REPORT OP THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE. xlix 



Some evidence was given to the Oxford University Commissioners in 

 reference to the inconveniences suffered by Oxford graduates when thrown 

 suddenly on their own resources, as e. g. in a newly-settled country, from 

 their neglect of physical science during their University career. 



It must be remembered also, that tliere is scarcely any profession or voca- 

 tion in life in which some amount of knowledge of physics may not be a 

 desirable, or even necessary acquisition. The legislator, statesman, and even 

 legal tribunals, through ignorance of the principles of natural science, become 

 the prey of charlatans; and vast sums of money may be squandered on 

 impracticable, unnecessarily costly, or useless projects. In the legal and 

 medical as well as in the naval and military services, a knowledge of scientific 

 principles is most essential, and should be imparted to all ; but this is too 

 wide a field to enter upon here. 



Now, there can be no doubt, that if Science be made an essential condition 

 for obtaining a degree, it will be taught more extensively at schools, and at 

 the University itself. This will give rise to an increased demand for accom- 

 plished professors and teachers, or to some modification of the professorial 

 system calculated to effect this object. The increase in the numbers of 

 teachers, and the necessity for giving increased salaries to ensure high quali- 

 fications, will in itself create a variety of lucrative employments ; and this, 

 again, will stimulate students to learn that which is capable of affording 

 them a comfortable provision in after-life. The whole machine of instruc- 

 tion will thus act and react to the great benefit of all concerned ; and if other 

 stimulants, about to be alluded to, be added, a valuable species of knowledge 

 will rapidly spread among those destined hereafter either to teach or to dis- 

 charge important functions, or fill high offices in the State. 



While recommending, however, that physical science should be required 

 from all candidates for a degree, we admit that a discretion should be left to 

 the University authorities, as to the extent to which this desirable change 

 shall be at first carried into effect, in full confidence that studies so attractive 

 and useful will eventually obtain from all candidates for University degrees 

 that share of attention to which they are so justly entitled. 



As to that portion of the population who do not resort to universities for 

 instruction, it is to be hoped that University Reform will diminish the number 

 of this now very numerous class. The best mode of imparting to them 

 instruction in science seems to be that suggested by Mr. Grove and others 

 in their replies to our Circular ; that is, that professors, paid either wholly 

 or in part by the State, should be appointed to deliver gratuitous, or very 

 cheap lectures, illustrated by philosophical apparatus, to Institutions, in 

 London and at the principal provincial towns, whose rules of admission and 

 management should have been duly approved; and, when the system has 

 been well organized, it might even be still further extended. 



Such lectures would be successful only in proportion as they were 

 followed by examinations and rewards to diligent hearers, who might thus 

 be induced to extend their studies, and assist in the diffusion of sound 

 knowledge. 



We are aware that lectures, even though followed by examinations of a 

 nature really calculated to test the degree of attention and ability of the 

 hearers, are by no means a substitute for that course of severe study and 

 mental training which can alone introduce the student to an accurate know- 

 ledge of physical science. Lectures, however, even when addressed to men 

 wholly, or almost wholly ignorant of their subject-matter, are very valuable 

 as stimulating curiosity, exciting desire for study, and diffusing a general 

 knowledge of facts and principles, and perhaps enabling attentive hearers at 



1855. ^ 



