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SCHOOL OF PRACTICAL ASTRONOMY.
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1 occurrence of fletcher
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64

Page 64

SCHOOL OF PRACTICAL ASTRONOMY.

Professor Stone.

B. A.

General Astronomy.—The primary aim of this course is to give such a knowledge
of the facts, principles, and methods of Astronomy as every well-educated
person should possess.

The preparation required is a good working knowledge of Arithmetic, Algebra
through Quadratics, Plane and Solid Synthetic Geometry, and Plane Trigonometry
through the Solution of Triangles. In this preparation thoroughness is of
more importance than extent.

The instruction is given by oral examinations, by lectures, and by the assignment
of problems. The mental discipline of the student is kept constantly in
view, and an earnest effort is made to create a habit of clear and logical thinking.
To this end as far as possible the student is expected to give with each statement
the reason therefor.

Text-Books.—Young's General Astronomy; Barlow and Bryan's Elementary
Mathematical Astronomy; Gauss's Tables of Logarithms.

GRADUATE COURSES.

M. A.

The courses mentioned in the paragraph following this, although primarily designed
to meet the wants of candidates for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy,
are also open to candidates for the degree of Master of Arts, who are required to
satisfactorily complete, in addition to the work of the B. A. course, a year's work
in the more advanced courses.

PH. D.

Theoretical Astronomy.—The courses offered vary from year to year. During
the session of 1896-97 lectures were given introductory to Celestial Mechanics,
largely based on the first volume of Tisserand's Mécanique Céleste. During the
session of 1897-98 courses were given on the History of Astronomy, on Least
Squares, and on the Lunar Theory. During the year 1898-99 the Problem of
Two Bodies will be studied. This course will be based on Gauss's Theoria Motus.

Practical Astronomy.—Laboratory courses are offered each year, in which systematic
training is given in numerical computation, and in the use of Astronomical
instruments. Students are also encouraged to engage in such original work as
their time and attainments may permit.

A Seminar is held once a week, at which lectures are given on assigned subjects
by the more advanced students.

Completion of the M. A. course in the School of Mathematics or that of Natural
Philosophy may be substituted, if desired, for the equivalent work in Astronomy
as a qualification for candidacy for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy by those
who elect Astronomy as one of their subjects.

For information in regard to Fellowships in Astronomy, application should be
made to the professor in charge of the School.


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Page 65

The Astronomical Observatory is situated upon an elevation known as Mount
Jefferson, which furnishes an unobstructed horizon. The principal building is a
rotunda forty-five feet in diameter, and contains the great Clark refractor of twenty-six
inches aperture. The building and instrument are the gift of Leander J. McCormick,
Esq., of Chicago. The computing rooms are adjoining, and contain
clock, chronograph, etc., and a working library. In a smaller building are a three-inch
Fauth transit and a four-inch Kahler equatorial.