xlviii REPORT — 1867. 



Oxford and Cambridge, it is certain that they woidd at once become a subject 

 of regular teaching in all our great public schools. 



There are also two specially scientific degrees, a Bachelor of Science and 

 a Doctor of Science. For the E.Sc. there are two examinations of a general 

 but highly scientific character. The degree of D.Sc. can only be obtained 

 after the expiration of two years subsequent to taking the degree of B.Sc. 

 The candidate is allowed to select one principal subject, and to prove his 

 thorough practical knowledge thereof, as well as a general acquaintance 

 with other subsidiary subjects. 



IV. The College of Pkeceptoks. 



In the diploma examinations at the College of Preceptors, one branch of 

 science, viz. either chemistry, natural history, or physiology, is required as 

 a necessary subject for the diploma of Fellow. In the examinations for the 

 lower diploma of Associate or Liceuciate some branch of science may be 

 taken up by candidates at their own option. The Council recently decided 

 to offer a prize of three guineas half-yearly for the candidate who showed 

 most proficiency in science, and who at the same time obtained a second 

 class in the other subjects. 



In the examinations of pupils of schools, natural philosophy, chemistrj', 

 and natural history are optional subjects only, and are not required for a 

 certificate for the three classes. Two prizes are given to those candidates who 

 obtain the highest number of marks in these siibjects at the half-yearly 

 examinations ; and it is an interesting fact that last year, out of a total of 

 651 candidates, 100 brought up natural history, and 36 brought up che- 

 mistry as subjects for examination. Two additional prizes were conse- 

 quently awarded. 



V. The JFrench Schools. 



In France the " Lycees " correspond most nearly to our Public Schools, and 

 for many years science has formed a distinct part of their regular curriculum. 

 A strong im))ulse to the introduction of scientific teaching into French schools 

 was given by Napoleon I., and since that time we believe that no French 

 school has wholly neglected this branch of education. The amount of time 

 given to these subjects appears to average two hours in every week. 



The primary education is that which is given to all alike, whatever may be 

 their future destination in life, up to the age of eleven or twelve years. 

 After this period there is a " bifurcation " in the studies of boys. Those 

 who are intended for business or for practical professions lay aside Greek and 

 Latin, and enter on a course of " special secondary instruction." In this 

 course mechanics, cosmography, physics, chemistry, zoology, botany, and 

 geology occupy a large space; and the authorized ofticial programmes of these 

 studies are very full, and are drawn up with the greatest care. The remarks 

 and arguments of the Minister of Public Instruction (Mons. Duruy) and 

 others, in the " Programmes ofiiciels &c. de renseignement secondaire 

 special," are extremely valuable and suggestive ; and we recommend the sylla- 

 buses of the various subjects, which have received the sanction of the French 

 Government, as likely to afford material assistance to English teachers in 

 determining the range and limits of those scientific studies at which, in any 

 special system of instruction, they may practically aim. The " Enseigne- 

 ment secondaire special" might very safely be taken as a model of what 

 it is desirable to teach in the " modern departments " which are now attached 

 to some of our great schools. 



