. The fundamental ideas of chemical science, the
relations of Chemistry to Physics, the laws regulating chemical combination
by weight and by volume, the atomic theory as at present viewed
in connection with Chemistry, the chemical nomenclature and symbols
now in use, and a general survey of the descriptive chemistry of the elements
and their compounds, inorganic and organic, are brought forward
in order, with incidental allusion to the applications in medicine, the arts
and manufactures, of the facts mentioned.

The attention of medical students is particularly drawn to the physiological,
medical, and sanitary relations of the subject.

Text-Books.—"Fownes' Chemistry," last edition. Recommended for reference:
Miller's "Elements of Chemistry;" A. Naquet—"Principes de Chimie fondée sur lés
théories modernes."


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Lectures on Pharmacy are given to the students of medicine; this
special course beginning soon after the intermediate examinations.

Text-Book.—Parrish's Pharmacy.

II. The class in Industrial Chemistry, to which class also three lectures
a week are delivered, studies in detail the chemical principles and
processes specially concerned in the more important arts and manufactures,
upon which, in large measure, depends the development of the
natural resources of the country, the opportunity being thus presented
of preparation for such positions as those of the miner and metallurgist,
the chemical manufacturer, the dyer, bleacher, tanner, sugar refiner, etc.

Amongst the more important subjects discussed are: the production
of MATERIALS OF VERY GENERAL APPLICATION, including the metallurgy
of iron, copper, lead, zinc, tin, silver, gold, etc.; the preparation and
properties of alloys, and the processes of electro-metallurgy, the manufacture
upon the large scale of acids, alkalies, salts, glass, porcelain, and
earthenware; the production and preservation of FOOD, including the
processes of bread-making, wine-making, brewing, and distilling; the
manufacture of sugar and vinegar, the curing of meat, the examination
and purification of drinking-water, etc.; chemical arts relating to CLOTHING,
such as bleaching, dyeing, calico printing, tanning, and the preparation
of india rubber; the chemistry of those arts which afford us SHELTER,
embracing the examination of building materials, lime-burning, the manufacture
of mortar and cements; the explosive agents used in blasting, as
gunpowder, gun-cotton, nitro-glycerine; paints and varnishes, disinfecting
materials, etc.; HEATING AND VENTILATION, the different kinds of fuel,
and modes of burning them; ILLUMINATION by artificial means, candles,
lamps, the preparation of petroleum, the manufacturing of illuminating
gas, matches; the chemistry of WASHING, the preparation of soap, starch,
and perfumes; the chemical relations of PRINTING and WRITING, the
manufacture of paper, ink, artists' colors, photographic materials, etc.

Text-Books.—Wagner's "Chemical Technology." For reference: Richardson and
Watt's "Chemical Technology;" Muspratt's "Chemistry as Applied to Arts and Manufactures;"
Ure's "Dictionary of Arts and Manufactures;" Girardin—"Leçons de
Chimie Élémentaire appliquée aux Arts Industriels;" Percy's Metallurgy, etc.

The lectures to both these classes are illustrated by suitable experiments,
and by such specimens, models, drawings, etc., as the various
subjects require. The collections of the University in illustration of the
processes and products of Industrial Chemistry have been procured with


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much expense and pains in this country, England, France, and Germany,
and are unusually extensive and good—amongst the best on this side of
the Atlantic.

SCHOOL OF ANALYTICAL AND AGRICULTURAL
CHEMISTRY.

Prof. Mallet. Adjunct Prof. Dunnington.

Instruction in this school is given in the following courses:

In Analytical Chemistry, while the chief portion of the teaching is
necessarily personal, there are three classes:

I. The first class meets twice each week during the session, on each
occasion spending from three to four hours in practical experiments in
the laboratory. A regularly arranged course of practice in chemical
manipulation is first pursued, which is followed by a systematic course of
qualitative analysis, in which students are taught to determine, by themselves,
the constituents of substances presented to them. Special attention
is given to substances having useful applications in the arts or
connected with agriculture. In the course of this work they are familiarized
with the methods of blow-pipe analysis, and enabled to identify
minerals by their physical and blow-pipe characters, aided by other simple
chemical tests. The elements of practical assaying are taught by their
making fire assays of lead, silver, and gold ores. Toward the close of
the session, the elements of quantitative analysis are taught, as far as
the limitation of time will permit.

II. The second class have access to the laboratory for six days in
the week, during the whole of the working hours of each day. In addition
to the work of the first class, given above, they pursue an extended
course of quantitative analysis, determining the composition of
substances, such as ores, minerals, clays, soils, building-stones, manures,
technical products, etc., and are thus afforded a full course of instruction
in practical chemistry. Students will be assisted and encouraged to
undertake original research.

III. The third class is one specially intended for students of medicine,
and will meet for lessons of two hours each, twice in the week, for two
months of the session. To this class the practical applications of chemistry


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to medicine will be taught, the detection of poisons, chemical and
microscopical examination of animal products, urine, blood, etc.

Among the works recommended to laboratory students are: Fresenius—"Qualitative
and Quantitative Analysis;" H. Rose—"Handbuch der Analytischen Chemie" (also
in French translation); Greville Williams—"Handbook of Chemical Manipulation;"
Woehler—"Examples for Practice in Chemical Analysis;" Von Kobell—"Tafeln zur
Bestimmung der Mineralien" (also in English translation); Bolley—"Handbuch der
technisch-chemischen Untersuchungen;" Odling—"Practical Chemistry for Medical
Students;" A. H. Church—"Laboratory Guide for Agricultural Students;" A. Classen—"Elementary
Quantitative Analysis" (also in English translation).

Besides the above, there is also a class in Practical Pharmacy, specially
intended for medical students, which receives fourteen lessons during the
latter half of the session.

Text-Books.—Parrish's Pharmacy; with Wood's and Bache's "United States Dispensatory,"
for reference.

In Agricultural Chemistry there is one class, to which lectures are delivered
once a week throughout the session; or, when found more convenient
to students of agriculture, a larger number of lectures per week
will be given during a part of the year only.

In this course the chemical and physical properties of soils, of the
atmosphere, and of plants, chemistry of the processes of vegetable life
and growth, the composition and chemical preparation of manures, etc.,
will be discussed.

Text-Books.—S. W. Johnson—"How Crops Grow," and "How Crops Feed."
For reference: J. F. W. Johnston and C. A. Cameron—"Elements of Agricultural
Chemistry and Geology" (12th edition); R. Hoffmann—"Theoretisch-praktische Ackerbauchemie;"
N. T. Lupton—"Elementary Principles of Scientific Agriculture."

Farmers who are not regular students of the University, but may desire
to attend this special course, are freely invited to do so.

Very liberal provision has been made in the way of material arrangements
for the teachings of this Chair. A new laboratory building of
ample size, specially designed for the purpose of working students, has
been erected, containing all necessary rooms, fitted with double windows
for the preservation of uniform temperature, and amply supplied with
gas, water, and all proper laboratory fixtures; and all needful apparatus,
chemicals, minerals, materials for analysis, etc., have been imported from
Europe in abundance.


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MILLER SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE, ZOOLOGY, AND
BOTANY.

Prof. John R. Page.

This school is divided into three classes, viz: Agriculture, Zoology,
and Botany.

Class I.—Agriculture.

This course is divided into two parts, Scientific and Practical.

1. The Scientific course comprises a review of what is known of the
chemical composition, the structure and the functions of the organs of
plants; and of the atmosphere and soil, as related to vegetable production.

2. The course on Practical Agriculture comprises the study of the
nature and formation of soils; their exposure and drainage; the best
methods of tillage; and the use of manures and fertilizers, with experiments
to show their effects. Special instruction is given in the mechanical
operations of the farm, and in the practical management of teams.

This class is continued throughout the whole session.

Class II.—Zoology.

This class includes the study of the leading principles of the science,
with special reference to the anatomy, physiology and morphology of
typical species, throughout the animal kingdom.

Special lectures are given during this course on insects injurious to
vegetation, on fish and oyster culture, and on the breeding, rearing, and
diseases of domestic animals.

The fine collection of Zoological specimens in the Brooks Museum
affords excellent facilities for study in this class. This class is continued
until the examination, about the middle of March.

Class III.—Botany.

This is commenced about the middle of March, and is continued until
the end of the session.

The time is mainly devoted to the study of flowering plants—their
analysis and determination. Cryptogamic Botany, especially fungi and
fungoid diseases of plants, receive as much attention as circumstances
allow.

These classes may be taken separately; and a certificate of proficiency
will be conferred for satisfactory attainment in the class of Botany.


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The following Text-Books are used in this school:

"How Crops Grow," and "How Crops Feed," by Johnson;" "Scientific Agriculture,"
by Pendleton; "Manual of Zoology," by Nicholson; "School and Field Book
of Botany," by Gray.

The following may be usefully referred to in connection with different parts of the
course: Carpenter's "Zoology;" Harris' "Insects Injurious to Vegetation;" Mivart's
Comparative Anatomy;" "Flora of the Southern States," by Chapman; "How to
Farm Profitably," by Mechi; "Armsby on Cattle Feeding," and "Law's Veterinary
Adviser."

CORCORAN SCHOOL OF NATURAL HISTORY AND
GEOLOGY.

Prof. W. M. Fontaine, M. A.

This school is divided into three classes, viz: Geology, Mineralogy,
and Botany.[2]

I. Geology.—The subject of Geology will be taught during the entire
session, and three lectures per week will be devoted to it. The aim
of the course of instruction is to give as thorough an exposition of the
fundamental principles of the science as possible, and to teach the student
how to use them in practical work in the field. Special reference
is made to the Geology of America.

Text-Books.—The Professor's Lectures, and Le Conte's Elements of Geology.
For reference: Dana's Manual, and Lyell's Elements and Principles of Geology.

II. Mineralogy.—The subject of Mineralogy will be studied until
the intermediate examination in February. Two lectures per week will
be devoted to it. Special attention will be paid to crystallography, as
well as to the chemical and physical properties of minerals. In Descriptive
Mineralogy, the mode of occurrence, the geological importance and
relations of the species, will be made prominent.

Text-Books.—The Professor's Lectures, and Dana's Manual of Mineralogy and
Lithology. For reference: Dana's Text-Book of Mineralogy.

The excellent collections of Geological, Mineralogical, and Botanical
specimens in the Lewis Brooks Museum of Natural History, afford facilities
for the study and illustration of the principles taught.


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Note.—Persons engaged in the study of Geology and Mineralogy,
though not members of the University class, can, with the leave of the
Professor, and by paying $25 to the Proctor, join the party of the Professor
in the prosecution of the field explorations and work during the
months of May and June.

Note.—The lectures on Geology and Mineralogy will terminate the
last of April, when the Professor will begin Field Explorations and Work
with his class, and continue it for two months.

Note.—The hours of lecture will be appointed by the Professor, so as to avoid conflict
with other schools.

 
[2]

For the present, the subject of Botany is transferred to the School of Agriculture,
Zoology, and Botany.

SCHOOL OF PRACTICAL ASTRONOMY.

Prof.——, (To be elected.)

In connection with the Leander McCormick Observatory, liberal
friends of the University have endowed a Chair of Practical Astronomy,
to be held by the Director of the Observatory. This school will, it is
hoped, be open to students in the session of 1882-'83.

GRADUATE STUDIES IN THE SCIENTIFIC
DEPARTMENT.

School of Mathematics.—The Graduate course in the School of
Mathematics will consist of selected studies in the Higher Algebra,
Higher Modern Geometry, the Infinitesimal Calculus and some of its
applications, or in the elements of quaternions.

School of Natural Philosophy.—For Graduate studies in the
School of Natural Philosophy, the student is referred to the paragraph
"Practical Physics," page 34.

School of General and Industrial Chemistry.Graduate Course.
—The principal part of this course will consist of practical laboratory
work on subjects of original investigation; but advanced reading
may also be prescribed, especially in the shape of the bibliography of
particular topics, to be looked up from various sources and condensed
by the student.


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In the Agricultural Department there is a Graduate Scholarship
now in force. The incumbent can select the schools in which he desires
to work.

The Graduate course in the School of Agriculture, Zoology and
Botany consists in a prescribed course of study in Animal and Vegetable
Physiology, in Cattle Breeding and Cattle Feeding, and in Rural
Economy.

Natural History and Geology.—In this school no fixed course of
study will be laid down for Graduates. Subjects will be selected from
one or more of the branches included in the school, and assigned to
the students. As far as possible, original research will be required in
the treatment of the subjects chosen.

GRADUATE STUDIES IN LITERARY DEPARTMENT.

School of Modern Languages.—Gentlemen who desire to continue
their studies in this Department will be offered a two-fold course, viz.

1. A course of Lectures on Linguistique, for which a certain amount
of knowledge in the Ancient and (at least) two Modern Languages will
be required. Such works as Hovelacque's, Diez, Sayce, and the like, will
be used as text-books, and constant reference will be made to older forms
of living tongues, as well as to trustworthy extracts from ancient works.

2. A course on any one or two modern languages, either for the purpose
of thoroughly studying one idiom from the oldest to its present
form, with illustrations from its literature through its whole life-time; or
for the purpose of comparing a class of idioms, like the members of the
Romance or the Slavic families, with each other or with other families,
according to their lexical, grammatical, or psychological nature.

School of Moral Philosophy.—Students taking a Graduate course
will study the history of philosophy, ancient and modern, and such
special systems as the Professor may select; also the history of economic
legislation, and sociology.

School of History, Literature, and Rhetoric.—The Graduate
course in this school, for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, will
be varied from year to year, but will always be designed to train the


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student in original research and systematic exposition of the results.
Some historical period, with the contemporaneous intellectual condition,
or some definite period of the English Language, with the accompanying
social, political, and literary development of the people, will be made the
subject of study. Such instructions and directions as may be required
to render these pursuits efficacious will be given throughout the session.

Graduate Course in Greek.—This course is designed for advanced
students that are making a special and exclusive professional
study of Greek Philology. Such students are required to spend two
hours each week with the Professor in critical reading and discussion of
Greek authors. Extensive courses of Greek reading, both for these
hours and for private study, are marked out at the beginning of each
session, varying from year to year. Selected text-books, in English,
German, or French, on the Political and Literary History of the Greeks,
and on the Grammar and Historical Grammar of the Greek language,
are assigned for private study. Incessant practice in Greek composition
is given. Two theses, one in English and one in Latin, on subjects
connected with the language or the history of the Greeks, and demanding
independent research, are required as evidence of power to do original
work. The accuracy and extent of the student's knowledge of the
subjects studied are tested by examinations.

 
[1]

For course in Applied Mathematics, see Department of Engineering.