1868.] SCIENTIFIC EDUCATION TN SCHOOLS. 267 



There is also a laboratory for the use of students. At St. John's 

 there is a chemical lecturer and laboratory ; and though at this 

 college there is no sort of examination in natural science either 

 for scholarships or fellowships, it is believed distinction in the 

 subject may be taken into account in both elections. Downing 

 was founded with " especial reference to the studies of law and 

 medicine ;" there is a lecturer here in medicine and natural science, 

 and in the scholarship examinations one paper in these subjects ; no 

 scholarship is appropriated to them, but they are allowed equal 

 weight with other subjects in the choice of candidates. It is 

 believed that the same principle will govern the election to fellow- 

 ships in this college, though no fellowship has yet been given for 

 honours in natural science. We believe that, owing to the new 

 university regulations (mentioned above), the authorities of 

 Trinity College have determined to appoint a lecturer in natural 

 science ; the matter is under deliberation in other colleges, and it 

 is not improbable that the same considerations will induce them 

 to follow this example. 



It must always be remembered that the practice is rare in 

 Cambridge of appropriating fellowships and scholarships to special 

 subjects. At present public opinion in the University does not 

 reckon scientific distinction as on a par with mathematical or 

 classical ; hence, the progress of the subject seems enclosed in this 

 inevitable circle — the ablest men do not study natural science 

 because no rewards are given for it, and no rewards are given for 

 it because the ablest men do not study it. But it may be hoped 

 that the disinterested zeal of teachers and learners will rapidly 

 break through this circle ; in that case the subject may be placed 

 on a satisfactory footing without any express legislative provision. 



3. The University of London. 



At the University of London the claims of science to form a part 



of every liberal education have long been recognized. At the 



matriculation examination the student is required to show that he 



possesses at least a popular knowledge of the following subjects :— 



a. In Mechanics. — The composition and resolution of forces ; 



the mechanical powers ; a definition of the centre of gravity ; 



and the general laws of motion. 



6. In Hydrostatics, Hyrdaulics, and Pneumatics. — The pressure 



of liquids and gases ; specific gravity ; and the principles of 



