54 HENRY DEANE. 



Professor Liversidge, in his presidential address to the Austra- 

 lasian Association for the Advancement of Science, gave it as his 

 opinion that the engineering and science courses should be of four 

 years duration. T presume that this is recommended for the 

 double purpose of securing more thorough work and also a higher 

 standard. With regard to the work of the Engineering School in 

 which I naturally take a special interest, I should like to see the 

 studies so arranged, if spread over four years, that the first three 

 years should be devoted almost exclusively to the teaching of 

 principles and theory, while if thought desirable the study of 

 special machines, questions of economy and cost could be dealt 

 with in the fourth year ; but I am not very much disposed to 

 favor the teaching of matter which can better and more quickly 

 be acquired after leaving the university, when the young engineer 

 has entered upon his practical life. One great object would be 

 gained by the lengthening of the whole course — the student would 

 have more time for mathematics, and he would, as I think he 

 ought, learn to use the calculus with as much facility as the unpro- 

 fessional man uses the ordinary rules of arithmetic. He would 

 also have more time for physics and chemistry, if found desirable, 

 as well as for the engineering subjects properly so called. 



I offer the above observations with all deference to those to 

 whom has been entrusted the care of the higher education of our 

 young men and women. I am convinced that these matters have 

 by no means been overlooked by them, but it will not be out of 

 place if I submit views, which are shared with me by men well 

 competent in virtue of their position to form an opinion. 



Before concluding, I wish to place on record my thanks for the 

 kind assistance received from heads and principal officers of 

 Departments and others, in collecting the information contained 

 in my address. 



It now remains for me to thank you for the consideration with 

 which you have treated me during the time that I have occupied 

 this chair, and congratulate you on the election of my successor, 

 to whose able keeping I now have the pleasure of handing over 

 the responsibilities of this high office. 



