The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-06-22

HOMER, while they must have praotlsed the
writing OF Greek prose within the limits
afforded by ARNoLD's handbook. These
scholastic qualifications must be supple
mented by knowledge Of all plane geom-
etry, and of algebra through quadratic
equations and lOgarithms. The applicant
is further expected to pass an examination
in the metric system, in ancient history and
geography and In two branches Of ele-
mental science, and he must evnce a rudi-
mentary knowledge of French or German.
We may say here that these prerequisites
are by no means nominal Mt Harvard,
thoroughness and exacttude being strictly
insisted on az Is sufficiently proved by the
number Of annual reflections, or conditional
admissions. 1t Is noteworthy that the in
stitution approaching nearest to Harvard
In the extent of preparation required is the
new Johns Hopkins University OF Balti-
more, Here, too, there are two schemes OF
preliminary study, and the amount oxacted
in the classical course is nearly equivalent,
while there is an extra exaction In the shape
of a rudmentary acquaintance with trigo-
nometry. These two seminaries, the oldest
and the Youngest mentioned in these statis-
tics, stand at the head OF all the academical
institutions in the United States. as regards
the measure Of classical proficiency in the
applicant.
Let us turn now TO the demands made
upon the candidate by such wcl-known col
loges as Yale, Princeton, Cornell, and CO.
lumbia, with which we should have liked to
couple the University OF Virginia, but for
some reason this distinguished foundation
does not figure in Mr.. NIGHTrNGALEs COM
parative tables The classical curriculum
at New Haven embraces in Latin literature
only four books OF CESAR and seven
orations Of CICERO, with six books Of the
Eneid, but doubtless the BucOlics and
Georges should be deemed more than an
Offset TO the missing half Of the Virgilian
epic. In Greek the candidate need offer but
three books Of HOMER and four OF the
Anabasis instead OF the whole record Of tho
retreat Of the Ten Thousand, as at Harvard.
What may be called the English adjuncts
are also more circumscribed in scope. ex-
acting. for example, no acquaintance with
the rudiments of physical science. The
same course at Cornell includes four books
OF the Commentaries on the Gallo War,
v1BGIL's Bucolcs, with half OF the H.neid,
eight orations OF CICERO, and In Greek
four books of XENoPHoN's narrative, with
three Of the Had, or Odyssey. The require
ments at Columbia are nearly identical.
the whole of CESAR counterbalancing the
absence Of the Eclogues, and two OF CICERo's
orations. At Princeton the tests for admis-
sion, as regards range Of acquisition, seem
TO be somewhat lower. One Of SALLUsTs
histories is judciously accepted in lieu Of a
part OF CHsAR's Commentaries substitu-
tion, by the way, countenanced at Harvard
also; but the College Of New Jersey asks
only half Of the Hneid, with six orations of
CICERO, three books Of the Anabasis and
two Of HOMER. This is, perhaps, the least
elevated standard adopted by any Of what,
by general consent, are esteemed our lead
ing institutions II is understood, however,
that since the advent OF DR.. McCosH the
quality OF the work demanded from candi-
dates for matriculation is nowhere more
vigilantly scrutinized.
1t may be interesting TO contrast these
academic vouchers with the extent of prep
aration called for at one OF the English uni
versities. The preliminary examination,
officially termed responsions at Oxford but
popularity known as the little CO." or
"smalls," is held three times u year No
though the minimum Of matter is specified
Every candidate must DO examined in Latin
and Greek grammar, Latin prose compost
ton, one Latin and one Greek author, arith-
metic, and the elements of either geometry
or algebra. This standard is, Of course, ad-
| justed to the qualifications Of those who
merely intend TO take u pass degree at the
end Of their university career. We need not
say that responsions presents no obstacle to
men who propose 10 read for honors, and
who are accustomed 10 pass 1t with the ut
most facility week or two after coming up.
On the face OF it, indeed. this test appears
much easier than that enforced by the Amer
lean colleges above named. 1t is narrower,
no doubt; but only those who have tried
both are likely to appreciate the superior
rigor and minuteness Of the English exami-
nation. 1t is said that graduates OF distin-
guished American universities have resided
year or two In Oxford, and made several
aportive ventures before achieving their
little 60"
What Kentucky Doctor Asks.