1882—1884 163 



breathed forth his violent fanaticism, preached to the immense 

 assembly with a full consciousness of the importance of his dis- 

 course. He spoke of the relations between Science and Faith, 

 of the absolute liberty of science in the realm of facts, of the 

 thought of God considered as a stimulant to research, progress 

 being but a Divine impulse. 



In the afternoon, the students imparted life and merriment 

 into the proceedings ; they had organized a dramatic perform- 

 ance, the members of the orchestra, even, being undergraduates. 



The French delegates took great interest in the system of this 

 University. Accustomed as they were to look upon the State 

 as sole master and dispenser, they now saw an independent 

 institution, owing its fortune to voluntary contributions, reveal- 

 ing in every point the power of private enterprise. Unlike 

 what takes place in France, where administrative unity makes 

 itself felt in the smallest village, the British Government effaces 

 itself, and merely endeavours to inspire faith in political unity. 

 Absolutely her own mistress, the University of Edinburgh is 

 free to confer high honorary degrees on her distinguished 

 visitors. However, these honorary diplomas are but of two 

 kinds, viz. : Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) and Doctor of Laws 

 (LL.D.). In 1884, seventeen degrees of D.D. and 122 degrees 

 of LL.D. were reserved for the various delegates. " The only 

 laws I know," smilingly said the learned Helmholtz, " are the 

 laws of Physics." 



The solemn proclamation of the University degrees took place 

 on Thursday, April 17. The streets and monuments of the 

 beautiful city were decorated with flags, and an air of rejoicing 

 pervaded the whole atmosphere. 



The ceremony began by a special prayer, alluding to the past, 

 looking forward to the future, and asking for God's blessing on 

 the delegates and their countries. The large assembly filled the 

 immense hall where the Synod of the Presbyterian Church holds 

 its meetings. The Chancellor and the Eector of the University 

 were seated on a platform with a large number of professors ; 

 those who were about to receive honorary degrees occupied seats 

 in the centre of the hall ; about three thousand students found 

 seats in various parts of the hall. 



The Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh had arranged 

 that the new graduates should be called in alphabetical order. 

 As each of them heard his name, he rose and mounted the 

 platform. The students took great pleasure m heartily cheer- 



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