274
The University Courier.
MATHEMATICS.
The work in mathematics in the University is carried by three teachers, and has been distributed as follows: Three classes in Solid Geometry, three classes in Higher Algebra, one class in Conic Sections, one class in Modern Analytical Geometry, one class in Quarternions with elementary applications to physical problems, one class in theory of Probabilities and Least Squares, and one class in Descriptive Astronomy.
The students in the Freshman class of this year, on an average, were better prepared to enter this department than preceding classes, yet there is room for a great deal more improvement. Our catalogue announces that to enter the Freshman mathematics, students must have a knowledge of simple and quadratic equations in Algebra, and also be as well prepared in ratio, proportion, and the progressions, and have completed plane geometry including the book on planes. But a considerable number are admitted as high school graduates from accredited high schools, who know nothing of algebra beyond quadratic equations, and even that knowledge is very inferior. If all students were thoroughly equipped in this regard, the work required to be done in order for more advanced mathematics, would be accomplished at a great deal less expense of time and labor, and afford a keen satisfaction to those really in earnest.
In astronomy the work has been and will be for the remainder of the current term descriptive. A great many evenings are spent in learning the situation of the constellations; the names and location of the stars of the first, second, third, etc., magnitudes; the situation and names of the principal nebulae; in tracing the path of the ecliptic, and locating the equinoctial points. The telescope with an object glass of six inches diameter has been used to inspect the moon, the planets and their moons, and the heavenly bodies. It is hoped that in the near future the facilities for work in astronomy will consist of a first class observatory equipped with the best of modern apparatus.
The work of the department of mathematics
for the next term will embrace the subjects of Trigonometry, Calculus, Modern Solid Geometry, and a class in Practical Astronomy, in which the calculation of terrestrial latitude and longitude, right ascension and delineation of celestial objects, and of transits, occultations, and eclipses, will have a prominent part.
GREEK AND LATIN.
Instruction in Greek and Latin is given by a Professor and Assistant in each language Since all students enter with two or three years of Latin, provision is made only for advanced work, which may be continued for one, two, three, or four years. Since so many enter without Greek, provision is made not only for advanced work, which may be continued one, two, three, or four years, but also for beginning Greek in any year of the course and continuing it any length desired.
In all work done in both languages, an attempt is made to lead the student both to learn the language and to read its literature. There is sufficient grammatical drill to do the former, and to establish the necessary basis for doing the latter. The literature actually read in class is treated as a model for all later private reading, that is, with reference to its practical value and its bearing upon the literary discussions and problems of to-day.
All texts read are illustrated by maps, charts, plates, and photographs, a large number of which are on exhibition on the walls of the Classical Museum and the recitation rooms, while more still are at the service of the instructors, though they cannot be put on permanent exhibition. The Classical Museum contains also a series of casts of sculpture of the Parthenon and examples of the best periods of Greek and Roman sculpture, besides a number of busts of Roman emperors, and models of the Acropolis of Athens and a pediment of the temple of Zeus at Olympia. 700 stereopticon slides are at command, and used in special lectures on subjects of interest to students of Greek and Latin. Special courses also on Greek and Roman art and archaeology are open to students.