6 Prussia and tfu German System of Education. 



himself not as laboring for a livelihood hut a- shaping the 

 destinies of hie nation, lie retains his position, generally 

 during life, growing ol<l among his own pupils, whose 

 reverent affection breathes over his declining years an 

 idyllic charm. 



The Normal Seminaries contain 39 protestant and 16 

 catholic instructors with 2,000 students. Before entering, 

 the student must pass examination in the three lower 

 branches of the Gymnasium, at least. The course lasts 

 three years and embraces all the branches of the common 

 school course, but especially the science of education and 

 catechetics. The instruction is practical; the pupils ap- 

 plying daily their principles, under the supervision of the 

 professors, in instructing the pupils of the schools con- 

 nected with the seminary. At graduation, they pass a 

 rigid examination pro facilitate docena%&ii& enter the Bervice 

 of the state according to their several qualifications. 



The examination pro facilitate docendi comprises German 

 Latin, Greek, French and Hebrew; mathematics, physics, 

 natural history ; history and geography, antiquities, 

 mythology, history of Greek and Roman literature ; 

 philosophy and theology. It is conducted before the 

 royal commission, is both oral and written, and includes a 

 trial-lesson in one of the higher classes of the Gymnasium. 

 Lately, a trial year has been introduced, to secure fuller 

 proficiency. 



There are a few seminaries for the preparation of 

 teachers for the higher schools. Their course follows that 

 of the University and presumes a previous complete 

 scientific ('duration, and a degree pro facuUaU docendi. 

 They are conneeted more or less closely with the University 

 and seek less to teach the art of teaching than to produce 

 independent application and development of science. A 

 Philological seminary is connected with every university. 

 Philosophical, historical or mathematical seminaries are 



