REPORT OF THE SCIENTIFIC EDUCATIONAL COMMITTEE. xlvii 



iu the choice of candidates. It is believed that the same principle will 

 govern the election to fellowships in this College, though no fellowship has 

 yet been given for honours in natural science. We believe that, owing to the 

 new University regulations (mentioned above), the authorities of Trinity 

 CoUege have determined to appoint a lecturer in natural science ; the matter 

 is under deliberation in other Colleges, and it is not improbable that the 

 same considerations wiU induce them to follow this example. 



It must always be remembered that the practice is rare in Cambridge of 

 appropriating fellowships and scholarships to special subjects. At present 

 public opinion in the University does not reckon scientific distinction as on a 

 par with mathematical or classical ; hence the progress of the subject seems 

 enclosed in this inevitable circle — the ablest men do not study natural 

 science because no rewards are given for it, and no rewards are given for it 

 because the ablest men do not study it. But it may be hoped that the dis- 

 interested zeal of teachers and learners will rapidly break through this 

 circle ; in that case the subject may be placed on a satisfactory footing 

 without any express legislative provision. 



III. The Univeesitt of London. 



At the University of London the claims of science to form a part of eveiy 

 liberal education have long been recognized. At the Matriculation Exami- 

 nation the student is required to show that he possesses at least a popular 

 knowledge of the following subjects : — 



a. In Mechanics: the composition and resolution of forces ; the mechanical 

 powers ; a definition of the centre of gravity ; and the general laws of 

 motion. 



b. In ffi/(h-ostatics, HyclrauUcs, and Pneumatics : the pressure of liquids 

 and gases; specific gravity; and the principles of the action of the 

 barometer, the siphon, the common pump and forcing-pump, and the 

 air-pump. 



c. In Acoustics : the nature of sound. 



d. In Optics : the laws of refraction and reflection, and the formation of 

 images by simple lenses. 



e. In Ghemistrii : the phenomena and laws of heat ; the chemistry of the 

 non-metallic elements ; general nature of acids, bases, &c. ; constitution 

 of the atmosphere ; composition of water, &c. 



At the examination for the degree of B.A. a more extensive knowledge of 

 these subjects is required, and the candidate is further examined in the fol- 

 lowing branches of science : — 



/. Astronomij : principal phenomena depending on the motion of the earth 

 round the sun, and on its rotation about its own axis ; general description 

 of the solar system, and explanation of hmar and solar eclipses. 

 g. Animal Physiology : the properties of the elementary animal textures ; 

 the principles of animal mechanics ; the processes of digestion, absorption, 

 assimilation ; the general plan of circulation in the great divisions of 

 the animal kingdom ; the mechanism of respiration ; the structure and 

 actions of the nervous system ; and the organs of sense. 

 Besides the degree examination there is also an examination for honours 

 in mathematics and natural philosophy, in which, of course, a much wider 

 range of scientific knowledge is required. 



We would venture to remark that, if a similar elementary acquaintancG 

 with the general principles of sciences were required for matriculation at 



