AS INSTRUMENTS OP EDUCATION. 17 



the old system, which practically excluded Natural Science, is very 

 great ; and although rewards are now offered in the University, as also 

 of late too in most of the old endowed schools, for proficiency in the 

 subject, the majority of those who preside over ancient educational 

 institutions do not heartily recommend the subject to the attention of 

 the youth under their charge. In 1861, out of 295 who took their 

 B. A. degree, 45 had been students in the Natural Science school ; of 

 whom 13 only were classed, and 32 passed. In 1862, 335 were gradu- 

 ated; 41 of these were Natural Science students, 12 of whom were 

 classed, and 29 passed. In 1863, 317 obtained B.A. degrees, 8 were 

 classed in Natural Science, and 14 passed. In 1864, 281 graduated ; 

 of whom 10 were classed and 9 passed in Natural Science. In 1865, 

 out of 276 B.A's, 12 were Natural Science students, of whom 10 were 

 classed and 2 passed. In 1866 the numbers were : in Literis Humani- 

 oribus, 258 ; in Scientia Naturali, 8 ; of whom 7 were classed and 1 

 passed. In 1867, 295 graduated ; 14 in Natural Science, of whom 9 

 were classed and 5 passed. Thus we see the number of those who have 

 sought distinction in this department of study has been fluctuating and 

 never large, considering the intrinsic interest and practical value of the 

 subject, the opportunities and facilities offered, and the rewards to be 

 obtained. Several of the Colleges have scholarships for the best can- 

 didates in Natural Science. Miss Burdett Coutts has, in recent times, 

 founded so-called Geological scholarships, for which the examinations 

 include Physiology, Chemistry and Experimental Physics. Every year 

 a Travelling scholarship, worth £200, for three years, is obtainable, on 

 what is called Dr. Radcliffe's Foundation, by the best candidate among 

 those who have taken a first class in Natural Science, and who purpose 

 entering the medical profession. 



As to the qualifications of successful candidates in the school of 

 Natural Science at Oxford, from passmen a general acquaintance with 

 the principles of two of the three subjects of the course, viz.. Mechani- 

 cal Philosophy, Chemistry and Physiology, is required ; and familiarity 

 with a special subject in Mechanical Philosophy, as Hydrostatics, Pneu- 

 matics, Light, Heat, &c. From classmen a certain knowledge of all the 

 three branches is required, to which must be added a more extensive 

 acquaintance with one or other of the three, including a special subject 

 in that branch for more minute examination. A classman, for example, 

 may take up Physiology as his principal subject, and Osteology as the 

 special subject included under that head. Of Mechanical Philosophy 



