30 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



visor of tlie helmet;— -the cuff of the coat, the band of the gaunt» 

 let. Now we have, in a great degree, ceased to discuss such 

 matters. We want all sorts of knowledge which can train the 

 intellect, the more the better, and the craving grows with what it 

 feeds on instead of becoming sated. We have classes of persons 

 who are desirous of entering life fully armed by all the learning 

 for the struggle, and large classes who, having entered life, are 

 anxious to grow in mind as they advance in age, and who seek 

 the outlets of knowledge with persevering spirit. How many 

 institutions owe their origin to this spirit ? Does it not pervade 

 the one in connection with which we are now assembled 1 Wit- 

 ness its lectures, its publications, its exhibitions. 



Universities, 



Coming, then, from the period of youthful training, we enter 

 the university, that great finishing institution for life. Where is 

 our American university 1 We find schools of law, of medicine, 

 of theology, scattered over the United States,-— >do not these con- 

 stitute in fact, if not in name, a great university ? Because scat- 

 tered, do they lose their character 1 Would they acquire it merely 

 by their union 1 Would not attaching, as in the German organi- 

 zation, to combined schools of law, medicine and theology, a 

 faculty of philosophy, thus constitute each and every one a uni- 

 versity 7 All these questions are worth discussing. But this is 

 not the time nor the place to do so, nor is it necessary to my pre- 

 sent purpose. If I intended to throw stones (which I do not) it 

 would not be at this, the close of an exhibition held in a glass 

 house, that I would do it. These schools express the several 

 W^ants of the time and country for special professional education, 

 and fulfil, in a greater or less degree, their mission. The profes- 

 sions will see that they advance. 



Mechanics^ Institutes. 



In Philadelphia, some thirty-five years ago, a few mechanics 

 met to consult upon an institution for mutual improvement. A 

 similar movement had been commenced by other parties, and 

 from their united efforts sprang the Franklin Institute of Penn- 

 sylvania for the promotion of the mechanic arts, of which James 



