The Sun.
London, England, 1827-11-15 00:00:00

LONDON UNIVERSITY.

The erection of the buildings and the com-
pletion of the arrangements of the London Uni-
verSity are fast advancing. We have hitherto
abstained from praising the plan, or predicting
the success of this institution, and we shall still
abstain froth panegyric or prediction ; but as the
public have a right to expect from us a state-
ment of facts on any topic of general interest, we
are prepared in this case to answer the claim with
pleasure.

The employment of the word " University,"
though it properly describes the nature of the
institution and the extent of the instruction
to be communicated, introduces ideas of
;privilege and discipline which have no re-
ference to the new establishment. It professes
to teach all the branches of human knowledge
usually taught in universities ; but it neither pre-
tends to confer degrees nor to superintend private
conduct like those institutions which originated
in a different age, and are more intimately con-
nected with the Church and the State. This
distinction, which should be constantly kept in
mind, accounts for some:apparent inconsistencies,
and answers some of the objections which • have
been, made to the
.plan. In particular, it explains
why the London University provides so abuns
dandy for instruction in some branches of learn-
ing, and entirely excludes others ; why, for in-
stance, it has professors of modern literature, and
no professor of biblical criticism or theological
dogmas. The new establishment, offers to teach
all those sciences or branches of knowledge
which people not intended for professions
can be desirous to acquire, or which pre-
, pare professional men • for the attainment
of eminence in their separate lines ; but as it
cannot of itself open . the doors of. any
'profession, it would be superfluous to establish a
chair, which would be attended by few except
those aiming at degrees which it could not con-
fer. If a complete establishment of theological
instruction were proposed, the professors must
either teach the theological system of the Church
of England, or of one of the numerous sects of
Dissenters from its creed. If the former, the
Dissenters would certainly keep away from the
lectures delivered, and object to the expellee in-
curred ; while the members of the established
church, intended for holy orders, would likewise
absent himself, preferring to the instructions of
the London University the theological education
of his alma mater, at which he must graduate
before he can offer himself to the Bishop as a
candidate for clerical prefennsnt.
The fulness of the provision for medical instruc-
tion is to be defended on the same principle as
that which excludes theology. The members of
the College of Physicians must graduate in one
of the universities, but they would in vain resort
to those haunts of learning for ,medical instruc-
tion. 'They must, therefore, study their pro-
fession, at a distance from the establishment which
confers their. degree ; and it would surely be of
advantage for them to find an institution in the
metropolis where all the' branches of a medical
education were taught in a systematic manner,'
and under convenient arrangements. This course'
of reasoning applies more' forcibly to surgeons,
• to whom no connexion with any' University is
necessary, and who are consequently left free to
pursue their studies wherever they find the best
professors and the greatest facilities. To them
a complete establishment of medical professors
under the same roof must be a great con-
venience, without precluding their voluntary
attendance on the prelections or demonstra-
tions of other able and experienced instructors,
who may continue their separate and independent
courses at the hospitals or at their own lecture-
rOoms. Were medical science, like theology,
taught at the universities in a sufficient extent,
and to sufficient numbers, or had the body of
the medical profession, like the clerical order, an
established creed, beyond which no inquiry was
permitted, and an adherence to which was neces-
sary for every medical graduate, we should say
that the London University, devoid as it is of
powers of conferring degrees, would be as use-
lessly supplied with medical as theological teachers.
It is plain, however, from the above statement, that
this .is not the case, and that as a school of
medicine this new University, may expect to
thrive, if proper care is taken in selecting eminent
professors. To unprofessional persons of the
metropolis, whose desires prompt and whose for-
tunes enable them to study the various branches
of literature and science which the new establish-
ment professes to teach, it must be agreeable to
find an institution which they can attend without
changing their residence, or subjecting themselves
to college discipline.
But, without entering further into the nature
of the :establishment as a place for general or
professibnal education, we may mention that the
Council, as in duty bound, occupy their state,
ment with ,an account of the,progress which the
erection has made as a commercial speculation.
The deed of settlement provided that the capital
fund of the University should not exceed
300,0001., divided into shares of 1001. each,;
and of this sum, 150,0001., exclusive of don*.
tions, has been already subscribed. On thiS
capital it is expected that a dividend of four per
cent. may be easily raised, after setting aside a
considerable portion of the fees for the extension
of the library, for increasing anatomical museums,
and collections of natural history. •

Such being the objects and pretensions of this
institution, we are glad. to see that its existence
is attracting general attention both at home and
abroad, and that its merits and • efficiency are
likely soon to be tried. While the exclusive
professors of Toryism and intolerance are, doily
all they can to render it popular in England, by
honguring it with their abuse, we may almost
say, Tioin an article in the Austrian Observer
written evidently by Mr. Gentz, that it will corn 7
mence its operations under the patronage o!
Prince Metternith himself. 'Mr. Gentz, with
his usual talent, denounces it to continental
probation, as a cosmopolite and philosophical
establishment, free from the antique bonds which
his master has been long endeavouring to . rivet
on German education. We have no doubt that
the Council of the University • will be duly sen-
sible of their good luck in having theirestablish-
ment advertised under such favourable auspices.
—Times.