 | Catalogue of the University of Virginia |  |
Literary and Scientific Schools:
ANCIENT LANGUAGES.
PROFESSOR GILDERSLEEVE.
I.—LATIN.
The subjects taught in this school are:
1. The Latin language.
2. Roman literature.
3. History of Rome.
The method of instruction comprises lectures, (systematic and
exegetical,) examinations, written and oral exercises. The school
is divided into two classes, Junior and Senior. The authors
read in the Senior Class, are principally: Cicero, Horace, Livy,
Juvenal and Tacitus; in the Junior Class, Terence, Sallust,
Virgil and Ovid.
A private course of parallel and preparatory reading is also
prescribed for each class.
Works of reference: For the lectures on the structure and
syntax of the language, Zumpt's Grammar, Dr. Harrison's
Exposition.
For the lectures on the History of Rome, (Senior Class,)
Liddell's Rome.
The written and oral exercises constitute a prominent feature
in the plan of instruction.
II.—GREEK.
The subjects taught in this school are:
1. The Greek language.
2. Greek literature.
3. History of Greece.
The method of instruction is identical with the plan of the
school of Latin.
The classic authors read in the Senior Class, are principally:
Thucydides, Sophocles, Euripides and Plato; in the Junior
Class, Lysias, Xenophon, Herodotus, Homer and Demosthenes.
A private course of parallel and preparatory reading is also
prescribed for each class.
Works of reference.—For the lectures on the structure and
syntax of the language, Hadley's Greek Grammar, Kühner's
School Grammar.
For the lectures on the History of Greece (Senior Class,)
Thirlwall's and Grote's History of Greece.
III.—MODERN LANGUAGES.
PROFESSOR SCHELE DE VERE.
The subjects taught in this school are:
1. The French, Italian, Spanish and German languages.
2. The literature of these languages, and the history of
each idiom, embracing the general principles of the formation
and growth of languages, and of Comparative Grammar and
Philology.
3. The Anglo-Saxon language, and, in connexion with it, the
History and Laws of the English language.
Graduation in French and German will hereafter be required
for the degree of A. M.
IV.—MATHEMATICS.
PROFESSOR VENABLE.
In this school there are four classes:
In the first, or Junior Class, the subjects of study are the
General Properties of Numbers and theory of Notation, Algebra
Geometry and Plane Trigonometry. Though Algebra and
those who enter it should not only be thoroughly acquainted
with Arithmetic, but should also have previously pursued the
study of Algebra through equations of the second degree, and of
Geometry through the first four books.
In the second, or Intermediate Class, the subjects of study are
Plane and Spherical Trigonometry, with applications to Surveying,
Navigation, and Nautical Astronomy, Descriptive Geometry,
with its applications to Spherical Projections, Shades, Shadows,
and Perspective and Analytical Geometry.
In the third, or Senior Class, the subjects of study are Analytical
Geometry of three Dimensions, and the Differential and
Integral Calculus. Lectures are given to this class on the History
and Philosophy of Mathematics.
There is also a fourth class, that of Mixed Mathematics,
designed for the benefit of such of the more advanced students
as may desire to prosecute their studies beyond the limits of Pure
Mathematics.
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, Davies' Bourdon's
Algebra, Legendre's Geometry and Trigonometry. For
the Intermediate Class, Pierce's Trigonometry, Davies' Surveying,
Descriptive Geometry and Analytical Geometry. For
the Senior Class, Courtenay's Differential and 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 select, 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.
V.—NATURAL PHILOSOPHY.
PROFESSOR SMITH.
This school embraces three classes. Instruction is given in
each class by lectures and the study of text-books, accompanied
by daily examinations.
1. The Junior Class meets three times each week. 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 and force. These doctrines are established, and their
leading consequences traced without the use of technical or
mathematical language. Their application to the equilibrium
and motion of solids and fluids is fully presented. Under these
heads a great variety of topics is introduced, embracing, among
others, the Centre of Gravity, Theory of Machinery, Friction,
Pendulum and its uses, Figure of the Earth, Mean density of the
Earth, Laws of Gravitation, Construction and uses of Barometer,
Construction and action of Hydraulic, Pneumatic and Hydro-Pneumatic
Engines, &c.
The subject of Molecular Physics, for which the student is
now prepared, is next taken up, and occupies the remainder of
the session. The structure of matter, and the laws of molecular
actions are considered in the light of experiment, and the atomic
hypotheses of Newton, Boscovich, Mossotti and others are examined.
The effects of the intermolecular forces are investigated,
as they present themselves in capillary phenomena and in the
osmose of liquids and gases. Their dynamical action in the
phenom of wave motion, both superficial and internal, is
traced, Newton's rule for the wave velocity established, and the
exceptions explained. The Lectures then proceed to the subject
of sound, including its origin, mode of propagation, velocity in
different media, reflection, refraction and interference, and the
theory and sources of musical sounds. To this succeeds an
extended discussion of Light, both common and polarized;
embracing the propagation, reflection, single and double refraction,
and interference of each kind of Light, and a full examination
then considered, commencing with Radiant Heat, its velocity,
reflection, refraction, transmission and polarization: passing on
to the physical effects of Heat, in Expansion, Liquefaction and
Vaporization, and including Thermometry and Calorimetry. In
this connection, the theory and action of the Steam Engine are
presented. Throughout this discussion, constant reference is
had to the modern Mechanical theory of Heat. The course of
Lectures terminates with the subject of Electricity, Franklinian
and Voltaic, connected with Magnetism, Dia-Magnetism, Electro-Magnetism
and Magneto-Electricity.
Throughout the course, the applications of the science to
Meteorology, Geology and Astronomy are noticed as they arise.
Reference is made in this class to Rogers' Mechanical Philosophy,
Lardner's Hand-books, and Silliman's Philosophy.
2. The Senior Class meets twice a week. Here certain portions
of the Junior course are more minutely discussed by the aid
of the lower Mathematics. This class studies, in addition, the
subject of Astronomy.
Text-Books in Astronomy.—Treatises of Herschel, Norton
and Loomis.
MINERALOGY AND GEOLOGY.
3. These subjects are assigned to a separate class, which the
members of the other classes in the school may attend at their
option. In this class the lectures commence with general Mineralogy,
which is treated with especial reference to Geology, to
which it is designed to be an introduction. In the lectures on
Geology, the specific identity of ancient and modern Geological
causes is pointed out, the present action of these causes, whether
atmospheric, aqueous or igneous, considered, and their effects in
the past history of our planet examined. The illustrations
are drawn, as far as practicable, from the Geological structure of
Virginia.
The students have an opportunity of familiarizing themselves
with the minerals, rocks and fossils exhibited in the lectures.
Text-Books.—Dana's Manuals of Mineralogy and Geology.
VI.—CHEMISTRY.
PROFESSOR MAUPIN.
The course of lectures in this school commences with an exposition
of the phenomena and laws of Heat, Light and Electricity,
to the extent rendered necessary by their relations to
Chemistry.
The subject of Inorganic Chemistry is then taken up. The
nomenclature, chemical symbols and notation are explained,
and the history of the non-metalic elements and their combinations
with each other very fully presented. Then follows a
discussion of the general principles of Chemical Philosophy,
including the Laws of Combination, the Atomic Theory and
Theory of Volumes, and Simple and Current Affinity.
The consideration of the Metals comes next in order. After
preliminary notices of their general properties, they are taken
up individually and very fully considered, together with their
compounds with the non-metalic elements, and their saline combinations.
The concluding part of the course is devoted to organic Chemistry,
embracing the consideration of organic Analysis; the
Neutral Principles and their transformations by the action of
ferments and other agencies; the Doctrine of Compound Radicals;
the various series in which such radicals have been traced;
the Vegetable Acids; the Alkaloids, &c.
The processes for detecting Poisons, and the means of counteracting
their effects are presented in their proper connections;
and throughout the course the applications of the facts and principles
of the science to Medicine, Agriculture and the 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.
VII.—SCHOOL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING.
PROFESSORS VENABLE, SMITH AND MAUPIN.
The course of instruction in this school will, in general, occupy
the attention of the student for two sessions.
The studies of the first session are those pursued in the schools
of Mathematics, Natural Philosophy, Mineralogy and Geology,
and Chemistry; together with lessons in Geometrical Drawing.
Students who desire to accomplish the full course of Engineering,
in two sessions, should come prepared to enter the Intermediate
and Senior classes in the school of Mathematics.
The studies pursued during the second session are:
1. With the Professor of Mathematics and the Teacher of
Drawing: Higher Geodesy, Spherical Astronomy, Levelling,
Roads and Railways, Theory and Use of Instruments, Geometrical
Drawing, Applications of Descriptive Geometry to Shades,
Shadows, and Perspective, Stone cutting; Field Practice.
2. With the Professor of Natural Philosophy: Strength of
Materials, Resistances, Structures in Wood, Iron and Stone;
Machinery, Hydraulic Engineering, Steam Engine, Meteorology
and use of Meteorological Instruments.
3. With the Professor of Chemistry: Metallurgy, Metallurgical
Implements, Structures and Processes; Assay of Ores and
Alloys; Details of the Smelting of Iron, Copper, Lead, Zinc, &c.
Since many of the standard works to which the student of
Engineering will be referred are in French, it is desirable that he
should have a sufficient knowledge of that language to enable
him to read them with facility.
VIII.—MORAL PHILOSOPHY.
PROFESSOR McGUFFEY.
There are two classes in this school:
I. The class in Mental Philosophy.
II. The class in Political Economy.
Books requisite for the class in Mental Philosophy:
1. Hamilton's Lectures on Metaphysics.
2. Hamilton's Lectures on Logic.
3. Cousin's True, Beautiful and Good.
4. Stewart's Active and Moral Powers.
5. Jouffroy's Ethics.
6. Alexander's Moral Science.
7. Butler's Analogy and Sermons.
Books required on Political Economy:
Say's Political Economy.
J. S. Mill's Political Economy, latest edition.
Four lectures each week are given to the class in Mental
Philosophy, and two lectures each week to the class on Political
Economy.
HISTORY AND GENERAL LITERATURE.
PROFESSOR HOLMES.
This school is divided into two distinct classes—one of History,
and one of Literature. Either study may be pursued separately.
A diploma is granted for proficiency in both branches: a certificate
for proficiency in one.
HISTORY.
In the Historical class the successions, revolutions and aspects
of the principal nations of the world are considered in such a
manner as to afford a general view of the evolution of civilization.
In the absence of appropriate text-books, the following are
used: Schmitz' Manual of Ancient History, Smith's History of
Greece, Gibbon abridged by Smith, Taylor's Manual of Modern
History.
LITERATURE.
In the class of General Literature, attention is confined to the
study of the English language and Literature.
Suitable text-books are unattainable in this department. The
following are employed:
Spalding's History of English Literature, Shaw's Outlines of
General Literature; Shakespeare's Complete Works; Aiken's
British Poets.
Additions to the course will be made as opportunity offers.
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