University of Virginia Library

Search this document 


No Page Number

A STATEMENT
OF THE
Course of Instruction, Expense, &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, testifying 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.
Should he be twenty-one years of age, or more, he is exempt
from this condition.

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.


18

Page 18

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.

ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR IN LATIN, EDWARD S. JOYNES.
ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR IN GREEK, WM. DINWIDDIE.

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: Zumpt's Latin Grammar,
the Professor's "Exposition of some of the Laws of the
Latin Language," 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: Zumpt's Latin Grammar,
the Professor's Exposition, Horace, Juvenal, Livy, and
Tacitus.

3. In the Junior Greek Class: Kuhner's Elementary
Greek Grammar, Xenophon's Anabasis, an oration of Demosthenes,
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: Kuhner's Larger Greek
Grammar, Euripides, Sophocles, Thucydides, and Homer


19

Page 19

5. For the Roman History, studied in the Senior Latin
Class, Arnold's History of Rome is used as a text-book.
Niebuhr's History of Rome, and the History of Rome published
by the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge,
and the maps of ancient Italy published by the Society for
the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, or Findlay's Ancient
Atlas, are recommended.

6. For the Ancient History of Greece, studied in the Senior
Greek Class, Smith's History of Greece, or Thirlwall's,
or Grote's History of Greece, and the maps published by the
Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, or Findlay's
Ancient Atlas, are recommended.

It is expected of the students of Latin and Greek, that
they shall 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, Euripides, Aristophanes,
Demosthenes, Æschines, Thucydides, 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.

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.

ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR, S. E. W. BECKER.

The subjects taught in this school are:


20

Page 20

1. The French, Italian, Spanish and German Languages,
and the English in its Anglo-Saxon form.

2. The Literature of these Languages, and the history of
each idiom.

3. The History and Geography of Europe, from the fall
of the Roman Empire to the present day.

Instruction, also, is given in Comparative Philology and
the principles of the Science of Language. The influence
of the history of nations on their language and literature is
explained and exemplified by extracts from the respective
authors, and constant attention given to the connection between
Philology and Ethnology.

There are three classes in French and two in German, one
for beginners, the others 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 for the degree of
A. M.

III—Mathematics.

PROFESSOR BLEDSOE.

ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR, EDWARD B. SMITH.

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 Levelling, Navigation, and Descriptive Geometry,


21

Page 21
with its applications to Spherical Projections,
Shades, 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, Courtenay's Differential and
Integral Calculus. For the class of Mixed Mathematics,
Bartlett's Analytical Mechanics, Newton's Principia, and
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 SMITH.

There are three classes in this school: the Junior and Senior
Classes of Natural Philosophy, and the class of Mineralogy
and Geology.


22

Page 22

Instruction is given in all the classes by lectures and the
study of the text-books, accompanied by daily examinations.

The Junior Class meets three times a week. The course
of lectures to this class commences with a view of the structure
and general properties of matter, as preliminary to an
exposition of the leading doctrines of equilibrium and motion.
In the latter is included the application of these doctrines
to a variety of subjects, embracing, among others, the
centre of gravity, simple and compound machinery, the
pendulum, projectiles, the figure of the earth and the laws
of gravitation. This is followed by a consideration of the
special structure and properties of fluids, together with the
laws of their pressure, motion and resistance. The theory
and construction of the principal Pneumatic and Hydraulic
machines are then presented. To this succeeds a more particular
investigation of molecular actions, as exhibited in
osmotic and capillary phenomena, and in wave motion. In
the latter half of the course, are considered in succession,
Acoustics; Optics, Geometrical and Physical; Electricity,
Mechanical and Voltaic; Magnetism, Electro-Magnetism,
&c., and Heat, including the Steam engine. The subjects
taught in this course are illustrated by numerous experiments,
and by the aid of a large collection of diagrams.

The Senior Class meets twice a week. In this class, certain
portions of the Junior course are more thoroughly discussed
by the aid of the lower mathematics. This course
embraces, in addition, the subject of Astronomy.

Text-Books.—For the Junior Class: Roger's Mechanical
Philosophy; Muller's Physics or Lardner's Hand-books.

For the Senior Class: Notes on Mechanics; Herschel's
Astronomy.

MINERALOGY AND GEOLOGY.

These subjects form a separate department of the school
of Natural Philosophy. They are studied in the order
named. Mineralogy is taught with especial reference to its
bearings on Geology. Throughout the course, specimens
are exhibited of the minerals, rocks and fossils alluded to
or described in the lectures.

Text-Books.—Dana's Mineralogy; Lyell's Manual of Geology.


23

Page 23

V.—School of Chemistry.

PROFESSOR MAUPIN.

The course of lectures in this school commences with the
consideration of the imponderable agents: Heat, Light and
Electricity.
These agents play an important part in chemical
changes, and due space is given to their consideration.

The subject of inorganic Chemistry is them taken up.
The nomenclature, and chemical symbols and notation are
explained, and the non-metallic elements, together with
their combinations with oxygen and with each other are
very fully considered. The general principles of Chemical
Philosophy then pass in view, including Affinity, the Laws
of Combination,
the Atomic Theory and Theory of Volumes,
Electro-chemical Decomposition, &c.

The consideration of Metals comes next in order. After
noticing their general properties, the general characters of
their salts, the Binary Theory of Salts, the Doctrine of
Chrystallization, Isomorphism, &c., they are taken up individually.
Their history and properties are given, and their
combinations with oxygen and other non-metallic elements,
together with the saline combinations, are considered.

The concluding part of the course is devoted to Organic
Chemistry, including a notice of the more important products
of vegetable and animal life, the modifications of
organic compounds by artificial processes, their transformations
by the action of ferments and other agencies, the doctrine
of compound radicals, &c., &c.

Full experimental illustrations accompany the lectures.
Throughout the course, the application of the facts and
principles of the science to Medicine, to Agriculture and
other arts, are duly noticed.

Books recommended.—Fownes' Chemistry, as a text book;
Graham's Elements; Regnault's Elements; and Abel &
Bloxam's Hand-Book of Chemistry, for reference.

A course of instruction in Pharmacy, designed for the
benefit of students of Medicine attending this school, commences
in April, and occupies the time devoted to one of
the regular meetings of the class weekly, until the close of
the session.

Text Book.—Parrish's Practical Pharmacy.


24

Page 24

VI—Medicine.

PROFESSOR HOWARD.

In this school are taught the principles and the practice
of Medicine, Obstetrics and Medical Jurisprudence. 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 in 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-Book—The Professor's Quatlines, and Beck or Taylor.

OBSTETRICS.

The lectures on this branch comprehend an account of all
labors, natural, preternatural and instrumental; the professional
assistance to be afforded in each, the treatment of
the 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


25

Page 25
the two forms, Functional and Structural diseases. 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, a general view
is given of the influences that can be brought to remove or
counteract their effects. 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,
in the last edition of his Practice.

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 Carwell's large and splendid
colored plates, and, when practicable, by specimens.

Text-Book—Wood's Practice of Medicine, last edition.

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
seneral outline of the Animal Kingdom, by demonstrating
such of the leading facts of Comparative Anatomy as may
derve 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 condition
of structure essential to its office, and to indicate the uses of
the superadded parts in the more complicated forms.


26

Page 26

The third portion of the course is exclusively devoted to
the study of the Principles and Practice of Surgery.

Text-Books—The Professor's "Syllabus of Lectures on
Comparative Anatomy and Physiology;" Carpenter's Elements
of Physiology; Kirkes and Paget's Human Physiology;
Druitt's Modern Surgery.

VIII.—Lectureship of Anatomy, Materia Medica and Therapeutics.

DR. J. S. DAVIS.

ANATOMY.

In this class are taught Special and Surgical Anatomy.
The lectures are illustrated by fresh subjects, by wet and
dry anatomical preparations, and by a series of colored
drawings.

Text-Book—Wilson's Anatomy.

MATERIA MEDICA.

The course on this subject embraces:

1. General Therapeutics, or an account of the effects of
the various classes of remedies on the organism, their modus
operandi, and their applications to the relief of disease.

2. A detailed account of medicinal agents, in their commercial
history, physical properties, chemical habitudes,
pharmaceutical preparations and effects.

The means of illustration in Materia Medica are ample,
comprising a 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.

IX.—Department of Practical Anatomy.

DR. B. W. ALLEN, DEMONSTRATOR.

This department is abundantly provided with fresh subjects
for the use of the members of the class; the afternoon
is devoted to the dissections; and they are conducted under
the constant guidance of the demonstrator.


27

Page 27

X.—Moral Philosophy.

PROFESSOR M'GUFFEY.

There are three classes in this school:

The Junior Class studies Rhetoric, Belles Letters and
Philosophical Criticism.

Text-Books—Blair's Lectures, Campbell's Philosophy of
Rhetoric, Whately's Rhetoric, Kame's Elements of Criticism,
Cousin's Philosophy of the Beautiful, Milton and
Shakspeare.

The Intermediate Class studies Political Economy, Statistics,
and the Philosophy of Social Relations, or "Ethics of
Society."

Text-Books—On Political Economy, Say and J. S. Mill;
on the Progress of Society, Guizot, Grimke and De Tocqueville.

The Senior Class studies Mental Philosophy, Logic, (inductive
and deductive,) together with Theoretical and Practical
Ethics.

Text-Books—On Mental Philosophy, Locke, Reid and
Cousin; on Logic, Mill and Whately; on Ethics, Stewart,
Butler and Jouffroy.

The lectures are carried on concurrently during the session,
two a week to each class.

The examinations are on the Professor's lectures and
the text-books above enumerated.

XI.—School of Law.

PROFESSOR MINOR.

PROFESSOR HOLCOMBE.

The object in this school is to acquaint the student familiarly
and practically with the principles of his profession.
With this view, instruction (which is designed to be as
thorough as possible) is given partly through, text-books,
and daily examinations upon the subjects taught, partly by
comments intended to supply what is deficient and explain
what is obscure in the text, and partly also by independent
lectures.

A Moot-court is instituted in connection with the school,


28

Page 28
upon a plan which experience has shown to be well calculated
to perfect the student in the details of practice. Under
the immediate superintendence of the Professors he is required
to pronounce opinions upon supposed cases; 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 draw wills, conveyances and other assurances;
and, in short, to perform most of the functions of a
practising lawyer.

The school is divided into three classes, viz: the Junior
class, embracing such studies as are at once essential to the
professional student, and form a highly useful branch of
general education; the Intermediate class, which is occupied
exclusively with the theory and practice of law, as a profession,
being adapted to the occasions of those who have not
time or inclination to push their elementary attainments
beyond the limits of necessity; and the Senior class, in
which efforts are made to impart a professional cultivation
as liberal as the growing wants of the country shall demand
or allow.

The degree of Bachelor of Laws is conferred upon those
who, upon examination, manifest a familiar acquaintance
with the subjects taught in all the classes; and to those who
exhibit a competent knowledge of International and Constitutional
Law and of the science of Government, a certificate
of proficiency is awarded.

The course of study in the several classes is as follows:

Junior Class.—Lectures on Government, Federalist,
Dewer's Outlines, Madison's Report 1799, Polson's Law of
Nations, Select Chapters of Vattel's Law of Nations, Blackstone's
Commentaries.

Intermediate Class—Stephen on Pleading, Lomax's Digest,
Smith's Mercantile Law, Greenleaf's Evidence, Holcombe's
Equity.

Senior Class—Adam's Equity, Chitty on Contracts, Barton's
Suit in Equity, Lomax on Executors, &c., Lectures on
Civil Law.

The student is recommended to be provided with the following
books for reference, viz: Gordon's Digest of Laws of
United States, and Virginia Code of 1849.

All the books required can be procured at the book stores
near the University, on reasonable terms.


29

Page 29

Examinations.

These are of three kinds: first, the daily examinations,
which precede 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 text-book 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 prepared, 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 value 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


30

Page 30
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 one-half, in the second; if less than one-half, 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
of 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.


31

Page 31

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, Political Economy, National
Law, Constitutional Law and Government, and 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 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 satis-
factory 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 of the two 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


32

Page 32
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 compre
hensive acquaintance with his entire course of studies,
by an
examination on all these subjects, in the presence of the
Faculty, at the close of his academical career. And lastly,
he must prepare and submit to the Faculty an essay exhibiting
a due degree of literary ability; and this he is required
to read 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 examination 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
Statute Law, the principles of Equity and Commercial Law.

Honorary degrees are forbidden by the laws of the University.


33

Page 33

The Public Day.

On the closing day of the session, which, unless that day
be Sunday, occurs on the 29th of June, the Visitors, Faculty,
Officers and Students, and the Society of Alumni,
assemble in the Public Hall, whither are also invited the
friends of the students and the public generally. On this
occasion the results of the examinations are announced, the
certificates and diplomas are awarded to the successful candidates,
and addresses are delivered by the Bachelors and
Masters of Arts.

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. In the school of Law,
the fee for the Intermediate class is $60, and for the Senior
class $75. Every student is required to attend three
schools, unless, for special reasons, leave is given to attend
but one or two.

Medical students are charged $105 for a full course, viz:
$25 for each of four tickets, and a fee of $5 for dissecting
material.

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
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, $130;
for which sum, diet, bedding, room furniture and attendance
are furnished. Washing may be had for $12 or $15 for the
session. Rent of an entire dormitory $16; if occupied by
two students $8. With the exception of nine, all the dormitories
of the University are occupied by two students.
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 $20.

3. Matriculation fee, and use of Library and public rooms,
$15.


34

Page 34

The expenses of the students resident in the University
are limited as follows:

1. For board, the use of the dormitory, matriculation 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.

An act of the legislature prohibits merchants and others,
under severe penalties, from crediting students. 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 the 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.


35

Page 35

Recping 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 stationery 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 the Professors whom they may propose to attend,
the sum charged for the use of the public rooms, and
ten dollars to cover contingent charges.

The fees for matriculation, room-rent and tuition are required
to be paid without abatement, at whatever period of
the session the student may enter; and no portion of them
is refunded on account of withdrawal before the close of the
session unless the withdrawal is rendered necessary by ill
health, and occurs before the 1st of February.


36

Page 36

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 of the Institution
which enjoin respectful and orderly deportment. 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 examinations, and any other irregularity 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 report may suggest.


37

Page 37

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 volumes, 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 22,000 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 give out books and to receive those that are 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 renewal from year to year of the
pleasing associations of academic life.

The society holds its meetings at the close of the session.
An orator or an essayist is annually appointed by the society
from among its members, and the oration or essay is delivered
in the Public Hall on the day preceding the Public Day.

Literary Societies.

There are three Literary societies formed by the students
of the University, which meet weekly at their own public
rooms for the purpose of cultivating debate and composition,
and hold occasionally public exhibitions.


38

Page 38

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, services 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 fifty students, without payment
of Professor's fees 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.

Their connection with the University is to continue two
years, but for extraordinary proficiency the Board of Visitors
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 required to sign an engagement to
teach in some public or private school or academy 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. Application
for vacancies, accompanied by proper testimonials, addressed
to the Chairman of the Faculty, should reach the University
before the 25th 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


39

Page 39
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. 3d. 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.