Newton's Binomial Theorem 



and geometry, history and physics, Greek and 

 Latin most of all, sometimes with a view to 

 the class above, sometimes and oftener with 

 a view to acquiring a degree. The university 

 titles lacked variety. All my colleagues were 

 bachelors of letters, but nothing more. They 

 must, if possible, arm themselves a little bet- 

 ter to make their way in the world. We all 

 worked hard and steadily. I was the youngest 

 of the industrious community and no less 

 eager than the rest to increase my modest 

 equipment. 



Visits between the different rooms were 

 frequent. We would come to consult one 

 another about a difficulty, or simply to pass 

 the time of day. I had as a neighbour, in the 

 next cell to mine, a retired quartermaster 

 who, weary of barrack life, had taken refuge 

 in education. When in charge of the books 

 of his company he had become more or less 

 familiar with figures; and it became his am- 

 bition to take a mathematical degree. His 

 cerebrum appears to have hardened while he 

 was with his regiment. According to my dear 

 colleagues, those amiable retailers of the mis- 

 fortunes of others, he had already twice been 

 plucked. Stubbornly, he returned to his 



291 



