University Reform. 325 



include questions covering the whole subject of 

 pure and mixed mathematics; and there is no 

 reason why our standard of proficiency should not 

 be equally high, since in a purely optional course 

 neither inability nor distaste for the subject can 

 reasonably be pleaded. From the classical stu 

 dent, besides thorough familiarity with the text 

 and subject-matter of at least ten difficult authors, 

 we should demand a knowledge of ancient history 

 at once extensive and accurate, as well as some 

 skill in treating the higher problems of philology 

 and criticism. And in the other class examina 

 tions the requirements should be similar. With 

 such an organization, it would be strange if the 

 university did not each year send forth a consid 

 erable number of persons in every way prepared 

 to become finished scholars. With the compul 

 sory system reduced to the lowest practicable 

 minimum, and the elective system carried out 

 with the greatest possible completeness, the chief 

 ends of a liberal education can most effectually be 

 secured ; and the most excellent features of the 

 European university will thus be adopted without 

 resigning any single point of superiority possessed 

 by the American college. 



As already hinted, the existing constitution of 

 the freshman year should not be materially in- 



