That was indeed a quick success, but in an old, compact country, crowded with learned men eager to assemble at the Prussian court. It was a change of base rather than a sudden development. It misses its aim if it produces learned pedants, or simple artisans, or cunning sophists, or pretentious practitioners. Its purport is not so much to impart knowledge to the pupils, as to whet the appetite, exhibit methods, develop powers, strengthen judgment, and invigorate the intellectual and moral forces. It should prepare for the service of society a class of students who will be wise, thoughtful, progressive guides in whatever department of work or thought they may be engaged.
Universities easily fall into ruts.
Almost every epoch requires a fresh start. Universities differ widely in their internal structure. The older institutions are mostly complex, including a great variety of faculties, colleges, chairs, halls, scholarships, and collections, more or less closely bound together as one establishment, endowed with investments, privileges, and immunities, and regarded as indispensable both to the moral and material progress of the community, or, in other words, as essential both to Church and State. They give their lives to the work. Such a body of teachers will make a university anywhere.