4o8 UNIVERSAL ERUDITION. 



VII. The univerfity of Paris is, without 

 doubt, the mod ancient in Europe. It may be 

 juftly dated from the time of" Charlemagne. 

 That truly great monarch, after having re efta- 

 blifhed theeaftern empire, endeavoured by every 

 means to enlighten and civilize his people. Al- 

 cuinus, Raban, Johannes and Claudius, difciples 

 of the venerable Beda, were called to profefs the 

 fciences at Paris. This firft eftablifhment was 

 fucceflively improved ; and in proportion as the 

 fcales fell from the eyes of the people, who were 

 nearly reduced to the (late of mere brutes, un- 

 der the dominion of the barbarians, the youth 

 of every country of Europe repaired to the 

 univerfity of Paris to learn the fciences. As 

 the connexion between nations was nor. then 

 formed in the manner it now is, as neither pofts 

 nor coaches, or other public carriages were yet 

 invented, the univerfity maintained proper mef- 

 fengers, who went once or twice every year into 

 the different countries of Europe, carrying with 

 them letters or meffages from the Undents at 

 Paris, and returning with anfwers from their re- 

 lations. The titles of thefe employments ftill 

 remain in the univerfity, though their functions 

 have ceafed j and many perfons of rank now 

 feek and obtain thefe pofls, in order to ac- 

 quire thereby the right .of committimus. But 

 fmce Paris has been crowded with nobility of 

 the firft rank, courtiers, foldiers, lawyers, finan- 

 ciers, &c. fmce it has abounded with public 

 diverfions, and with thofe pleafures and difilpa^ 



tion.s 



