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Proceedings of the Royal Society 
languages and mathematics as show in each subject what amount 
of proficiency he has really available. The examiners consist of 
the upper masters of the school itself, with certain commissioners 
from the G-overnment associated with then. Persons who have 
been brought up in private high schools, and who wish to proceed 
to the University, must present themselves at the examination of 
the G-ymnasium, where they will be equitably examined. But on 
the whole the public schools are most popular in Prussia, and the’ 
scholars of private schools are quite in a minority. The paper 
work of the examination occupies a week. The chief subjects are 
—(1.) An essay in German, which is intended to exhibit general 
culture, taste, and correct writing. It is analogous to the English 
composition in the Indian Civil Service competition. (2.) A Latin 
essay. (3.) A piece of simple G-reek prose to be written. (4.) A 
translation of G-erman into French. (5.) Two geometrical and two 
arithmetical problems to be solved. A viva voce examination 
follows, consisting of translation from pieces, not prepared in class, 
of the Latin and Greek authors, questions in metre, mythology, 
history combined with geography, and antiquities; conversation 
in Latin ; examination in Bible history and the Church Cate¬ 
chism ; and for future philologists and theologians, an examination 
in Hebrew. 
The certificate which each candidate receives is marked either 
“insufficient,” “sufficient,” “good,” or “excellent.” The mark 
“ insufficient ” is meant to indicate unripeness for the University. 
The pupil receiving it is recommended to prolong his attendance 
at school, or to seek some other career in life for which University 
study is not required. But if he and his parents wish it, he may 
still enter the University, with his certificate of “unripeness.” In 
that case he will be restricted to the faculty of philosophy, and not 
allowed to enter any learned profession, unless he can, by subse¬ 
quently presenting himself at the gymnasial examination, obtain 
a certificate of being “ripe;” and in the meantime he will be 
debarred from holding any University scholarships or stipends. 
The holders of favourable certificates, with “good ” or “excellent” 
for their examination, and a full record of previous conduct and 
performances, carry with them an important testimonial for the 
outset of life. 
