THE UNIVERSITY.
A Brief Account of the Work of the Various Departments.
NATURAL HISTORY DEPARTMENT
[F. H. Snow, Ph.D. Professor of Natural History and Director of the Museum; Lewis L. Dyne, Professor of Anatomy and Physiology, Taxidermist and Curator of Birds and Mammals; W.C. Stevens, Assistant Professor cf Natural History; E. P. West, Assistant in Zoological Museum; E. D. Eames, Assistant in Taxidermy.]
Several important changes were made in this department at the beginning of the present year. Pursuant to the action of the Legislature, the Regents have added to its usefulness by dividing the chair of Natural History and promoting the former assistant, L. L Dyche, to the new professorship. The Regents, moreover, confirmed Prof. Snow as head of the Department by conferring upon him the title of Director of the Museum.
Mr. W. C. Stevens is now Prof. Snow's regular assistant. Mr. Stevens completed the Natural History course here in '85, and has since been further qualified by teaching the sciences in the Emporia High School.
Proof. Dyche, who has under the new regime the chair of Anatomy and Physiology, is at present on the Kettle River, in British Columbia, about three hundred miles north of the line. In a recent letter he states that he has been very successful in obtaining mountain sheep and goats, and that he is now hunting caribou far to the north of the sheep area—at this time an undertaking of great hardship. He relies in great measure upon the knowledge thus found of these animals in their wild state, to enable him to reconstruct their skins and skeletons into such marvels of natural posturing and anatomical moulding as are represented in his two famous buffalo.
Judge West returned in October from a four months' trip to Western Kansas. He is rapidly building up one of the finest collections of paleontology in the country. In some respects it is already superior to any collection in the world. This is especially true of the fossil leaves of the Dakota sandstone, among which are a great many types. One of the most valuable of his recent discoveries is an entire twenty-five-foot saurian, whose head has been worked out with the most painstaking care until every tooth and every little bone has been freed from the soft limestone in which the specimen was imbedded.
The University has a great advantage over Eastern institutions in its close proximity to the collecting grounds. When Prof. Snow hears of a valuable find in Western Kansas, or Colorado, or New Mexico, he does not trust to the tardy mails or reticent telegraph, with every prospect of being outbid by some rival museum, but he sends on a man immediately with carte blanche privileges. In this way the Natural History Department has possessed itself of many most valuable specimens which otherwise would have gone out of the State.
During Prof. Dyche's absence classes in Anatomy and Physiology have been satisfactorily instructed by Miss Gertrude Crotty, a recent graduate of the Natural History course.
Mr E D Eames is now regularly enrolled in the museum corps. He is Prof. Dyche's special assistant, and his entire time is given to the preservation and arrangement of the skins and skeletons continually coming in.
The money appropriated by the last Legislature for this department has been judiciously expended, and now the beautiful Snow Hall has been furnished with modern heating apparatus, while more special appurcuances are being rapidly purchased—such as new and improved microscopes and accessories, specimen cases, illustrative apparatus, and books.
There are now four students who are pursuing the special course in this department. Graduates in this course go out nearly every year, and without exception they are filling responsible positions in their chosen field.
The classes are large, and show no
falling off in membership under the optional system.
The work done here is pre-eminently a practical one, and Prof. Snow has emphasized this by his researches in economical entomology.
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS.
L. J. Blake W. S. Franklin.
Work in the Department of Physics is somewhat diversified, and in general lies in three lines—a of courses of experimental lectures, with elementary and advanced b. laboratory work and c. of technical work in electrical engineering. For these lines there is now (1890) about $11, 000 worth of demonstrative and laboratory apparatus, and $6,000 worth of machinery—mechanical and electrical. The laboratory experiments follow closely the German method and course of Von Helmholtz. Eight rooms are now equipped with stone piers, tables, balances, handtools, photographic outfit, etc., for laboratory students An are light circuit extends into the rooms, and a five-mile telegraph line, with thirty working instruments, connects with the Western Union and Santa Fe lines for live tests. After familiarity with exact measurements and with delicate apparatus is attained by various experiments, original work in several lines is begun. Such work consists of researches in heat, light, etc., and also the making of accuratus apparatus. The present term various galvanometers, three double coil reflecting, one ballistic, one absolute tangent, also one slide wire wheatstone bridge, one magnetic intensity apparatus, have been made by the students. The Laboratory is under charge of Mr. W. S. Franklin, with Mr. A. Radchfile as assistant.
In electrical engineering the usual delicate electrical measurements are done in the Physical Laboratory, the heavier practical work at the machine shop. This latter is in a separate building, recently erected at a cost of $16,000. This contains now $5,000 worth of the best machinery that can be bought. On the first floor is a forge and engine room, a 35-horse power Annisten & Simms engine, and a complete American Arc plant. Space is reserved for other dynamos. On the second floor is now being placed in position a Flather 6-foot screw cutting lathe, a Prentice 24-inch upright drill, a Gray 6-foot planer, and a Brainard milling machine. There is, further, a tool room, benches with vises and full sets of bench tools. A progressive course in practical machine work from Freshman to Senior years will be required of each student. The aim will be the finished product and the right method of making it. This shop is intended to give practical training in the purely mechanical part of electrical engineering, that the young engineer may know how to make and temper his tools, repair his electrical and other machinery, and also design and construct new forms. The students in turn have charge of the electric lighting of the University grounds. Duty tests on the boilers, cards from the engine and efficiency tests on the dynamo are to be made. Mr. Frank E. Ward, lately foreman of the Bates Manufacturing Company of Joliet, Ill., and an experienced and skillful workman, is in charge of the shop. The Department of Physics and Electrical Engineering is in charge of Prof. L. I. Blake.
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY.
This department, like many others, has been gradually evolved in the history of the University. Formerly all the natural sciences, and some of the mathematics, were carried by one instructor. Later on Physics and Chemistry were made separate departments, and in 1885, on the creation of the Department of Pharmacy, some of the work was taken by that department. Mineralogy and metallurgy are still carried in the Department of Chemistry The work of Freshman and Sophomore years is of a routine character, general chemistry being studied by the entire Freshman class, and qualitative analysis by the scientific section of the Sophomore class. In the former the instruction is by lectures, recitation, and laboratory exercises. In the qualitative analysis each student is
E. H. S. Bailey, E. C. Franklin.
supplied with chemicals and apparatus, and is required to learn a systematic process for the analysis of simple mixtures, and to demonstrate in the laboratory his ability to do the work.
Some of the optional studies are a part of certain technical courses. Among these advanced studies may be mentioned mineralogy and blowpipe analysis—a practical examination of minerals and rocks. This properly precedes the course in Geology with Prof. Snow.
Quantitative Analysis, which is the basis of the course in Applied Chemistry, is taught throughout the year. The aim here is to secure gr at accuracy and self-dependence. The course leads to the higher work required, not only in investigation, but in the laboratory of the sugar manufacturer, the iron smelter, the dyer, the water analyst, the sanitary engineer and the mining engineer.
In the second term the following options are offered: (1.) Domestic and Sanitary chemistry, which is intended to be a practical application of chemistry to every day life. Some of the problems treated will be: Air and water, and their impurities; fuels, illuminants, ventilation, sewage, disinfectants, foods, including their sorce, composition, purity and methods of cooking and preserving, textile fabrics, and finally the processes of digestion and nutrition, and the composition and uses of the more important animal substances. The only requirement is a knowledge of Freshman chemistry. (2). Assaying is also taught in this term. This includes the examination of ores of gold, silver, copper, iron, mercury, and lead. (3). Organic chemistry, followed by (4) Toxicology, constitutes a term's work. The instruction in the former is by recitations, and in the latter by lectures and laboratory work.
THE DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACY
The following gives a synoptical view of
the pharmacy.
OF THE COURSE OF
PHARMACY AND MATERIA MEDICA. -L. E.
Savre, Ph. G. Dean, Geo. F. Weida, assist-
PHARMACE AND MATERIA MEDICA. - L. E Saire, Ph. G. Dean, Geo F. Weida, assistant.
BOTANY-F, H. Snow, Ph. D. W. C. Stephens, assistant.
LATIN-D, H. Robinson, Ph. D. Adelaide Rudolph, assistant.
CHEMISTRY AND TOXICOLOGY-E. H. S. Bailey Ph. D. E. C. Franklin, assistant.
Powell-L, I. Blake, Ph. D. W. S. Franklins, assistant.
The department of Pharmacy was established in the fall of 1885. Since that time, it has been gradually developing in strength, and acclimatizing apparatus and material necessary to carry on its work satisfactorily. During the first year, the laboratory facilities were very meagre in fact the department had no laboratory of its own, but shared the chemical laboratories with Prof Bailey.
At the end of the first year, a laboratory specially devoted to pharmaceutical work was fitted up and although it was by no means what would be desired, it was of great service to the department at the time.
The course of study has the advantage of all schools connected with the Universities—that of giving thorough training in the pure sciences as well as the special work of the pharmacist. Thus, while the student recites with the regular collegiate classes in Botany, Chemistry, and Physics, they have regular lectures and recitations, daily, in Pharmacy and Materia Medica throughout the two years course.
The corps of instructors numbers eleven members, most of whom are also members of the faculty of the department of Literature, Science and Arts. The instruction in Chemistry includes general Inorganic Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis in the Junior year and Elements of Quantitative Analysis and Organic and Physical Chemistry in the Senior year.
The instruction in Botany includes Systematic Botany, Analysis of Plants and Structural Botany—in connection with the latter, is given Misceric Examination of drugs with special reference to Adulterations, etc. The special application of the sciences to the work of the Pharmacics, is given in the lectures Pharmacy and Materia Medica.
In referring to the merits of the department of Pharmacy, we can do so, better
perhaps, by quoting from a contemporary, addressing prospective students in Pharmacy. "who are looking toward a most economical and advantageous expenditure of their time and money." It says: The student who receives his degree at the Kansas State University, is well equipped for his life's work, as this degree is not lightly bestowed, but is given as the reward, not only of two years of close application in laboratory and class room, but also includes two more years of practical experience in the drug business. These may be spent either before or after the course prescribed in the University, and are a most valuable addition, as taken together with the thoroughness of the University course, they render the degree conferred of far more value than any other in this part of the country.
It is right and proper for us to patronize our own state institutions whenever it can be legitimately done, but when the superior advantages of the K. S. U. course, leading to the degree, are considered, as well as the absence of all fees connected with it, duty becomes and investible privilege to the pharmacist who would be thoroughly equipped for his future career.
CIVIL ENGINEERINF.
F. O. Marvin, E., Murphy.
This department is very well equipped with engineer's instruments representing the work of various American makers. Fauth & Co., of Washington, D.C., a firm that has made a large number of instruments of precision for the U.S. Coast Survey, furnishes the latest additions to the engineering apparatus, in the shape of a large geoditic transit, a high grade secondary triangulation transit and level of precision. These instruments are of most excellent workmanship and line finish and are adapted to work requiring great accuracy. The department possesses several engineers transits, a solar transit, several levels, a plane table, compasses, barometers, chains, tapes, rods, a heliotrope, a current meter, a current testing machine of 2,000 pounds capacity and several minor pieces that are useful in the office or the field. It is the aim of the instructors to give students of this course as much practice in the use of all these instruments as is possible, so that students have considerable field work during the four years. One class makes a survey of a short line of railway. Another class may make a triangulation of the country about Lawrence, or a survey of a section of the Kansas river. A hydrographic survey of the river, including the measurement of its volume of flow was executed by a class of two or three years ago. Just at present the Juniors are taking the data, necessary to making an estimate of the cost of grading, drawing and fitting up an athletic ground on the University campus. One member of the Senior class is now making an original investigation on the behavior of cement under certain conditions, and in carrying this out has used the testing machine almost daily since the first of October. The work in draughting consists of theory 'as found in Descriptive Geometry' of problems designed to bring out neatness and rapidity of execution and of mapping surveys made in the field. The engineering student of necessity has a thorough course in pure mathematics through the Calculus, with thorough courses built on this in Mechanics. Resistance of Materials and the Mechanics of Fluids. Following these are their practical applications, the construction of roofs and bridges, the various branches of municipal engineering involving questions as to street construction, the adjustment of grades, water supply, sewerage, and the sanitation of dwellings. A course is given in the field work connected with railways, as well as one on the economic theory of their location. The work in surveying includes ordinary land surveying followed by a term's work in the theory and limitations of instruments, methoes of hydrographic, topographical and mining surveys, and the elements of geodesy. A course is also given in masonry construction, including foundations, and
one on the forces of contracts, specifications, bonds and other papers connected with the letting of the work. In Language, the student is expected to acquire a reading knowledge of French and German. In general science, courses in Physics, Chemistry, Minerology, Botany, and Geology, are taken. That the course in Civil Engineering given in this University, results in fitting young men for responsible places, is proven by the roster of its graduates. Many of these have been very successful in winning the confidence and respect of those who employ engineers.
MODERN LANGUAGES.
W. H. Carruth, A. G. Canfield and Max Wink
ler.
In 1879 there was one chair of German, French, and Drawing. In '80 an assistant, half-time, was added; in '82, Drawing was cut off; in '83, the whole time of an assistant was devoted to German and French; in '87, French was made a separate chair; this year an assistant is added to the two chairs, so that now the whole time of three instructors is given to German and French. The near future will see an assistant in each language, and the introduction of Italian and Spanish.
German. — German is taught by reading, by writing, and by speaking, each as an end and each as a means to the others, the emphasis being laid on one or all, according to the needs of the student. The required work is sufficient to enable any bright and willing student to read ordinary German with satisfaction; the full course, including optional work, is sufficient to enable an earnest student to write and speak the language with considerable case. It is also designed to give close acquaintance with several schools or periods of German literature, as this year, with Goethe's classical period, and with the Historical Novel. Next year will be offered a much wider range of topics. Those desiring a more detailed statement of this work are invited to send for University Bulletin 7. Der Deutsche Verein is a club of advanced students, the proceedings carried on entirely in German, under the guidance of the department. The head of the department will gladly give what aid he can to teachers of German in the schools of the State.
French. — The general aim of the courses in French is to give students the ability to read French as readily, swiftly and accurately as may be. It is not expected that they will learn to write and speak it like their mother tongue, but the average student does become sufficiently familiar with it to use sources of information in French easily and without loss of time, and to read its literature with almost as unimpeded a satisfaction and enjoyment as his own. At the same time the matter read in class is chosen with a view to giving, also, information about the institutions and history of the French people, and the achievements of the French genius in literature and art. Those who select French as a subject of special study, in the upper years of the course have the opportunity of making a more detailed acquaintance with the literature of France in its great periods; of investigating the origins of the language and if clrature, or of acquiring a more perfect command of the language in writing and in speaking. The Junior and Senior courses of the present year include the Romantic School, the Development of the Novel, and Advance of French Composition. The library now contains now contains the more important French authors in serviceable editions, and a fair collection of books of reference. The Department also possesses a very fine set of mops, charts, lantern slides, and photographs, to illustrate the history of France and its historical and artistic monuments.
GREEK AND LATIN.
D. M. Willex,
D. H. Fibinson,
D. W. Sterling,
A. Alcala Rudolfo,
M. W. Sterling. A et alide Rudolph.
The Greek Department offers to the students of the University three courses:
To Classical students, a course of from two to four years according to the option of the student; to all other students, a course in the elements of Greek with especial refere e to English, which may
Continued on Third Page.]