GRESHAM UNIVERSITY COMMISSION.
LP
40
1834.
T H E
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS
APPOINTED TO CONSIDER THE
DRAFT CHARTER FOR THE PROPOSED
GRESHAM UNIVERSITY IN LONDON,
TOGETHER WITH
DISSENTIENT AND OTHER NOTES.
W
}}regented to botſ) #20 ligré of Batliantellt tºp (Tomtitantù of 3%rt: ałajesty.
I, O N DO N :
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TABLE OF CONTENTs.
* \} \, \
- Page."
THE ROYAL COMMISSION - ë-0 & sº tºº - iv.
ABSTRACT OF THE REPORT, º tº lº, ſº - vii
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS tº- º º - ix
PART I.
T. PRELIMINARY STATEMENT, PARAGRAPHs 1, 2 sº tºº - ix
II. HISTORICAL RETROSPECT, 3–6 & ºn º º &ºt - X.
III. RECONSTITUTION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON, 7 tºº - xii.
TV. INTERNAL AND ExTERNAL ExAMINATIONs, 8–12 º * - xii.
W. ENLARGED SCOPE OF THE UNIVERSITY, 13–15 º cº- - XV
WI. RELATION OF THE UNIVERSITY TO TEACHING INSTITUTIONS, 16–22 - xviii
WTT. ADDITIONAL FACILITIES FOR RESEARCH, 23 - º tºº - xxi
VIII. INSTITUTIONS TO BE ADMITTED As SCHOOLs, 24–27 - cº - xxii
IX. CoNSTITUTION OF THE UNIVERSITY, 28 º º º - xxiv.
X. THE POSITION of TEACHERS IN THE UNIVERSITY, 29–31 * - xxiv.
XI. THE ACADEMIC CouncIL, THE FACULTIES, AND THE BOARDS OF STUDIES, :
32–35– tº- gº tº- tº º º - XXV
XII. RELATION OF THE UNIVERSITY TO ExISTING PUBLIC BoDIES, 36–38 - xxvii
XIII. THE SENATE, 39–42 tº- º ſº sº sº - xxix
XIV. ExAMINATIONS AND DEGREES, 43–49 º & * * & xxxi
XV. THE CONVOCATION, 50 ſº & º º º - xxxiii
PART II.
PREFATORY REMARKs *g º- tº º º - xxxiv.
ARTS (ºt tº- º ſº U- gº [ _ - xxxv
SCIENCE - - tº tº- tº- tº tºº - xxxvii
MEDICINE & cº- - z - º ſº- - xli
LAW º - º, tºº º º º - xlii
THEOLOGY , - - - tºº tº tº Aº - xlvi
MUSIC - - - º * tº tº tº a - xlvii
PART III.
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS - tº ſº tº- - xlvii
SuggBSTIONs witH RESPECT TO THE PROPOSED STATUTORY COMMISSION - liii
SIGNATURES - sº is. º -0 º º - liv
DISSENTIENT AND OTHER NOTES :—
I. NoTE WITH REFERENCE TO PARAGRAPHS 22 AND 42 (b) º - ly
II. NOTE By LoRD REAY * sº * º dº - lvi
III. NoTE By BISHOP BARRY - * Gº º lº - lyii
TW. NoTE BY PROFESSOR SIDGWICK ſº ſº ſº - - lix
W. NoTES BY MR. ANSTIE - º º º -> - lxi
0 79670 Wt, 22469 ſºplc./
© o º a 2
The Royal Commission. *
VICTORIA R.
Üittoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, to—
(Bur right trusty and right well-beloved Cousin and Councillor Francis Thomas
de Grey, Earl Cowper, Knight of Our Most Noble Order of the Garter; *
©ur right trusty and well-beloved Donald James, Baron Reay, Knight Grand
Commander of Our Most Exalted Order of the Star of India, Knight Grand Com-
mander of Our Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire;
(Ibe Right Reverend Bishop Barry, Doctor in Divinity, Canon of Our Collegiate
Church or Free Chapel of Saint George in the Castle of Windsor; r
©ur right trusty and well-beloved Councillor Sir Lyon Playfair, Knight Com-
mander of Our Most Honourable Order of the Bath, TJoctor of Laws; -
(Bur trusty and well-beloved Sir William Seovell Savory, Baronet, one of Our
Surgeons Extraordinary; .
(Bur trusty and well-beloved Sir George Murray Humphry, Knight, Doctor of
Medicine, Doctor of Laws, Professor of Surgery in Our University of Cambridge;
(9ur trusty and well-beloved George Gilbert Ramsay, Esquire, Doctor of Laws,
Professor of Humanity in Our University of Glasgow;
©ur trusty and well-beloved George Forrest Browne, Clerk, Bachelor in Divinity,
Canon of Our Cathedral Church of St. Paul, in the City of London, Honorary Fellow
of Saint Catherine's College, and Disney Professor of Archaeology in Our University
of Cambridge; -
©ur trusty and well-beloved Henry Sidgwick, Esquire, Doctor in Letters,
Professor of Moral Philosophy in Our University of Cambridge; -
(9ur trusty and well-beloved John Scott Burdon Sanderson, Esquire, Master of
Arts, Waynflete Professor of Physiology in Our University of Oxford;
©ur trusty and well-beloved James Anstie, Esquire, one of Our Counsel learned
in the Law; -- º -
(9ur trusty and well-beloved Ralph Charlton Palmer, Esquire, Barrister-at-Law,
one of the Lord Chancellor’s Visitors in Lunacy;
©ur trusty and well-beloved Gerald Henry Rendall, Esquire, Master of Arts,
Vice-Chancellor of the Victoria University, Greeting !
QQabertag certain Petitions were presented to Us praying for a Charter for a
Teaching University in London and for the power of granting degrees in certain
cases; which Petitions were referred to Our Privy Council and Subsequently to a
Royal Commission appointed to make inquiry whether any and what kind of
new University or powers is or are required for the advancement of Higher Education
in London :
V
Ant tubertag the said Royal Commission in their Report to Us expressed their
opinion that the general case for a Teaching University in London had been proved;
but did not come to a conclusion as to the form or constitution of such Teaching
University: -
Ønt tubertag the said Royal Commission recommended unto us that a reasonable
time should be allowed to the Senate and Convocation of the University of London to
consider whether they would apply to Us for a new Charter extending the function
and duties of the said University of London to teaching and effecting other changes in
the constitution of the said University: * *
Ønt tubertàg a long period of time was allowed, and no such application to Us
was made:
3m tubertas after the expiration of such period a Committee of Our Privy
Council had the said Petitions before them, and heard such opponents thereof as duly
appeared:
Ønt mi)treag, in accordance with the Statute, the Petitions and a Draft Charter
for the Gresham University founded thereon were laid upon the table of each House
of Parliament :
Ønly mijerfag an address from the Knights, Citizens, Burgesses, and Commis-
sioners of Shires and Burghs in Parliament assembled was presented unto Us, praying
TJs to withhold Our assent to the proposed Charter for the Gresham University until
it shall have been remitted for further consideration and report to such persons as
we may be pleased to appoint:
3nt miſſertaç We in compliance with such address have remitted the proposed
Charter unto you the said Francis Thomas De Grey, Earl Cowper; Donald James,
Baron Reay; Bishop Barry; Sir Lyon Playfair; Sir William Scovell Savory; Sir
George Murray Humphry; George Gilbert Ramsay; George Forrest Browne; Henry
Sidgwick; John Scott Burdon Sanderson; James Anstie; Ralph Charlton Palmer;
and Gerald Henry Rendall for such further consideration and report:
#Din itnom pt, that We, taking the premises into consideration, do authorize
you, the said Francis Thomas De Grey, Earl Cowper; Donald James, Baron Reay;
Bishop Barry; Sir Lyon Playfair; Sir William Scovell Savory; Sir George Murray
Humphry; George Gilbert Ramsay ; George Forrest Browne; Henry Sidgwick;
John Scott Burdon Sanderson; James Anstie; Ralph Charlton Palmer, and Gerald
Henry Rendall to consider, and, if you think fit, alter, amend, and extend the
proposed Charter remitted unto you in compliance with the said address so as to form
and Report to Us a scheme for the establishment under Charter of an efficient
Teaching University for London.
@nt. We do by these presents give and grant unto you, or any three or more of
you, full power to call before you such persons as you shall judge likely to afford you
any information on the subject of this Our Commission, and also to call for, have
access to, and examine all such books, documents, registers, and records as may
afford you the fullest information on the subject; and to inquire of and concerning
the premises by all other lawful ways and means whatsoever. -
a 3
vi
3.nly we do by these presents will and ordain that this Our Commission shall
continue in full force and virtue, and that you Our said Commissioners, or any three
or more of you, may from time to time proceed in the execution thereof, and of every
matter and thing therein contained, although the same be not continued from time to
time by adjournment.
3m. We do further ordain that you, or any three or more of you, have liberty to
report your proceedings under this Our Commission from time to time, if you shall
judge it expedient so to do.
Ønt. Our further will and pleasure is, that you do with as little delay as possible
report to Us under your hands and seals, or under the hands and seals of any three or
more of you, your opinion upon the several matters herein submitted for your
consideration.
Ønt for the purpose of aiding you in such matters, We hereby appoint our trusty
and well-beloved John Leybourn Goddard, Esquire, Barrister-at-Law, to be Secretary
to this Our Commission.
Given at Öur Court of Saint James's the thirtieth day of April, one
thousand eight hundred and ninety-two, in the fifty-fifth year of Our
Reign.
By Her Majesty’s Command,
(Signed) HENRY MATTEIEWS.
ABSTRACT OF THE REPORT.
Paragraphs 1, 2. Commission of 1888 and other documents. Resolve to put a wide
construction upon the reference to us.
3–5. Historical retrospect, University as to teaching functions to be confined to
London. *
7–12. One University, not two. Existing University to be reconstructed, so as to
carry out work of teaching in London without interfering with present work. Changes
to be effected not by Charter but by Commission with statutory powers.
13. Enlarged scope. Six Faculties, viz.:-Arts, Science, Medicine, Law, Theology,
Music. Science to be divided into two departments, Pure and Applied. The latter
to include Engineering, Architecture, Agriculture, and Technology. Professions to be
represented on Governing Body. Fine Art not to be a Faculty, but National Collections
of Art and Archaeology to be represented on Governing Body.
14. The University Extension movement deserves encouragement and attention.
Standing Board to be appointed for the purpose. More promising students to be
brought into closer connection with University by recognition of work done as
equivalent to parts of University course.
15. Gresham Lectures. May be improved and brought within University influence.
Corporation of London and Mercers' Company to be represented on Governing Body.
16–22. Relation of University to teaching institutions. Objections to Gresham
Charter. Objections to Professorial Scheme. Certain teaching institutions to be
admitted as Schools of University. Their teachers to form bulk of Faculties through
which they will exercise a large share of influence in University. Schools to be situated
within administrative County of London, including County of City of London. Uni-
versity to have power to admit Institutions, and to remove, subject to appeal to Privy
Council. University to allocate funds and to regulate University teaching in Schools.
23. Research. Not to be limited to Institutions set apart for the purpose, nor
always separated from elementary teaching. Existing Institutions, in so far as
subsidised by University to be under its control. New and special Institutions neces-
sary, particularly for neglected subjects. Additional money required. University
Chairs either to be connected with Institutions or not, at discretion of University.
24. List of Institutions to be admitted as Schools in first instance.
25. Institutions for Secondary Education not within functions of University.
Separate body required for their organisation, on which University should be
represented.
26, 27. Resident Training Colleges not to be admitted as Schools, but should come
under University influence. Nominee of President of Council to be on Governing
Body of University.
28. Constitution of University (see below).
29, 30, 31. Position of Teachers. Recommendation of Commissioners of 1888
examined. Also that of Professorial Scheme.
32–35. Constitution of University (see below).
36, 37. University should have access to Museums, Libraries, and Laboratories in
London belonging to nation or to public bodies. Representatives of public bodies to
be on Governing Body. Position of Royal Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons and
the Society of Apothecaries. Position of Inns of Court with regard to legal education.
Necessity for their concurrence with University in this matter, reserving to themselves
entire control over call to bar, but accepting University degrees as to theoretical
knowledge, and opening their lectures to the public. To be represented on Governing
Body. Also Incorporated Law Society.
39–42. Constitution of University (see below).
43. University to give degrees to Internal and External students.
a 4
viii
44. Matriculation : different opinions on subject. University to make its own
arrangements. ,
45. Three years' course necessary for degree.
46. Only two orders of degree as a rule. No recommendation as to Arts. Qualifi-
cation for degree of Doctor—in Faculties other than Medicine—in Medicine.
47. All candidates in Medicine to go through regular course. Those in admitted
Schools to be Internal Students. * , --
48. Detailed provisions for graduation of Internal and External students in subjects
other than Medicine. _ Internal students are those attending an approved course of
siudy in Schools of University. Examination of Internal students to be arranged
through Academic Council; of External through a Board for External students.
Senate may, on report from these bodies, arrange that examination for both classes
of students shall be in whole or part the same. Final examination, if not the same,
to represent the same standard of knowledge.
49. Special degrees.
50. Constitution of University (see below).
Constitution of University.
Par. 28. Visitor, Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Senate, Academic Council, Faculties,
Boards of Studies, Convocation.
39. Chancellor. Elected by Convocation for life.
41. Vice-Chancellor. Elected annually by Senate from its own members.
40, 41 and 42. Senate. Chancellor and 65 members, each elected for four years.
22 by teachers (4 by Academic Council, remainder by Faculties) 8 by Crown, 9 by
Convocation, 11 by public bodies controlling Medicine and Law (Law 6, Medicine 5),
4 by bodies connected with Applied Science, 11 by various institutions. Powers of
Senate. To frame and submit Statutes. To make Ordinances. To arrange various
elections, alter Faculties, admit and remove Schools, appoint Professors, give degrees,
&c. Powers subject to various restrictions.
32–34. Academic Council. To consist of Vice-Chancellor and 15 members elected
by Faculties. To regulate teaching, examinations, and discipline. In certain cases
must consult with Boards of Studies and with admitted institutions, but will act on its
own judgment. Will advise Senate on various matters.
29–35. Faculties. To consist of teachers appointed or recognised by University in
Arts, Science, Medicine, Law, Theology, and Music. To send representatives to
Academic Council; elect members of Boards of Studies; may meet, discuss, and report
to Academic Council.
33. Boards of Studies. Mode of election and composition. Functions.
50. Convocation. To consist of graduates, present and future. Senate may add
members of Academic Council. To meet periodically and occasionally. May discuss
and report to Senate. May express its views before Privy Council as to any proposed
alteration of Statutes.
**
ix
} t
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERs.
2
PART I. )
! I Page
I. PRELIMINARY STATEMENT, PARAGRAPHS 1, 2 - * tºº - ix
II. HISTORICAL RETROSPECT, 3–6 - º tº- º - X:
III. RECONSTITUTION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON, 7 tº- tº - xii
IV. INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL ExAMINATIONs, 8–12 º º - xii
W. ENLARGED SCOPE OF THE UNIVERSITY, 13–15 tº- tºº - XV
WI. RELATION OF THE UNIVERSITY TO TEACHING INSTITUTIONS, 16–22 - - xviii
VII. ADDITIONAL FACILITIES FOR RESEARCH, 23 - sº º - xxi
VIII: INSTITUTIONS TO BE ADMITTED As SCHOOLs, 24–27 &- tºº - xxii
IX. CoNSTITUTION OF THE UNIVERSITY, 28 --> - º- - xxiv.
X. THE POSITION OF TEACHERS IN THE UNIVERSITY, 29–31 º ºt - xxiv.
XI. THE ACADEMIC COUNCIL, THE FACULTIES, AND THE BOARDs of STUDIES, 32–35 - xxv.
XII. RELATION OF THE UNIVERSITY TO ExISTING PUBLIC BODIES, 36–38 - - xxvii
XIII. THE SENATE, 39–42 - º tº - - - xxix
XIV. ExAMINATIONS AND DEGREES, 43–49 t- - tº - xxxi
XV. THE CONVOCATION, 50 - • * tº- º º - xxxiii
PART II.
PREFATORY REMARKS - tºº º º .* - xxxiv.
ARTS tºº º tº- - º tº- - XXXV
SCIENCE º tº - - * tº - xxxvii
MEDICINE - ºt - º- tº- * ºg - xli
LAW ſº tºº t- - º ſº - xlii
THEOLOGY - tºº, |- sº wº ſº - xlvi
MUSIC sº º - T - - sº - xlvii
PART III.
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS - -- º tºº - xlvii
SUGGESTIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE PROPOSED STATUTORY COMMISSION - - lii
SIGNATURES - º - º º tºº. - liv
TO THE QUEEN'S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY.
We, the Commissioners appointed by Your Majesty in compliance with an address
presented to your Majesty in that behalf by the Knights, Citizens, Burgesses, and
Commissioners of Shires and Burghs in Parliament assembled, and by such appoint-
ment authorised to consider, and, if we should think fit, alter, amend, and extend the
proposed Charter for the Gresham University referred to in the said address, so as to
form and report to Your Majesty a scheme for the establishment under Charter of an
efficient teaching University for London, humbly report to Your Majesty as follows:—
PART I. }
I.
PRELIMINARY STATEMENT.
1. We have, in pursuance of the aforesaid reference by your Majesty, considered—
(a.) The Report dated the 29th day of April 1889, made by the Commissioners
appointed by Your Majesty on the 2nd day of May 1888, to inquire whether any
and what kind of new university or powers was or were required for the
advancement of higher education in London, together with the Appendices thereto
and the Minutes of the Evidence taken before those Commissioners:
O 79670. b
X
(0.) The Petitions presented to Your Majesty by University College, London, and
King's College, London, praying (1) for the grant of a Charter for a University
in and for the London district ; and (2) for such University to be called the
Gresham University, together with the draft of the proposed Charter and the
proceedings before the Committee of Your Majesty’s Privy Council appointed to
consider the said petitions:
(c.) The written Objections and Petitions of various persons and bodies (so far as
the same have been put in evidence before us), upon which Your Majesty's House
of Commons was moved to pray that Your Majesty would withhold assent to the
proposed Charter for the Gresham University until it should have been remitted
for further consideration and report, and the address of the said House thereupon
presented to Your Majesty: §
(d.) A large body of Evidence, both written and oral, which has been laid before us
during the course of our inquiry.
2. Having regard to the important bearing of the matter referred to us upon educa-
tion at large, and more particularly upon the interests of higher education in Your
Majesty’s capital city; to the length of time during which this matter has been
agitated, and the necessity of settling it upon a firm and permanent basis, in a manner
adequate to the requirements of the case; we have thought it our duty to put a wide
construction upon the terms of Your Majesty's reference to us. We have accordingly
entertained the question whether we should advise Your Majesty to grant a Charter
on the basis of the proposed Charter of the Gresham University, or should recommend
a re-constitution of the University of London, or should propose some other course.
II.
HISTORICAL RETROSPECT.
3. The Commissioners of 1888 recommended the re-constitution of the University of
London. Their reasons for this recommendation are set forth in the 14th, 15th, 16th,
and 17th paragraphs of their Report, which are as follows:—
“14. The present University of London has done a great work, and has
established for its degrees a high reputation. If it is willing to be made adequate
(as far as possible) to the complete fulfilment of the idea implied in its name, it
seems to be the most natural course, and that most agreeable to the respect due
to it, to accept its co-operation rather than to go elsewhere for that purpose. On
the other hand, it seems to be desirable for the future teaching university to be
associated with this work, already done, and to have the benefit of this reputation,
already acquired, although in a different field. Between the present University
and University College in particular there has always been a practical, though not
an organic, connexion, to which the very name of that college bears witness; and
there would appear to be some propriety in making their connexion more close
and organic, instead of severing it altogether.
“15. Whatever difficulties there may be in the way of establishing such forms
of connexion as may be desirable between a teaching university of London and the
different bodies and agencies now engaged in kindred work on an independent
footing, we think it probable that those difficulties might be more easily overcome
if the ground were occupied by One university only, and not by two; and also,
that the constitution of the existing university (properly modified) might be better
adapted for that purpose, and likely to be more readily accepted by some impor-
tant institutions, e.g., by the Royal Colleges and the independent medical schools,
than the constitution of a new teaching university proposed by University College
and King's College.
“16. The advocates of a new university propose to leave the present university
as it is. According to their scheme, there would be two examining universities,
one of them teaching also, the other not. One having already gained a consider-
able name and reputation for its degrees, the other having that reputation yet to
acquire. The examinations of the university which did not teach would be open
to the students of that which did, and to all students receiving instruction
through any independent agencies in the metropolis which might not be absorbed
into, or organically united with, the teaching university. In respect of exami-
b
XI.
nations and degrees, some rivalry might be unavoidable, whether intended or not.
The best students would, generally, be ambitious of taking those degrees which
might carry with them the highest distinction; students of inferior capacity
might be content with those of less repute. Competition of this kind would be
likely to weaken the one university or the other; it might, not improbably, weaken
both. If there were two universities, both bearing the name of London (however
differentiated), it would be hardly possible, for some time, to avoid confusion,
and some encroachment by one upon the reputation of the other.
“ 17. There are some other practical considerations bearing in the same direc-
tion; such, for instance, as that of the assistance which has been hitherto granted
by Parliament to the University of London, and the representation of that uni-
versity in Parliament. Whether a second university, if created, would be from
the first Self-supporting, or might expect to receive aid from Parliament, and
what effect (if any) its establishment might have upon the claims of the present
university to retain its representation in Parliament, are questions which it may
be better not to raise, if the object in view can be attained by enabling the
greater teaching agencies of the metropolis to be brought (without interfering
with their independence) into true academical relations, upon proper terms, with
the One existing university, familiar with the conduct of examinations, and
possessing the degree-giving power; so concentrating and utilising all the strength
and experience of the existing university, and of the existing teaching agencies,
as far as possible, in one great institution.”
4. The Commissioners of 1888 further pointed out (in paragraphs 20 and 21 of their
Report) that a Committee of the Senate and Committees of the Convocation of the
University of London had formulated schemes, in all of which “the principle of
“ associating with the University teaching institutions of adequate rank upon terms
“ which would give their teachers some share of power, and that of Organising
“‘Faculties’ (or a ‘Council of Education'), and Boards of Studies, in which those
“ teachers should also have a large representation, was recognised,” and that the
deliberations of the Senate and Convocation had not been brought “to a close when
“ the petition of University College and King's College for the creation of a new
“ University was presented.” After consideration of the petition and of the evidence
before them, and taking notice of the facts above referred to, they reported in favour
of giving to the University of London the opportunity of effecting alterations in its
constitution in conformity with recommendations embodied in their Report. These
recommendations in their main lines corresponded with the Scheme which had been
formulated by a Committee of the Senate of the University, but differed from it in this
important respect, that the Commissioners made it an essential condition, that the
teaching institutions which might be associated with the University should be limited
to London and its neighbourhood (see paragraphs 21 and 22).
5. In pursuance of these recommendations negotiations took place between the
Senate of the University on the one hand and the various bodies concerned with
higher education in London on the other. These negotiations resulted in the framing
of a Scheme by the Senate (commonly known as the Revised Scheme). This Scheme.
in some respects gave to teaching institutions and the teachers in those institutions
a more prominent position and a larger scope of free action than had been assigned
to them by the recommendations of the Commissioners; but did not conform to the
recommendation that the action of the University in respect of its teaching functions
should be confined to the metropolis.
This Revised Scheme, however, fell to the ground, being rejected by Convocation,
whose assent is necessary to any alteration of the constitution of the University
under the existing Charter. The petition of the Colleges was thereupon considered
by the Committee of Council, to whom it had been referred by your Majesty. Con-
siderable modifications were made in the submitted draft, the most important of which
gave separate institutional representation, on the Supreme Governing Body of the
University, to ten Medical Schools of the metropolis other than those included in
University College and King's College. These ten schools had been named in the
Revised Scheme of the Senate as constituent Colleges in the University of London,
but had not under that Scheme institutional representation on the Senate.
6. The opposition raised in Parliament to the granting of the proposed Charter, and
the consequent appointment of this Commission, afforded to the University of London
an opportunity for reconsidering its position. As the result, separate proposals have
b 2
xii
been made to us by the Senate and Convocation, which have agreed in accepting more
fully than had been done in any previous Scheme the function of a teaching University,
and have indicated an intention on the part of the University in any case to claim such
a development. The evidence before us seems to justify the belief that the Senate and
probably, the Convocation are prepared to acquiesce in the view expressed by the
Commissioners of 1888, in which we also concur, that the action of the University, so
far as its teaching functions are concerned, should be limited to London and its
neighbourhood.
III.
RECONSTITUTION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON.
7. Such being, in brief, the history of this movement down to the present time, we
have given most careful attention to the various objections which have been brought
forward against the proposed Gresham Charter, not only in London itself but also on
behalf of the provinces, and we have considered not less carefully the answers to those
objections which have been laid before us on behalf of the promoters of the Charter.
We have given full consideration to the large and important body of fresh evidence
which has been laid before us, bearing upon the fundamental question whether, in the
whole circumstances of the case, there should be two Universities in London, or one
only. Having arrived at a conclusion on this point, we have further thought it neces-
sary to determine the particular mode by which, in our judgment, the institution of
a teaching University in London can best be carried into effect. On these two questions,
which lie at the basis of our whole enquiry, the large majority of our number have
come to the following conclusions:—
(1.) We are of opinion that there should be one University only in London, and not
two ; and that the establishment of an efficient teaching University for London will
be best effected by the reconstruction of the existing University, on such a basis
as will enable it, while retaining its existing powers and privileges, to carry out
thoroughly and efficiently the work which may be properly required of a teaching
University for London, without interfering with the discharge of those important
duties which it has hitherto performed as an examining body for students pre-
senting themselves from all parts of the British Empire.
(2.) In view of the failure of previous attempts to settle this question, and of the
difficulty and delay which must inevitably attend an alteration of the constitution
of the University through the action of the University itself, we are of opinion
that, in accordance with the precedents followed in other cases of University
reform, the changes which we recommend should be effected not by Charter, but
by legislative authority, and by the appointment of a Commission with statutory
powers to settle, in the first instance, arrangements and regulations in general
conformity with the recommendations which we are about to submit to Your
Majesty.
IV.
INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL ExAMINATIONs.
8. In arriving at the first of these conclusions, we have given full attention to the
objection stated in a note appended to the Report of the Commission of 1888 by three of
its members. Those three Commissioners signed the Report as a whole; but whilst
“ acquiescing in the recommendation that an attempt should be made to unite the
“ teaching and examining functions in a single University,” they qualified their assent
to the main recommendation of the Report by these words:—“We doubt the possibility
“ of effectually combining the functions of an examining, and of a teaching as well
“ as examining University in the University of London.”
As the doubt thus expressed directly traverses the main conclusion at which we have
arrived, it is necessary that we should state our reasons for believing that it is not
well founded. It is indeed to be noted that the doubt expressed in the above words
does not extend to the possibility, in the abstract, of combining the two functions of
examining without teaching and examining as well as teaching, but only to the possi-
bility of their being effectually combined in the University of London; and the
reasons for taking this view are thus stated by the three Commissioners:—“Considering
xiii
6
6
that the London University has long since ceased to be in any sense a teaching
University, and has become merely an examining board; that in this capacity it has
established a high reputation and is doing a useful work for the whole empire; and
considering the very large number of candidates who present themselves for the
various examinations leading up to a degree, we doubt the possibility, &c.” None
of the objections here stated expressly touches the question of principle. But the
opinion is held, and is not unrepresented in the evidence laid before us, that the two
functions above described are under any circumstances incompatible with each other,
or at least that they cannot be combined without injury to one or the other. We
therefore think it well to state our reasons for arriving at an opposite conclusion.
6
6
6
6
6 &
66
9. Upon the subject of examinations, and the relation which teaching and examining
should hold to each other, a mass of valuable evidence has been laid before us. One.
of the strongest motives which gave rise to the agitation for a teaching University in
London lay in the conviction that the highest kind of teaching can only be developed
under a system by which examination is subordinated to teaching, as distinguished
from the system of the present University of London, in which teaching is unduly
subordinated to and controlled by, the examinations. This view has been supported
by a most important body of opinion among the witnesses whom we have examined.
Many of these witnesses, including the great majority of those who have had experience
in teaching, have expressed the opinion that it is impossible for a teacher, and especially
for one who has to deal with the higher parts of a subject, to give depth and Scope and
variety to his teaching, and to develop the full educational value of his subject in the
minds of the taught, unless he has full liberty to teach it in his own way and by his
own methods, free from the fetters of an examination over which he has no control.
The extreme form of this opinion would be that it is essential for the best kind of
teaching that candidates for graduation should be examined only by those who have
actually taught them. -
On the other hand, many witnesses—especially those connected with the London
Schools of Medicine—have dwelt upon the paramount necessity of Securing manifest
impartiality in the examinations; on the importance of insisting that a candidate shall
know something of his subject all round, not only on one side of it; and on the danger
that a teacher, if solely responsible for the examination, may attach undue importance
to his own particular views, or to that part of the subject on which his own interest
concentrates. These witnesses have urged that, if a teacher examines his own pupils,
especially when not associated with an external examiner, the effect is likely to be
injurious, not only to the fairness of the examination, but also to the comprehensiveness
of the teaching. The extreme form of this view is represented by those who maintain
that under no circumstances should a teacher examine his own pupil in his own
subject. * ,
º, being the two extreme views, we infer from the manner in which they have
been presented to us by witnesses of great ability and experience, that different con:
siderations apply to different branches and purposes of study. If the object aimed
at be to secure a sufficient knowledge of the ascertained facts and principles of any
subject; and if it be further a paramount object to eliminate all possibility of unfair-
ness in the case of candidates presenting themselves from a number of competing
institutions, or to give to the public an absolutely independent guarantee of professional
capacity, it will probably be desirable to have recourse to external examiners. In the
more elementary stages of any subject, and in subjects of exact knowledge where the
demand for original and suggestive treatment is less urgent, it will be less necessary to
provide against any danger of fettering the special individuality of the teacher. On a
general review of the evidence laid before us on this subject, it would appear that the
stress laid by witnesses on the importance of placing examinations in the hands of
teachers has been in proportion to the extent to which they were regarding the higher
and more progressive departments of study, and the effect upon the individual minds
of the taught, rather than the conditions to be imposed upon pass students, or the
necessity of exacting for the professions a rigidly uniform standard of qualification.
10. Without entering in detail into this difficult controversy, it is sufficient to remark
that the extreme form of what we may call the teachers' view—that is, that candidates
should be examined only by those who have individually taught them—is inapplicable
to the circumstances of London. Apart from the strong objections raised (especially in
regard to medicine) to the examination of a candidate by his own teacher, it would be
impossible to make every teacher the examiner of his students in a University which
will embrace a number of independent institutions. To what extent a teacher should
b 3
xiv
be allowed to examine his own pupils should be left to the University itself to decide
as it may think best. . - * *
We are of opinion that if the recommendations which we are about to make for the
reconstitution of the University of London are carried out, the teachers, as a body, will
exercise such an influence upon the examinations and the studies of the University as
to remove the objections which have been advanced against the examinations of the
existing University of London. Under these conditions it may fairly be expected that
among a number of institutions all forming part of one system, and carrying out a
common plan of education, a body of tradition will grow up, and a type of examination
will establish itself corresponding to the general character of the teaching given by the
University in its different departments of study. In this way, though the individual
teacher may not be the examiner, he will teach under a system with which he is
intimately acquainted, and in the formation and conduct of which he has an important
Share. -
ll. The above remarks would apply to a system by which a uniform curriculum of
study and examination would be imposed upon all internal students, and according to
which the examinations for external and internal students should be the same through-
out; the only difference between the two classes of students being that the one class
would pursue courses of instruction within the University leading up to the examina-
tions, while the other class would receive their instruction elsewhere and, as at present,
enter for the examinations only. But the evidence laid before us leaves no doubt in
our minds that the University should not be required to treat all students, internal and
external, exactly alike. In many branches of study something more than a common
system of teaching and examination is demanded from the internal point of view; and
many eminent teachers would wish to see some flexibility in the curriculum, and some
account taken of those differences in modes of teaching which may characterise different
institutions. Assenting in some degree to this view, the Commissioners of 1888 (Report,
paragraph 32) recognise it as “desirable to give a definite value to the training and
“ teaching which those students will obtain who go through the prescribed courses of
“ constituent colleges and teaching institutions associated with the University. This,
“ in our opinion, may properly be done in those stages of the academical course which
“ precede the final examination for degrees.” . *
In the Revised Scheme of the Senate of the University of London it was proposed
(clause 46) that the final examination for pass degrees in Arts and Science should be
conducted by the University and the colleges in conjunction. Others have expressed
the opinion that a system of alternative papers might secure a sufficient variety in the
examinations without impairing their uniformity of standard or substantial identity of
character.
After full consideration, we agree with the Commissioners of 1888, that it is desirable
to give a certain amount of individuality to institutions and their teachers by per-
mitting internal students to present certificates from the institutions to which they
belong in lieu of a certain part of the earlier examinations leading up to a first degree.
The Commissioners express (paragraph 34) a decided opinion that “the final examin-
“ation for degrees ought to be the same for all candidates, whether taught in consti-
“tuent or associated colleges, or elsewhere.” With this we so far agree as to think
it essential that the final examination for degrees should require the same standard of
knowledge for both classes of students, and should be identical so far as identity is not
inconsistent with the educational interests of either class.
12. Under the system which we are about to propose we intend that teachers should
exercise great influence upon the examinations of the University. Whatever changes
are thus made in the examinations will, from the nature of the case, be in the direction
of bringing them into harmony with teaching of the best kind, and will tend to remove
one of the main objections raised against the present examinations for external students.
Teachers outside the University will have the satisfaction of knowing that the examina-
tions are framed, and in part at least conducted, by men who have experience of teaching
and can appreciate the teacher's point of view. The private student will be guided into
more fruitful methods of study by having to work up to an examination system framed
with a view to testing and encouraging Sound and thoughtful work. The curriculum
of the University and its, syllabus for examinations will be known to all; its methods
of study will soon become known also, both through its examinations and otherwise, and
Inay be expected to exercise a large influence upon the higher education of the country.
We are thus clearly of opinion that the external teacher and the external student will
benefit by the association of the examinations with those of a teaching University; and
XV
we agree with the Commissioners of 1888 in the opinion that, if the influence of internal
teachers and institutions is properly balanced in the constitution of the University by
independent elements, “there will be no risk of any practical injustice being done to
“ candidates for degrees who come from country colleges, or from no colleges at
“ all.” ‘. .
In the University of Dublin, a system of examination for degrees in Arts and
Science has long prevailed which is open to external students as well as to those who
have attended courses of instruction in the University. The examinations are the same
for external and for internal students, but the internal student is allowed to count
his study and attendance in the University in lieu of a certain number of the exami-
nations. The examinations proceed strictly on the lines of the teaching given in the
University; they are conducted exclusively by the teachers; and yet, so far as we can
learn, there are no complaints of injustice on the part of the external candidates. It
may be observed that while external students restrict themselves almost entirely to
Pass Examinations, it frequently happens that those who have passed some of the
examinations required for the degree as external students, eventually come into resi-
dence and attend lecture courses in the University, to prepare themselves for honour
degrees, scholarships, or other distinctions. In the four professional schools, Divinity,
Law, Medicine, and Engineering, attendance at lectures is required. This fact supports
the opinion laid before us by so many teachers, that a close connection between
teaching and examination is especially important in the higher kinds of work.
We agree, therefore, in the conclusion of the Commissioners of 1888, as expressed in
paragraph 36 of their Report, that the two functions of teaching with examining, and
examining without teaching, may be combined in One University without injury to
either class of student, and with benefit to both classes. Such difficulties as present
themselves are not so formidable as to lead us to disregard the grave disadvantages
which would result from the creation of a second University in London, and the
manifest advantages to be gained from uniting the teaching institutions of London
with a University of acknowledged standing and reputation. As to the best mode of
uniting the two functions, we think that considerable freedom of action should be
allowed to the University. We propose that the Senate should have power to decide
whether the examinations for external and for internal students should be the same
in whole or in part. But, as we have already said, we think it essential that the final
examination for degrees should require the same standard of knowledge for both
classes of students, and should be identical so far as identity is not inconsistent with
the educational interests of either class.
W.
ENLARGED SCOPE OF UNIVERSITY.
13. Before referring more particularly to the teaching institutions which are in the
first instance to be brought into connection with the University, it is necessary to point
out that the result of the inquiry before us has been to enlarge the scope of the
University, in respect both of the subject matter and the method of its teaching.
We propose that it shall include six Faculties of Arts, Science, Medicine, Law,
Theology, and Music ; and we think it right to direct attention to some important
points in relation to this proposal,
(a.) The University of London is by its Charter prohibited from conferring degrees
in Theology; and no Theological Faculty or Degree is provided for in the Gresham
Charter, although King's College has for many years had a considerable Theo-
logical Department connected with it. The Divinity Degrees now obtainable in
England are practically restricted to the clergy of the Established Church. It
appears to us that students of Divinity outside that class should have the oppor-
tunity of obtaining the stamp of a degree upon their studies. In the course of
our inquiry a strong desire was expressed by the representatives of various Theo-
logical Colleges in and near London, connected with the Church of England and
with other religious denominations, that the scope of the University might be
enlarged so as to include a Faculty and a Degree in Theological Science, a term
chosen by them to indicate distinctly that the Degree had relation solely to the
various branches of learning related to the study of Theology, and implied no test
or profession of faith. A similar proposal received the support of the Convocation
of the University of London. Concurring, as we do, in the opinion that it is
b 4
xvi
practicable to conduct theological examinations on the basis proposed, and that
the recognition of the subject by the University must give a valuable stimulus to
the deeper study of this important branch of learning, we propose that power
should be given to the University of London, to teach, examine, and confer Degrees,
in Theological Science on the same footing as in other Faculty subjects.
(b.) In the Department of Science an important distinction has disclosed itself between
the demands of Pure Science, and what we must, for want of any better term,
describe by the generally understood name of Applied Science. A number of
distinguished professors of various branches of Applied Science stated in their
evidence that, from the commencement of the University course of the student
in Applied Science, his teaching must be differentiated from that of the student of
Pure Science. On this ground they desired that Applied Science should be made
the subject of a distinct Faculty, or that at least the course of teaching and
examination should be placed under a board, or boards, in which the influence of
teachers in that subject should predominate. At the same time they proposed
that the degrees to be given in respect of the group or groups of subjects com-
prised under the head of Applied Science should not represent, or appear to
represent, certificates of practical efficiency, but should be distinctly recognised
as Degrees in Science. º
On the other hand, the question was raised whether such subjects should be
included at all within the scope of a University, or according to the method
pursued for the most part in France and Germany, should form a group outside
the University system. The latter view is not in accordance with the practice of
this country, is not supported by a uniform opinion or practice abroad, and
appears to us to rest on no sufficient grounds of reason. Its acceptance would,
moreover, be in singular conflict with the state of facts with which the University
will have to deal. For it appears from the evidence given before us that even in
the case of the two petitioning Colleges (University and King's) the Department
of Applied Science is, if not the strongest, at least one of the strongest depart-
ments in each College; and it may be added that in the recent proposals of the
Convocation of the University of London, special provision was made for this class
of subjects under the title of Technology.
We propose, therefore, that Applied Science should be included in the subjects
of teaching and graduation in the Faculty of Science; that this Faculty should
contain two departments, one for Pure and one for Applied Science; that special
Boards of Study should be constituted to deal with the various branches of each;
and that among the branches of Applied Science should be reckoned science as
applied to Engineering, Architecture, Agriculture, and other subjects of techno-
logy.
*. is probably in this department that assistance may chiefly be looked for from
the City and County of London, the governing bodies of which have given indica-
tions of their interest in the subject, and to both of which we propose to assign
representation on the governing body of the University. .
Witnesses have also urged upon us the importance of associating with this
department of the University men of scientific eminence who are engaged, not in
the teaching of science, but directly in its practical application, and whose expe-
rience may prevent errors and omissions likely to arise from a too theoretical
appreciation of the subject; and we therefore propose further to include in the
Governing Body of the University representatives of the four important bodies
who are most directly interested in the practical bearing of the subject.
(c.) Music has formed the subject of a considerable and important body of evidence,
which has proved the existence of a wide and increasing study of the subject, a
clear recognition of its scientific as distinct from its aesthetic basis, and a strong
desire to obtain for the study the sanction and guidance of the University. We,
therefore, propose to create a Faculty of Music, in which subject the University
of London, following the practice of other Universities, already confers degrees.
(d.) With respect to the Fine Arts, the evidence which we have received does not
appear to us to give sufficient warrant for constituting a Faculty in that subject.
In its historical and archaeological aspects Fine Art may fairly come under the
cognisance of a University; but in this relation it becomes a branch of the literary
side of the University, and it may be anticipated that one or more Boards of Studies
will be formed to deal with this part of the subject of Art. It is admitted that the
knowledge of scientific and aesthetic laws is useful to the artist, but those who
xvii
have given evidence before us have insisted upon the predominant importance of
executive mastery and of spontaneous imaginative power, and have appeared
adverse to any attempt to assign to Art, considered in and for itself, a distinct
position in the University.
Upon this subject, however, it is to be observed that, although the collections of
the teaching institutions are inconsiderable, the collections illustrating Art and
Archaeology, immediately available for instruction and study in the metropolis,
are unrivalled. We have considered the evidence that has been laid before us as
to the mutual advantages which would result to the University and to the great
national collections in London, if such a connection could be established between
them as would make the resources of these collections available for University
instruction and research. The limits within which this can be done without
undue interference with the national character of these collections must, of course,
be determined by the authorities responsible for their care; but the evidence before
us leads us to the view that it would not be difficult to effect. We therefore
propose that these national institutions should be represented on the governing
body of the University. *
(e.) It is further necessary briefly to advert here to the subject of Law. It was
admitted before the Committee of Your Majesty’s Council that no such provision
for the teaching of Law existed in the petitioning Colleges as would warrant them
in asking for powers to create a Faculty in that subject. But the Committee,
apparently considering it necessary that so important a subject should not be
omitted, and trusting that the Inns of Court would ultimately adhere to the
|University, although they then declined to co-operate wifh the promoters, included
the subject of Law in their scheme. We have thought it right to follow the same
course. We have received a large body of very important evidence on this subject
from Judges and from eminent members of both branches of the Profession, as
well as from Professors of various branches of Law at Oxford, Cambridge, and
the Johns Hopkins University of the United States of America, and we have
also had communications relating to the teaching of Law in Scotland and in
America, France, Germany, and Belgium. We propose to deal more fully with
this subject in a later portion of our report ; but we refer to it at present for the
purpose of noticing, first, that an endowed Chair in Comparative Jurisprudence has
recently, under the will of the late Mr. Justice Quain, been founded in connection
with University College; and, secondly, that the present state of circumstances
appears to warrant a more favourable expectation of a concurrence with the
University on the part of the legal bodies, without whose aid no really successful
School of Law can in our opinion be constituted.
14. In the Report of the Commissioners of 1888 (paragraph 12) reference is made
to the evidence laid before them on the subject of a system of instruction which has
in the course of the last twenty years risen into prominence, first in the provinces and
then in London and its suburbs, ordinarily described as “University Extension "; by
which phrase the extension of University methods and character of teaching to
students outside the Universities appears to be intended. We have received much
valuable evidence on the subject, and we have no doubt that the “University Exten-
sion” system deserves the encouragement of the University, and under favourable
conditions may be a useful supplement to its work, as bringing under the direct
influence of University study many students who would otherwise have remained
outside that influence. We therefore recommend that the University should appoint
a Standing Board to encourage and extend this work in London and its suburbs, and to
bring the more promising of such students into closer relation with the University by
the recognition of work done under its superintendence as an equivalent for such part
of the regular courses of the University as may be determined. The University will,
of course, not accept such work as equivalent to any portion of the University course,
unless it shall be satisfied that it is of equal educational value.
15. We have also received evidence on the subject of the Gresham Lectures, which
were founded by Sira Thomas Gresham, who died in 1579. Their purpose, as stated
in the license in mortmain obtained by the devisees of the Gresham estates in 1615,
was “for the increase of the Arts and Sciences and Belles Lettres, for the good of
“ the Commonweal, and the benefit of men given to letters.” The appointment of
the lecturers and the main arrangements for the delivery of the lectures (except that
they are now delivered in English instead of Latin), are still made under the terms of
o 79670. C
xviii
Sir Thomas Gresham's Will in the absence of any modern scheme. There are seven
lecturers, in Divinity, Astronomy, Music, Geometry, Law, Physic, and Rhetoric,+
and, subject to the obligation of provision for these lectures, the estates out of which
all the endowment is derived are vested beneficially in the Corporation and the Mercers’
Company in equal moieties, and are managed by a Committee of both bodies called
the Joint Grand Gresham Committee. | * * *
It would appear that these lectures have at present a popular rather than a scientific
or strictly educational value, but evidence has been given before us that the Gresham
Committee and the bodies they represent would be disposed to regard favourably the
establishment of relations between the Gresham lectures and the University; whereby
the lectures might become of higher intellectual and educational value, and the lecturers
and some of their students might be brought within University influence, if not under
University direction. On this account we propose that a representative of the Corpora-
tion of the City of London, and a representative of the Mercers' Company, be included
in the Governing Body of the University,
WI.
RELATION OF THE UNIVERSITY TO TEACHING INSTITUTIONs.
16. A sense of the necessity of giving to teachers some direct influence on courses
of study and examinations, and greater freedom in teaching, combined with experience
of the waste of resources and other mischiefs arising from undue competition between
teaching institutions, formed to some extent the ground on which the Gresham
Charter was applied for, and on which it has been supported by evidence before us.
But it has been objected to the Charter that the remedy proposed by it was inadequate
in its scope, and ineffective in its means; that the list of institutions out of which the
University was to be constituted was too narrow ; that the representation of the
institutions in the government of the University, as distinguished from that of the
teachers, was too great ; that the power of the University over the institutions was
insufficient, and the power of the institutions over the University too strong. The
exclusiveness of the Charter, as originally proposed by the two Colleges, was to some
extent rectified before the Committee of Your Majesty’s Council by the addition of ten
other medical schools. But this rectification, while it limited relatively the institutional
power of these two Colleges, increased the weight of the institutional element on the
Governing Body of the University, by adding to the Governing Body ten representa-
tives of those medical schools. It also brought about a preponderance of the medical
element over the other elements in the University, which, even allowing for the great
importance of the metropolitan medical schools, has been generally considered as undue.
17. A proposal intended to avoid these and other difficulties has been formulated by
an Association for Promoting a Professorial University for London, and has been
supported by interesting and valuable evidence before us. The leading idea of this
proposal was that all institutions of academic rank in London should be fused or
absorbed into the new University, which would thus constitute a single teaching
institution, giving its instruction at such places within the metropolitan area as it
might select, and would in its ultimate form be under the government of the Uni-
versity professors and a certain number of Crown nominees. It was admitted in this
proposal that the medical schools would probably require special treatment.
A more fully elaborated scheme was subsequently laid before us by the Association,”
which stated, as the objects of the Charter proposed by it, “the organisation and
“ improvement of the higher education in London; the better allocation and distribu-
“ tion of educational means in the metropolis; the continuance of the work of the
“ present University of London and of the existing higher Teaching Institutions in
“ London; and the promotion of research and the advancement of science and
“ learning.” It was proposed that the Supreme Governing Body (to be called the
University Court) should consist as to one half of Professors of the University, and as
to the other half of members appointed by the Crown, the Corporation of the City
of London, the London County Council, the Convocation of the University, and the
Governing Body itself; that all the University Professors, constituted into a Senate,
should, subject to the general control of the Court, have charge of all purely educa-
tional matters; that a Statutory Commission should be appointed to make arrange-
ments for bringing the existing teaching institutions of the higher Order into connexion
with the University by complete or partial incorporation, or in such other manner as
* See Appendix to Evidence No. 58, Paper No. 6.
xix
might seem expedient; and that in case of the incorporation of existing institutions,
their property and funds should become University funds, under the control of the
University Court, the conditions attaching to the use of trust funds being respected.
Although in this modified form the proposal appeared to insist less rigorously upon
the idea of absorption, yet, from the general purport of its provisions, as well as of the
evidence given by members of the Association who appeared before us, we cannot
doubt that the final condition aimed at was such an absorption of existing institutions
as would place their resources (so far as applicable to University purposes) at the
disposal of the University. It was clear, also, that the Scheme could not be carried
into even partial effect without a surrender by the institutions of their resources to a
very large extent. It was, indeed, provided that so large an alteration of property
rights should not be effected except with the consent of those in whom their adminis-
tration was vested; but it was difficult to see what would be the relation to the new
University of institutions which declined to accept terms amounting practically to
absorption. The view entertained by several witnesses appeared to be that the
withholding of University privileges from such institutions, might be properly relied
on to induce ultimate compliance with the scheme. , , - .
18. From the evidence given in support of these proposals we have derived on many
points great advantage and assistance; and the Scheme, considered in the abstract,
presents some evident advantages in the direction of coherence, efficiency, and economy.
But we are unable to accept it as a satisfactory solution. The Scheme would in large
measure involve the extinction of the special interests and characteristics of the
existing teaching institutions; the necessary delay would be fatal at the stage which
has now been reached; and we have not been informed of one important institution
which has professed its willingness to fall in with the proposal.
19. We think, therefore, that the continuance of the individual existence of teaching
institutions must be accepted as a necessary datum, and that the problem is still that
which was stated by the Commissioners of 1888 in paragraph 12 of their Report,
namely, how to co-ordinate the recognised teaching institutions of London under a
central University.
But we concur with the opinions expressed before us, that the amount of repre-
sentation on the governing body given in the Gresham Charter to institutions as such
was excessive; that other institutions in addition to those named in the draft Charter
should be admitted to the University from the first ; that the University should have
greater influence over the admitted institutions; and that a more distinct and impor-
tant position should be given to teachers in the University organisation. $
20. Although therefore we cannot accept the idea either of immediate or of
ultimate absorption of institutions as the basis of the University, we believe that
the proposals which we have to lay before Your Majesty will tend to promote the
ends aimed at by the Association above-mentioned in a considerably higher degree
than the Gresham Charter, and to that extent correspond more nearly with the
recommendations of the Commissioners of 1888. We propose that each of the
teaching institutions which complies with the necessary conditions shall be admitted,
either as a whole or in certain departments, as a School of the University, that is as
a School at which University courses of instruction are to be pursued; and that all
such Schools shall be open to the visitation of the University. The teachers in these
Schools, who, unless they have been directly appointed as officers of the University,
must be individually recognised by the University in order to obtain a University
status, will, speaking generally, constitute the teaching staff of the University for the
purpose of graduation, and will form the bulk of the Faculties. The students in the
Schools who pursue regular courses of study under the regulations of the University,
will constitute the “internal students” of the University, and will be entitled to
graduate under such conditions of study and examinations as the University may
prescribe for internal students. g
The recognised teachers in these Schools will, through their position on the Faculties,
exercise (in the mode hereafter described) a large share of influence in the University.
This appears to us the most natural and legitimate mode in which influence in Univer.
sity affairs should be exercised by teaching institutions. Accordingly, we do not
propose to assign to any teaching institutions, merely as such, representation on the
governing body of the University. On the other hand to certain institutions, regarded
as important and wealthy public corporations or societies, having and exercising wide
educational aims and powers in connection with University education in London, and
- c 2
XX
capable of affording assistance to the University both direct and indirect, representation
on the governing body may, in our opinion, be justly and wisely accorded.
21. The institutions which should in the first instance be admitted (either in whole
or in part) as Schools of the University are named below in paragraph 24. g
With regard to institutions which may hereafter claim to be admitted, we adopt as
the proper limit of distance that fixed by the Committee of Your Majesty's Council
in the proposed Gresham Charter, and are of opinion that no institutions should in
the future be admitted which are not within the Administrative County of London,
including the County of the City of London.
In other respects it would be undesirable to limit by precise terms the conditions
which institutions claiming admission, either in whole or in part, or institutions already
admitted which claim admission in respect of Some other department, should be
required to fulfil. But we are of opinion that in deciding upon their claim the Uni-
versity should consider the following points:—(a) The character of the foundation; (b)
the question whether the teaching and appliances are of University rank; (c) the
average age of the students; (d) the number of students proceeding or likely to
proceed to degrees in the University; (e) the financial position of the institution; (f)
its relation to any other University. In the case of special institutions for research
or for the cultivation of special branches of science or learning, where these considera-
tions may not apply, we are of opinion that the University should consider each case
on its own special merits.
The University must also have power to remove any institution, or department of an
institution, from being a School of the University.
The refusal to admit any institution, or department of an institution, as a School of
the University, and the removal of any institution, or any department of an institu-
tion, from being a School of the University, should be subject to the right of appeal to
Your Majesty in Council on the part of the institution. -
22. The Schools of the University will, under this arrangement, form organic parts
of the University, and the institutions which, in whole or in part, are admitted as
Schools, while in other respects retaining their autonomy, will thus be brought into
close and intimate relations with the central body, and will form natural centres of
University teaching and development. But we concur with the opinion of the Commis-
sioners of 1888, as expressed in paragraph 30 of their Report, that no restraint should
be placed upon the freedom of action of the University in making or accepting such
other provision for educational needs as occasion may require. Independently of the
creation of professorial Chairs, it may be anticipated that in the future other insti-
tutions of University rank will be founded in the metropolis; and that the University
may be able to appoint in institutions external to the University teachers directly
responsible to itself. Having regard, however, to the necessity so frequently adverted
to by the witnesses of a more systematic grouping and co-ordination of educational
means, we should deprecate any action which would tend to an undue multiplication of
centres of instruction. The evidence points strongly to the conclusion that for some
time to come the most effectual method of promoting higher education in London
will be by completing and supplementing the resources of existing institutions, and
even in some cases by limiting to one or more centres (in the manner pointed out by
the Commissioners of 1888 in paragraph 8 of their Report) teaching which is now
given with inadequate resources and to inadequate numbers in various institutions.
Power, therefore, should be given to the University (subject to a proviso against the
grant of money out of University funds for any purpose in respect of which any
privilege is granted or any disability is imposed on account of religious belief) to
allocate funds for the enlargement and assistance of the teaching staff of recognised
institutions, the extension of their buildings, the improvement of their equipment for
teaching and research, and the endowment of University Professors, Readers, Lec-
turers, Demonstrators, or assistants, or for other purposes in connection with such
institutions. It will, of course, be understood that in these cases the University will
impose such terms and conditions as will secure to it a reasonable and proper amount
of control over the educational resources thus provided, and will have the power of
determining the duties of the University Chairs which it establishes or subsidises in any
institution, and of regulating the fees payable for attendance on the lectures. But we
do not thinkit necessary to lay down any rules which would fetter the discretion of the
University in this matter. We take it for granted that it will be the endeavour of the
TJniversity and of the institutions to organise a homogeneous system of University
xxi
education, to utilise, to combine, and to economise existing resources to their fullest
extent, and to supplement them in such a mode as will best serve the progress of know-
ledge. . . . 1
WII.
ADDITIONAL FACILITIES FOR RESEARCH.
23. In the Department of Science we desire to give to independent study and
research the guidance and co-operation of a thoroughly competent staff of University
Professors, whether in connection with the admitted Schools, or in connection with the
various museums and laboratories which already exist or may be established hereafter.
Our attention has been drawn by experienced teachers to the necessity of creating,
under the direct control of the University, new institutions for the purpose of research.
Upon the other hand, great stress has been laid by the representatives of teaching
institutions upon the importance of uniting teaching and investigation, and the injury
to both which must result from their divorce. With the general principle expressed
by the latter class of witnesses we agree. We think that any undue limitation of
research to institutions specially set apart for that purpose would tend to lower the
academic character of the Schools of the University and the standard of their teaching,
and would consequently injure the University in its chief component parts. In these
Schools the peculiar gifts of a teacher may lead him to combine research with more
elementary teaching, to the great benefit of both; in other cases a teacher may desire
to concentrate his powers on higher teaching or research. Wherever it can be shown
that good work is being done by any admitted teaching institution, either in conducting
investigations or in furthering the advancement of knowledge in any other way, we
hold it to be of the utmost importance that the University should co-operate with
it in the development of its resources. The existing teaching institutions have done
much to provide the necessary means and appliances; and the better organisation and
utilisation of these resources, which may be expected to follow upon their union in a
common University, will do much to increase their efficiency. But we are of opinion
that the action of the University should tend towards consolidation and unification,
and that no assignment or allocation of funds at the disposal of the University should
be made to any institution, except under conditions which would maintain full control
by the University over the facilities provided by means of the common purse.
If, however, the University is to become a teaching University in a sense worthy of
its metropolitan seat, it is evident that its means for providing teaching and opportu-
nities for research must be greatly increased; and we believe that no mere Supplement
to the resources of existing institutions will adequately meet the requirements of
modern science. -
Independent institutions are specially required for the study of those branches of
scientific research which are either neglected or so inadequately represented in
England that advanced students cross the Channel in order to find elsewhere what
a teaching University in London certainly ought to provide. We do not wish to
dilate on the very large sums of money spent in Germany and other countries in
order to keep abreast of the great scientific movements of the present day; but
we think it our duty to state that for the condition of things in London—as compared
with the facilities given, for instance, by so small a State as Zürich—no excuse can be
found. We see no way in which the existing defects can be supplied except by
establishing special institutions. -
We have been informed by the Registrar of the University of London that Your
Majesty's Government has already had it in contemplation to apply to Parliament for
the means necessary to provide a considerable extension to the laboratories and ap-
pliances for research in London now maintained by national funds, and that these
buildings and apparatus were designed to be available for the use of the University of
London. We desire to express our hope that Your Majesty's Government will take
this matter into serious and early consideration, and will adopt such means as to them
may seem fit with reference thereto.
Our attention has also been drawn to the fact that while Parliamentary grants
have for some years been distributed among various University Colleges, yet the
University of London, which was for many years supported by the State, is now only
a nominal charge upon Your Majesty's Treasury. If, in accordance with our recom-
mendations, the University should be reconstituted on a teaching basis, we trust that
the support given to the University from the public funds will be largely increased,
and a sum adequate to the needs of the case be placed annually at its disposal. -
c 3
xxii
ſt may be anticipated that a University truly metropolitan in its aim and scope
will obtain considerable financial support from corporations and private individuals
in London, in the United Kingdom, and in other parts of the British Empire. The
great expansion given to Universities in the United States of America by acts of
munificent private benevolence is well calculated to rouse the emulation of those who
are interested in the progress of University education in the metropolis of the British
Empire.
. At the same time we are of opinion that any institutions which may be established
for the purposes of research should be open, under proper regulations, to the teachers
in the University and to other persons qualified to carry out the investigations for
which the institutions are designed. We are of opinion that institutions thus conducted
would not in any degree tend either to affect injuriously the course of ordinary
teaching, or to discourage the spirit of research, in the University Schools; but would,
on the contrary, promote throughout the University and its allied institutions that
zeal for the advancement of knowledge which is the highest mark and aim of University
training.
Similar considerations will apply to the creation of University Chairs independent
of the teaching institutions. University Professors, whether connected with institu-
tions or not, will usually deal with the higher branches of their subjects; their influence
upon ordinary teaching will in large measure be indirect, and their relation to it
will be much the same whether they are or are not immediately connected with any
University School. We can see no reason, therefore, why the University should not
have the fullest discretion in determining in each case, according to circumstances,
whether it will appoint University Professors in the one form or in the other.
VIII.
INSTITUTIONS TO BE ADMITTED As SCHOOLs.
24. The institutions which we think should be at once admitted in whole or in part
as Schools of the University are as follows:–
University College.
King's College.
The Royal College of Science.
The Medical School of Charing Cross Hospital.
53 99 Guy's Hospital.
52 95 London Hospital.
Middlesex Hospital.
St. Bartholomew's Hospital.
St. George's Hospital.
St. Mary's Hospital.
St. Thomas's Hospital.
29 2 3 Westminster Hospital.
The London School of Medicine for Women.
The City and Guilds of London Institute.
Bedford College.
The following Theological Colleges, namely:—
Hackney College.
New College.
Presbyterian College.
Begent's Park College.
Cheshunt College.*
Richmond College.*
The following four Colleges of Music —
Royal Academy of Music.
Royal College of Music.
Guildhall School of Music.
Trinity College, London (Music).
99 9 3
25 25
9 y 92
95 2 3
99 35
To these, under the reservations herein-after made, we should desire to add the Inns
of Court and the Incorporated Law Society.
* We think that the last two named Colleges may be admitted as Schools of the University, being situated
in the near neighbourhood of London, though outside the London District.
º
xxiii
This list does not materially differ from the enumeration given by the Commissioners
of 1888, in paragraph 12 of their Report, except that it includes teaching institutions in
the subjects of Theology and of Music (which subjects were not brought within
the Scope of that inquiry), and omits Queen's College. Queen's College appeared to us
upon the evidence to be in a transitional stage. If the changes now being made
and those further changes which are contemplated are successfully carried out, it will
probably be qualified to claim admission as a School of the University.
25. There are two classes of institutions, not included in the above list, to which we
must here make special reference. The first comprises those described by the Com-
missioners of 1888 as “less authoritative” institutions, of which the Birkbeck Institute
may be taken as the most important instance. They belong to a class which has, since
the date of the Report of 1888, considerably increased in number and importance;
it is sufficient to refer in proof of this statement to the rapid growth of Polytechnic
Institutions. They are chiefly concerned with evening instruction, the greater part of
which is not of a University type. - . .
The management or direction of institutions whose main object is to provide for
Secondary education does not appear to us to come within the functions of the
University. Nor is the task of organising secondary education in the Metropolis one
which the University should be called upon to undertake. It is a task of great
magnitude and difficulty. The new University must devote its attention and energies
to the advancement of University education. Secondary education, if undertaken by
the University, could only occupy a place of subordinate importance, and its interests
would suffer in consequence. -
A separate body for the organisation and co-ordination of Secondary education in
the Metropolis is required. It is important that the University should have repre-
sentatives on such a body, inasmuch as it will be directly interested in the efficiency
of institutions for secondary education, and will reap the benefit of adequate prepara-
tion of their students. It would by such connection be enabled more easily to provide
facilities for the pupils of these institutions to reap the advantages of its teaching;
while its own courses of study and examination may be expected to have an important
influence on the methods and curricula adopted in them.
The existence of such a body would assist in the solution of the complicated problem
of grading these institutions.
26. The other class not included in the list of paragraph 24, comprises the Resident
Training Colleges for teachers in Elementary Schools. On this class of institutions
we have received much valuable evidence, We fully recognise the importance of their
functions, and the high quality of much of the work performed by them; and we also
recognise the beneficial influence upon elementary teaching of giving to those who will
hereafter direct it an opportunity of intellectual intercourse, and a range of intellectual
attainment, exceeding in its scope and aim the ordinary requirements of primary
Schools. But it appears to us that the peculiar function of these institutions necessarily
gives a larger prominence in their work to elementary matter, and to training for
elementary teaching, than is consistent with their holding the position of Schools of
the University. To this must be added the consideration that, in the view of the
experienced Government Officials who gave evidence before us, it would be difficult to
reconcile their necessary subordination to the requirements of the Education Department,
with the position which should be occupied by University Schools. -
The establishment, however, of some connection between University teaching and
influence, and the training of those who are preparing themselves for the work of
elementary instruction is of great importance. Steps have been already taken in that
direction by Your Majesty's Department of Education by the creation of Day Training
Colleges and otherwise. . We have accordingly thought it right to assign a place upon
the Governing Body of the University to a nominee of the President of Your Majesty's
Council, as head of that Department.
27. In excluding these institutions, however, from the position of Schools of the
University, we do not consider that the influence of the University upon them ought
to be or will be slight. We have evidence that some of the more able and promising
students at the Training Colleges proceed to degrees at the University of London, and
that special courses of instruction are provided for the assistance of such students.
It may reasonably be anticipated that the beneficial influence thus exercised will be
greatly increased when the University becomes a fully organised Teaching University,
and when its examinations are more thoroughly permeated by the influence of teachers.
c 4
xxiv.
In particular, it has been suggested that the University might appoint lecturers on the
history and methods of education, who would undertake the instruction of the students
of Day Training Colleges, and whose courses might be made conveniently available for
the students of the Resident Training Colleges in London.
IX.
CoNSTITUTION OF THE UNIVERSITY.
28. Having now dealt with these preliminary questions, by which the constitution of
the proposed University must be largely affected, we may state in brief outline our
view as to what that constitution should be.
We propose that the University, of which Your Majesty will be the Visitor, shall
consist of •
(a.) The Senate (presided over by the Chancellor) as the supreme Governing Body.
(b.) The Academic Council (presided over by the Vice-Chancellor), elected by the
Faculties.
(c.) The Faculties, consisting of the Teachers appointed or recognised by the
University. -
(d.) The Boards of Studies, elected mainly by the Faculties.
(e.) The Convocation, consisting of registered Graduates.
X.
THE POSITION OF TEACHERS IN THE UNIVERSITY.
29. After this general survey of the machinery by which the University is to carry
on its teaching functions, and reserving for further notice under the respective heads
of Arts, Science, Medicine, Law, Theology, and Music, certain matters which will
require more detailed treatment, we proceed to consider more fully the influence to
be assigned to teachers in the University, and the organization through which it will
be exercised. -
The Teachers of the University will be distributed in, and will constitute, the
Faculties of Arts, Science, Medicine, Law, Theology, and Music, and will be of the
following classes:—
(1.) Professors, readers, and lecturers appointed by the University, and also such
demonstrators and assistants, appointed by the University, as may be placed upon
Faculties by the Academic Council (to be hereafter described).
(2.) The recognised Teachers of the various University Schools.
30. The question in what mode the teaching staff of, or connected with, the University
should exercise influence upon its government has been variously answered.
The mode recommended by the Commissioners of 1888 was a purely representative
one, all “professors and recognised public teachers ” being included in the Faculties,
which were to be “electoral bodies only, without any other powers or functions,” and
to exercise their influence through their representatives on the Senate and on the
Boards of Studies. (See paragraphs 26, 27, of their Report.)
The Scheme of the Association for Promoting a Professorial University for London
solved the problem in a manner consistent with the simplicity of its basis. Under it no
“Faculties” of teachers were recognised; but every professor of the University was
to be “appointed and paid by the University;” and with the exception of those who
were so appointed and paid, no teacher was to be entitled to any share in the
government or deliberations of the University.
The whole body of these professors was to form the Senate; which, as a body or
through its Committees was to “have charge of all purely educational matters, subject
“ to the general control of the Court; to advise the Court from time to time; and to
“ make such recommendations to the Court as may seem to them fit”; and it was
also to appoint for “each group of cognate subjects as may from time to time be
determined,” a Board of Studies from among the professors and examiners, with power
to nominate on any Board “any University teacher who is not a member of the Senate.”
Further, through their twenty-five representatives on the University Court (one half
of the Court) the professors were to have a large share in the powers of the Court,
XXV
which, with its Committees, was to “ have control over all University affairs, and
“ on report from the Senate appoint all Professors and Examiners, and confirm the
“ appointment of other Teachers;” and it was expressly provided that on every
Committee of the Court to which any of its functions were delegated, one-third of
the members (not reckoning the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor, who were to be
members ea officio) should be nominated from among the Professorial members of the
Court.
This scheme, which seems in its general character founded upon the model of the
State-supported Universities of the Continent, restricts within a narrower area than
the recommendations of the Commissioners of 1888, or any other scheme which has
been proposed to us, the class of teachers who are permitted to share in the govern-
ment of the University; while, on the other hand, it gives to those selected a larger
share of power over the University in general, and an all but absolute power over those
matters which are “purely educational.” It creates a single and undivided assembly
of teachers, on which, although in subordination to the Court, it confers not only
deliberative and consultative, but executive powers, in matters which must necessarily
involve much detailed and constant supervision; and this assembly is one (as must, we
think, be inferred) of so large a number that its powers could practically be exercised
only through Committees and Boards.
31. For reasons already stated we are unable to accept the basis of this scheme,
and upon the basis of organisation adopted by us we think that the strong distinction
which is made in the Scheme between University Professors and other University
Teachers cannot be sustained. We accede, however, to the view that a select body
of teachers should be formed to which (with some reservations) executive powers
should, subject to the Ordinances of the University, be entrusted ; and we look to this
body as a most important agency for bringing into harmony of action the various
Faculties and Schools of the University, for assisting them in making such mutual
arrangements and introducing such improvements as may conduce to their efficiency
and economy, and for maintaining and raising the standard of teaching throughout the
University. In order that this body may discharge its functions with the requisite
power, facility, and speed, it should possess the greatest possible flexibility and freedom
of action, and should not need to act upon every occasion through boards and com-
mittees; and these conditions can only be realised by limiting the number of its
members. On account of the vital importance of this part of our scheme we proceed
to describe it in detail before dealing with the constitution of the Governing Body.
XI.
THE ACADEMIC CouncIL, THE FACULTIES, AND THE BOARDS OF STUDIES.
32. We propose that an Academic Council shall be constituted, to be presided over
by the Vice-Chancellor of the University, and to consist, in addition to the Vice-
Chancellor, of 15 members, elected by the Faculties as follows:—Arts 4, Science 4,
Medicine 3, Law 2, Theology 1, Music l; that the term of service shall be four years
and that six shall form a quorum. To this body will be entrusted the duty of
regulating, subject to the Ordinances of the University, the teaching, examinations,
and discipline of the University, and of determining what teachers in any School
of the University shall be recognised as University Teachers, and to what Faculties
they shall be assigned.
In addition to these executive functions, it will be their duty to advise the Senate
upon the affairs of the University, and particularly upon the assignment of funds for
the erection or extension of buildings, and the provision of teaching and equipment,
in connection with admitted institutions or otherwise; upon the allocation of funds
to the endowment or remuneration of University professors, readers, lecturers, or
demonstrators, in connection with admitted institutions or independently, and the
determination of their duties; upon the recognition, as an equivalent for parts of
the regular course of the University, of work done under the superintendence of the
Board for the Extension of University Teaching; upon the appointment of Examiners
for internal students; upon the assimilation or identification of examinations for the
internal and the external students; and upon the admission to similar and equal
degrees in the University of graduates of other Universities who are recognised
Teachers in the University.
33. For their assistance in the discharge of these duties, we propose that Boards of
Studies should be constituted in each Faculty. The number and composition of the
- O 796.70. d -
xxvi
Boards, and the number of members on each Board, together with the mode of
election, period of service, and mode of retirement of the members of the Boards,
should be determined by the regulations of the Academic Council; with the proviso
that not less than three-fourths of any Board are to be elected by the Faculty to
which it belongs, and the remainder (if any) appointed by the Academic Council.
By this arrangement it appears to us that, on the one hand, the Academic Council
will be able constantly to command the advice and experience of the Teachers of the
University, in such mode, and upon such subjects, as occasion may seem to them to
require; and that, on the other hand, the great body of teachers will through the
Boards be in constant communication with the small representative body which is
charged with administrative and executive functions directly affecting themselves and
their teaching. -
We do not propose that the Boards of Studies so constituted, shall possess any
administrative or executive functions, except so far as the same may be expressly
delegated to them by the Senate or the Academic Council; but we propose that each
Board shall elect its own Chairman, and (subject to the general regulations of the
Academic Council) have entire freedom in the conduct of the business which falls
within its scope, and shall have power to report, as it may see fit, to the Academic
Council upon any matter connected with the degrees, examinations, or teaching in
the subjects of its Faculty, and to meet and act concurrently with any other Board or
Boards. It will also be the duty of each Board to consider and report upon any
matter referred to it by the Senate or the Academic Council, and to deliberate, if so
requested, in conjunction with the Academic Council or any Committee thereof.
The Academic Council should have power, if it think fit, to refer the report of any
Board of Studies to the consideration of the Faculty to which it belongs, convened for
the purpose.
34. In only two classes of cases do we think it necessary to limit the freedom of
the Academic Council when acting within the general scope of its powers:–
(a.) The determination of curricula, and the making of regulations respecting
examinations are matters of such important consequence in their bearing upon
teaching, that no rule should be made or change effected in them, unless it has
either been recommended by the Board or Boards of Studies of the Faculty con-
cerned, or has been submitted by the Academic Council for their consideration.
(b.) With respect to degrees, while it is obviously desirable that uniformity of system
should be introduced into the Schools of the University, so far as is consistent
with reasonable freedom; on the other hand, the diversity in subjects, methods,
and resources, actually prevailing in the various admitted institutions, is so great,
that, in dealing with the courses of study to be pursued at any institution, it is
reasonable that the Academic Council should first consult the authorities of the
institution.
But it should be understood that, in neither of these cases, is the Academic Council
bound to conform itself to the view expressed by the bodies which it consults. It
will be its duty, in this, as in other instances, to adopt the course which is, in its
deliberate judgment, best for the interests of education, and of the University at large.
35. Speaking generally therefore, and apart from their representation on the
supreme Governing Body of the University, the organ through which the teachers of
the University will exercise their influence will be the Academic Council, with its
group of consultative Boards. It was, as we have already pointed out, the opinion
of the Commission of 1888, that the functions of the Faculties at large should be
electoral only, and that the deliberative and consultative functions of the teachers
should be exercised only through the Boards of Studies. Under the circumstances
of the case as they have developed themselves since the date of that Report, we have
thought it necessary to create in the Academic Council a central organ to deal with
the numerous detailed and complex questions which must arise, to invest it for that
purpose with considerable executive powers, to make the constitution and functions
of the Boards of Studies to a large extent dependent on its directions, and, as a neces-
sary consequence, to restrict its numbers within limits consistent with the exercise of
these administrative duties. But in order that no teacher may be deprived of the right
to a hearing upon any subject that lies within the province of his Faculty, we think it
right that the Faculties should have the power of ascertaining, and making known
their collective opinion, at their own instance, upon matters affecting the subjects with
which they are respectively concerned.
xxvii
We propose, therefore, that each Faculty shall elect a Dean, holding office for four
years, who shall summon a meeting of the Faculty when directed to do so by the
Academic Council, and also when requested by one-third of the members of the
Faculty; and shall have power to surnmon a meeting of the Faculty when he sees
occasion. The Faculty so convened may consider, either by itself or by delegation
to a Board of Studies, any matters concerning courses of study, examinations, degrees,
diplomas, certificates, and teaching in subjects within the province of the Faculty, and
report thereon to the Academic Council. - v
With an Academic Council thus constituted of the chosen representatives of the
Faculties, a collective assembly of the whole of the Faculties becomes unnecessary;
and in constituting the other organs of the University, the Senate and the Convocation,
we have made provision which will, in our judgment, secure to the members of the
Faculties due voice and weight in the decision of all questions affecting the interests of
the University at large. *
XII.
RELATION OF THE UNIVERSITY TO ExISTING PUBLIC BoDIES.
36. Before stating in detail the constitution of the Senate, we think it necessary
to advert more particularly to the educational resources of which the local situation
of the University may enable it to take advantage, and by reference to which the
composition of its Governing Body should, in our opinion, be in part determined.
The University will be situated in a great capital city, where museums, libraries, and
other collections upon the largest Scale, and of the highest degree of scientific and
literary method and completeness, exist under the national care; and which has long
since become the seat of powerful independent bodies, exercising a control over the
learned professions, possessed of large resources, and having an organic life and an
historic past. - - Wy - -
With regard to the former the national character of the collections must prevent them
from being identified with the University; and the professional bodies having an im-
portant position and public functions of their own, cannot be merged in the University,
nor can they enter into arrangements with the University which would preclude them
from discharging those public functions in a liberal and impartial spirit, or from
making similar arrangements with other University bodies. . .
But if the University of London is not to be inter opes inops it must by its
constitution be enabled to take advantage of resources which cannot become its own
proper possessions. With respect to the national collections, we have already pointed
out in par. 13 (d), that, within the limits indicated, a mutually beneficial connection
may be established between them and the University, on the Governing Body of which
they should therefore be represented; and with respect to the professional bodies it
seems equally reasonable that they should be invited to a participation in the
University system which, without infringing on their autonomy, will hardly fail to
increase their usefulness and importance. ... * * * x .
The Royal Colleges of Physicians and of Surgeons have, as is well known, long desired
University recognition. The justice of their claims has been allowed in all schemes
hitherto framed for the reconstitution of the University of London, as well as in the
proposed Charter for the Gresham University; and we have no hesitation in recom-
mending that they should be represented on the Governing Body of the University.
The Society of Apothecaries has made a similar request, and has expressed its
readiness to concur in aiding the educational resources of the University; and,
although it cannot lay claim to an equal scientific rank with that of the two Royal
Colleges, yet, having regard to its position as a licensing authority, to the fact that it
was admitted to a place in the draft Charter of the proposed Gresham University, and
to the opportunity thus afforded of increasing the educational resources of the University,
we are of opinion that it should also be represented on the Governing Body.
37. We have not ascertained with equal certainty the views of the Inns of Court and
the Incorporated Law Society ; but the evidence we have received is of great interest
and value. In respect of their licensing powers these bodies are, in relation to the two
branches of the legal profession, in a position similar to that occupied by the two
Royal Colleges and the Society of Apothecaries in relation to medical practitioners.
But while the medical bodies are primarily licensing authorities, the Inns of Court
d 2
xxviii
have always been, in theory, teaching as well as licensing bodies, and have during the
last half century resumed activity in teaching, and have from time to time extended
its range. On the other hand the Incorporated Law Society, which at one time provided
courses of lectures for its students, appears now to have abandoned that practice, and
not as yet to have devised any satisfactory substitute.
In 1846, when the modern system of legal education by the Inns of Court was being
established, a Committee of the House of Commons inquired into and reported upon
the state of legal education, and made certain recommendations, one of the most
important among them being that the public should (on the payment of proper fees)
be admitted to the lectures to be established by the Inns. This recommendation has
not yet been adopted, although by degrees most of the other fecommendations have
come into effect; but the unanimous opinion of those who gave evidence before us,
including Judges, Law Officers of the Crown, Members of the Council of Legal Educa-
tion, and Professors of Law, was in favour of opening the lectures to the public. It was
pointed out with great force that the Bar has always been largely connected with public
employment; that acquaintance with the principles both of English and of foreign
law, and more particularly of the law prevailing in the dependencies of the Empire, is
becoming constantly more necessary to all who are engaged in the public service at
home and abroad; that administrative law is continually increasing in bulk and
importance, and the number of persons engaged in administering such law is also
increasing; and that the growing intercourse of nations gives additional importance to
the principles of international law with which diplomacy has to deal. A large part of
the public, therefore, and one even more important in influence than in numbers, is in
need of instruction which the Inns of Court are alone, so far as London is concerned,
in a condition to supply. The legal witnesses were almost unanimous in repudiating
the idea that the Inns of Court should limit themselves to the merely professional
branches of instruction, and in pointing out that for many years past their syllabus of
instruction has included subjects dealing with the history and principles of law, with
international law, and with comparative jurisprudence, so far as to include Roman law
and systems of law prevailing in India and in certain of the Colonies. And they
further urged that by acceptance of a University position the opening of the lectures
and classes of the Inns of Court to the public at large would be facilitated.
We think it impossible to ignore the broad conception of the powers of the Inns of
Court, and of their duties to the public, thus laid before us, or to be content that their
activity should be confined to the provision of purely professional instruction. Indeed,
the view taken on this subject appeared to be that the Inns would, under an organised
system in which they occupied a leading position, be willing to accept as an adequate
test the degree or certificate of the University in the more general branches of law;
while they must always reserve to themselves the right of imposing any conditions
they may see fit as to the practical qualifications of candidates for a call to the Bar,
independently of those disciplinary conditions of which they must necessarily remain
the sole judges.
Upon the whole, therefore, the evidence leads us to the conclusion that the time has
now arrived when a more complete system of legal education may be and ought to
be established in London ; that this is only possible with the concurrence of the
Inns of Court; that on reasonable conditions the Inns of Court are likely to co-operate
and to open their lectures to the public ; reserving to themselves the entire control
over the call to the Bar, but being ready to accept, as a test of theoretical knowledge,
the degree or certificate of the University. We therefore propose that they shall be
represented on the governing body of the University. *
It may be well to point out that while from their situation, and from the practical
opportunities afforded by a capital city, the Inns of Court must stand in a peculiarly
close relation to the School of Law in the University of London, they will retain full
power to act in concurrence with or accept the degree or diploma of any other
University.
38. With respect to the Incorporated Law Society, their willingness to enter into the
University system has been more fully expressed, but the standard which they would
desire to realise, and the resources which they would be prepared to contribute, are
less clearly ascertained. The evidence, however, shows a strong and growing desire to
encourage graduation in the members of this branch of the profession, and we entertain
no doubt that the Society would be disposed to co-operate, and to provide a substantial
contribution to a common system of instruction.
xxix
We therefore propose that the Incorporated Law Society should be represented on
the Governing Body of the University. .
XIII.
THE SENATE.
39. We proceed now to consider the constitution of the Senate, subject to whose
Ordinances the internal organisation of the University already described will be
carried on. - -
In its original form the University of London was purely a Crown foundation, and
the Chancellor and all other members of the Senate were nominated by the Crown.
Under further Charters graciously granted by Your Majesty, the nomination of one
fourth of the members of the Senate is now made in accordance with the vote of the
Convocation of Graduates.
Under the present constitution the head of the Senate is the Chancellor, and this
arrangement we propose to continue. By the draft Charter of the Gresham University
it was proposed that the Chancellor should, upon any vacancy occurring in the office
after the lapse of ten years, be elected by the Convocation of the University. We
propose that this mode of appointing the Chancellor should for the future prevail in the
University of London; but, as the University already possesses a numerous body of
graduates, the limit of time suggested in the Gresham Charter is unnecessary, and
upon any vacancy hereafter occurring in the office the election should pass to the Con-
vocation, the office still remaining one of life tenure. The Chancellor will continue to
be head of the University, and president of all meetings of the Senate at which he is
present.
40. The great extension of the scope and functions of the University will make it
necessary that alterations should be made in the constitution of the Senate, in order
that a variety of interests may be represented upon it. Although the total number
of the members must in consequence be large (amounting to sixty-six, including the
Chancellor), yet, having regard to the organisation provided, we do not anticipate any
inconvenience as likely to follow, and certainly none which will outweigh the advantage
to be derived from the breadth and variety of the interests which will thus be directly
concerned in the welfare of the University. We recommend that the members of the
Senate should be appointed or elected for periods of four years, and that after the
first election, for which temporary provision should be made in order to secure a due
rotation, half the members should retire every two years, and be eligible for re-
appointment or re-election.
(a.) It will be convenient in the first place to deal with the representation of the
teachers, whose position in the University has occupied so large a part of the fore-
going observations.
The Commissioners of 1888 (paragraph 25 of their Report) recommended a re-
presentation of the Faculties which amounted to very nearly one third of the whole
number (twelve out of thirty-eight). No such wide extension of the academic
functions of the University was then proposed as is now in contemplation. Still,
having regard to the provision which we have made for academic interests by
the creation of the Academic Council, we do not think it necessary to go beyond
that proportion, and we, therefore, propose to fix the representation of teachers at
one third of the whole number, thus giving to them twenty-two members out of
sixty-six. We think that of this number four should be appointed by their official
organ, the Academic Council, and the remaining eighteen allotted to the direct re-
presentation of the Faculties in the following proportions: Arts, four; Science,
five; Medicine, four ; Law, two; Theology, two ; Music, one. In fixing the
number of the representatives of Science at five we have had regard to the im-
portant place which will be occupied in the University by Applied Science. -
The remaining members will (exclusive of the Chancellor) number forty-three ;
and these we propose to distribute as follows:—
(b.) We propose that three members should be nominated by the Crown; three by
the Lord President of Your Majesty's Council, one of the three in respect of the
Royal College of Science, one in respect of the Education Department, and one in
respect of Art ; and one by each of Your Majesty's Principal Secretaries of
State for the Colonies and India. • *
d 3
XXX
(c.) We propose to assign nine representatives to Convocation, to be elected as
follows:—Two by the registered Graduates in Arts; two by those in Science;
two by those in Medicine; one by those in Law; one by those in Theology; and
one by those in Music. Until the registered Graduates in Theology amount to
twenty, the representative of Theology should be elected by the registered
Graduates in Arts.
(d.) To bodies acting under the authority of the State, and controlling in the interest
of the public the two Professions of Medicine and Law we propose to assign eleven
members, as follows:—Two to the Royal College of Physicians; two to the Royal
College of Surgeons; one to the Society of Apothecaries; one to each of the four
Inns of Court; and two to the Incorporated Law Society. s, . . .
(e) To bodies not possessing such authority, but representing professions connected
with Applied Science, or directly interested in its results and promoting its study,
we assign four members, as follows:–One to the Royal Agricultural Society; one
to the Institution of Civil Engineers; one to the Institution of Mechanical
Engineers; and one to the Royal Institute of British Architects. ... •
(f) We propose that the remaining eleven members should be elected as follows:–
One by the Trustees of the British Museum; one by the Royal Society; two by
University College; two by King's College; one by the Governors of the City and
Guilds of London Institute; one by the Corporation of London; one by the Mercers'
Company; and two by the London County Council.
41. The Senate so constituted will elect annually, from among its own members, a
Vice-Chancellor, who will preside over its Boards and Committees, and in the absence
of the Chancellor over its meetings, and will discharge such other functions as may be
determined by its Ordinances. It will have full control over the affairs and property
of the University, and authority to exercise all powers and do all things authorised to
be exercised and done by the University. It will also have power by its Ordinances to
regulate, consistently with the provisions of the Statutes of Foundation, all matters
concerning the University; under the condition that it shall not by Ordinance or other-
wise adopt or impose on any person any test whatsoever of religious belief or pro-
fession. . . , . .
The Senate will also have power from time to time to frame Statutes to be submitted
to Your Majesty in Council and to be laid before Parliament, having the effect of alter-
ing or adding to the constitution, powers, or functions of the University, in matters
which cannot be determined by the sole authority of the Senate; but upon any proposal
for such alteration or addition we propose that Convocation shall have an opportunity
of expressing its views before Your Majesty in Council. : -
, Omitting the more formal matters relating to the conduct of the business and
management of the property of the University, there may be named as among the more
important matters with which the Senate will have to deal, (a) the determination of the
manner of conducting the election of the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor, and of the
representatives on the Senate of Convocation, the Faculties, and the Academic Council;
(b) alterations in the number and distribution of the Faculties, but not so as to affect,
otherwise than by way of Statute, the representation of Faculties upon the Senate or
Academic Council; (c) the admission of institutions as Schools of the University, the
visitation of such Schools, and (subject to an appeal to Your Majesty in Council) the
removal of any institution from being a School of the University; (d) the recognition
(in accordance with clause 37 of the present Charter) of Medical Schools, other than
Schools of the University for the time being, as Schools from which candidates will be
allowed to proceed to medical degrees, and the withdrawal of such recognition; (e) the
appointment of University Professors, Readers, Lecturers, Demonstrators, and Assistants,
and the assignment of University Professors, Readers, and Lecturers to their respective
Faculties; the awarding of scholarships or other emoluments; and the deprivation for
good cause of the holder of any such University office or emolument; (f) the assign-
ment of funds for the endowment of teaching and research, and for other purposes of
the University; (g) the promotion of the extension of University teaching; (h) the
appointment of examiners and ordering of examinations; (i) the conferring of degrees,
diplomas, and certificates; (k) the registration of graduates as members of Convocation,
and their removal from the register for non-payment of fees or for other good cause ;
(l) the regulation of fees; (m.) the appointment of a Registrar and other Officers
necessary for conducting the business of the University. - - ..
xxxi
For the discharge of these important functions we think that sixteen would be a
suitable quorum, *
42. With respect to several of the above-mentioned matters it will be necessary to
state more explicitly the limitations and conditions under which the Senate should in
our opinion be required to act. -
(a.) Professors should be appointed only on the report of Standing Boards, appointed
for the purpose by the Senate, on which may be placed persons not members of the
Senate. - . .
The appointment of Readers, Lecturers, Demonstrators, and Assistants, should also
be made only on the report of Boards appointed by the Senate. The composition of
these Boards, and the question whether they should be Boards of Studies or not, should
be left to the discretion of the Senate. --
(b.) In the assignment of funds for the erection or extension of buildings, and for the
provision of teaching and equipment, and in the allocation of funds for the endowment or
remuneration of University Professors, Readers, Lecturers, Demonstrators, or Assistants,
whether in connection with admitted institutions or otherwise, the Senate should not
act without giving the Academic Council an opportunity of expressing their opinion
upon the matter; and its action will be further subject to a condition forbidding the
grant of money for any purpose in respect of which any privilege is granted or disability
imposed on account of religious belief. z , , ,
(c.) A Standing Board should be appointed by the Senate to take charge of the
interests of External Students. The function of this Board will be considered under
the next following head. -
XIV.
EXAMINATIONS AND DEGREES.
43. The University will, according to our proposals, have power to admit to degrees
as internal students persons who have fulfilled such conditions of examination and
attendance as the University shall from time to time iay down; and it will retain its
present function of examining candidates, and conferring upon them degrees, diplomas,
and certificates without regard (except in the case of Medicine) to the place or
institution in which they may have received their education. - - - - -
The exception of the degrees in Medicine rests upon the existing practice of the
University of London. The 37th clause of its Charter precludes it from receiving as
candidates for graduation in Medicine any persons except those who have studied in
Medical Schools recognised by the University ; and we do not propose that any altera-
tion should be made in this respect. - - - -
44. With respect to an entrance or matriculation test, we find considerable difference
of opinion among authorities entitled to high respect. Some are unwilling to insist on
anything which might create a bar to admission to the University preferring to trust
to the subsequent University training to furnish in such cases all that is necessary for
higher education. " . . " . . . . . . . .
Others insist on the importance of an intellectual preparation by adequate secondary
training before the commencement of the University course, and on the waste of
ability and resources which must result, if means adapted and designed for the uses
of higher teaching are diverted to the work of imparting preliminary knowledge.
Many of the witnesses strongly maintain that the student who is to follow specialized
courses in a University should prove that he is in an adequate degree master of the
ordinary elements of a liberal education ; and some of these regard the Matriculation
Examination of the University of London as a fair type of what such an examination
should be, though perhaps erring in its range and severity. But of those who favour a
preliminary test, perhaps the majority are disposed to allow a considerable variety in
its extent and character, according to the various forms of University study on which
the student is about to enter. * ,
Looking to this diversity of opinion we think that it should be left to the University
itself to make such arrangements as it may think fit for the admission of students, and
for their registration or matriculation, and to attach to such admission such tests of
fitness for entrance upon a University course as they deem sufficient. having regard to
d 4
xxxii.
the course of study which the student designs to follow. Should any Entrance Examina-
tion be imposed, it should be in the power of the University to accept, in lieu of such
examination, a certificate of having passed, at School or otherwise, an examination of
equivalent standard.
45. We think that no degree should be conferred within a period of less than three
academic years from the commencement of the University course. This is a point
of so much importance that we should desire to see a regulation to that effect included
in the Statutes of the University. But it should be in the power of the Senate to
shorten the term in particular cases carefully defined. -
46. With respect to the nomenclature of degrees, we think it should be an object not
to allow too great a variety in the description. We are further of opinion that, as a
rule, it is undesirable to create a succession of degrees, if the higher indicates only the
possession of a larger amount of acquired knowledge; and that a system which subjects
the candidate for a prolonged period to the necessity of pursuing a prescribed course, is
inferior to one which, after requiring him to prove such attainments as entitle him to a
first degree, encourages him to apply himself to the advancement of knowledge and
confers the higher degree only on the successful performance of independent work.
We think, therefore, that, as a rule, there should be only two orders of degrees, and
that the higher degree, that of Doctor, should be conferred only on those who have
by study or research contributed to the advancement of learning or science, and who
either are graduates of the University, or, being graduates of other Universities
approved by the Senate, have pursued a course of post-graduate study in the University
of London. *
As to the application to the Faculty of Arts, we are not prepared to make a definite
recommendation. In view of the differences of opinion and of usage which prevail
in regard to the granting of degrees in this Faculty, we think that the whole question
may be left to be decided by the University itself; provided always, as already
recommended, that an undergraduate course of not less than three years be prescribed
for the first degree in Arts.
In the case of Medicine, however, where the Doctorate is so largely sought on
account of the professional advantages connected with the title, it would be impractic-
able to make the attainment of that degree dependent on the performance of original
work, without either on the one hand rendering the degree too difficult of access, or on
the other hand impairing the real value and significance of the condition. We think, there-
fore, that in the degree of Doctor of Medicine, and the corresponding degree of Master
of Surgery, the University will have to rely ordinarily on the test of examination ;
but to encourage the performance of the above-named condition as an alternative,
either in whole or in part, to the examination.
47. In Medicine all candidates for degrees will be required to go through regular
courses, whether in Schools of the University or in other Schools recognised by the
University, but students attending any of the Schools so recognised in London will be
in the same position as other internal students.
48. With respect to the graduation of internal and external students in subjects
other than Medicine, the following more detailed provisions will be necessary—
(a.) Internal students (that is, students attending an approved course of
University study in a School or Schools of the University), will proceed to
a degree by way of attendance and examination. They must pursue a regular
course of study of not less than three academic years' duration under the
regulations of the University, must produce such evidence as may be required
of having satisfactorily performed the work required, and they must also pass
such University examinations as may be prescribed in their course.
All regulations as to courses, attendance, and evidence of due performance
of the work will fall under the jurisdiction of the Academic Council. The
examinations will be dealt with below.
(b.) External students will proceed to a degree by way of examination without
attendance. They must pass all stages of examination from time to time
prescribed by Ordinance of the Senate, and three Academic years must elapse
between their first examination by the University and their final examination
for the first degree.
xxxiii
(1.) The Senate may, if it think fit, after report from the Academic Counci
and the Board for External Students, arrange that the examinations for
internal and external students shall be in whole or part the same.
(2.) The final examinations for the first degree in each Faculty, for internal and
external students respectively, shall, if not the same, represent the same
standard of knowledge, and shall be identical so far as identity is consistent
with the educational interests of both classes of students. !
(3.) In all final examinations for degrees other than the degree of Doctor, the
Senate shall appoint such a proportion of examiners who are not teachers in
any School of the University as they may determine. -
(4.) So far as there are separate examinations for internal and external students,
the arrangements for examination shall be as follows:—
As to internal students.-The Academic Council will arrange for the holding
of the examinations, and fix the times and places, whether at admitted institu-
tions or elsewhere, at which they shall be held. The Senate will appoint the
examiners upon the reports of Boards of Studies, transmitted through the
Academic Council with such comment as the Council may see fit. -
As to easternal students.--The superintendence, regulation, and conduct of the
examinations will be committed to the Board for External Students, who will
also nominate the examiners for appointment by the Senate, and will give
advice to external students for the prosecution of their studies.
(5.) The recognition, as an equivalent for parts of the regular course of the
University, of work done under the superintendence of the Standing Board
for the Extension of University Teaching in London and its suburbs, will
be determined by the Senate upon the report of the Academic Council.
With respect to examinations the following rules should be laid down – *
49. With respect to degrees not following upon the ordinary courses of graduation
we are of opinion that the Senate should have power—
(1.) On report from the Academic Council, to admit graduates of other Uni-
versities, who are recognised teachers of the University, to similar and equal
degrees in the University.
(2.) To confer degrees without examination on Professors appointed by the
University. - §
(3.) To admit to honorary degrees in all the Faculties, except Medicine, such
persons as are in the estimation of the Senate worthy of that distinction.
XV.
THE CONVOCATION.
50. We propose that Convocation should consist of the Chancellor and Vice-
Chancellor of the University and of all registered members.
The registered members of Convocation should include (1) all the present members
of Convocation; (2) persons qualified under the present regulations of the University
to become members of Convocation, who pay the fees now prescribed, and comply with
the regulations now in force; (3) all future graduates who pay such fees and comply
with such regulations as may for the time being be in force, provided that before
registration three years shall have elapsed from the date of first graduation; (4) such
members of the Academic Council as are from time to time registered under the
Ordinances of the Senate; (5) persons upon whom a degree has been conferred by the
Senate, otherwise than in the course of graduation, and to whose registration Convoca-
tion shall have consented. - r
The Senate should have power to regulate the fees to be paid by the members of
Convocation (saving the existing rights of the present members of Convocation and of
those now qualified to register); to settle the terms on which such fees may be com-
pounded for ; to remove members from the Register in default of payment of fees;
and, subject to an appeal to the Chancellor, to strike off the name of any member
from the Register for good cause.
Convocation should have power to elect its own Chairman, and fix his term of office;
to appoint a Clerk with such salary as the Senate may determine; and to decide on the
mode of conducting and recording its own proceedings.
o 79670. - €
xxxiv.
In accordance with the terms of the present Charter of the University (which we
have chiefly followed under this head) it should be provided that the Senate shall, once
at least in every year, and as often as they may think fit, direct the Chairman of Con-
vocation to convene a meeting of Convocation; and that if twenty members of Con-
vocation shall, by Writing, under their hands, request the Chairman to convene an
extraordinary meeting for an object expressed in the requisition it shall be lawful for
the Chairman, if in his discretion he shall think fit, to convene a meeting, at which
no business shall be discussed but the matter so expressed in the requisition; but with
the proviso that no such extraordinary meeting shall be held within three calendar
months of the last foregoing extraordinary meeting.
The number of members to be present at the decision of any question in Convocation,
should not be less than fifty. . . f
Convocation when duly convened should further have power to discuss any matter
relating to the University, and to declare to the Senate its opinion thereon. Its
consent should also be necessary for the registration of any person upon whom a
degree shall have been conferred by the Senate otherwise than in the ordinary course
of graduation.
In accordance with our recommendations in paragraphs 39 and 40 (c), the Convoca-
tion will elect the Chancellor and nine members of the Senate. In these elections
the members of Convocation should be entitled to vote by voting papers. The form,
verification, and transmission of the voting papers should be in accordance with
regulations laid down by the Senate.
Finally, upon any proposal by the Senate for altering any Statute, or for making
any additional Statute, we propose that Convocation shall have an opportunity of
} + , - e. e º º & º
expressing its views before Your Majesty in Council.
PART II.
PREFATORY REMARKs.
While the Commissioners were engaged in their general inquiry, a detailed con-
sideration of the courses of study and the appliances in the several Faculties was being
conducted by Committees. We have carefully considered the reports submitted to us
by these Committees, and having made such alterations as appeared advisable to
the Commission as a whole, have resolved to make the reports thus altered a part
of our report to Your Majesty.
We cannot enter upon this part of our recommendations without stating our opinion
that however carefully courses of study may be laid down and carried out, the
individual supervision of students by the professors and other teachers will always be
indispensable. In the absence of this supervision, there must be on the one hand
serious waste of energy from ill-directed reading, and on the other hand listlessness
aſid idleness from mere want of encouragement. We attach great importance, also,
to the establishment of personal relations between teacher and student. From such
intercourse with a mind trained and developed, the student gains imperceptibly
that which may be of more value to him than the knowledge acquired by attendance
at lectures. The teacher who enters into personal relations with his students retains
his freshness and keeps his sympathies quick; and this cannot fail to tell with happy
effect upon his public teaching. Further, such intercourse provides the teacher with
an additional and useful means of ascertaining the real bent and power of mind of
each of his students, at least in the higher ranks of intelligence. It is evident that a
teacher, who has not ascertained this, cannot advise his students for the best as to
their courses of study. \
It will be seen that some of our recommendations demand a considerable increase
both of annual income and of material appliances. Others can be carried out, at least
in part, with existing means. We are of opinion that there should be no delay in
proceeding with such parts of our scheme as do not depend upon any large increase of
funds. The present position of University College and King's College, and of other
institutions in London, makes it both possible and advisable to set to work at once
to bring into existence the teaching University. t
xxxv.
The provision which we believe will eventually be requisite for buildings (including
sites, equipment, and maintenance), and the endowment of professorships and other
offices on a reasonably adequate scale, will require so large an expenditure of public
money that we think it would be well to have a Committee appointed by the Govern-
ment to advise on the subject from time to time. . . . . . .
On one point connected with this large question we desire to make a recommenda-
tion. In some departments of learning, more particularly where the character of the
subject or the paucity of students discourages colleges or institutions from making
adequate provision, it may be found expedient to appoint supplementary Lecturers or
Readers, of subordinate University rank and receiving smaller emoluments; but in
respect of University Professors, we are of opinion that in the case of all Chairs
involving a serious amount of continuous work, the fixed stipend of a University
Professor should not be less than 300l. per annum, exclusive of such portion of the
students’ fees as may be assigned to him by the University. -
I.—ARTs.
It does not seem to us necessary to enter at large upon the subjects which are by
common consent included in any broad conception of a University Department of Arts.
We shall, therefore, confine ourselves to remarks upon certain points which appear to
call for special mention at the present time and for our present purpose.
Upon the side of Arts the London Colleges have laboured under serious disabilities.
The cost of maintenance and administration, and the indispensable requirements of
Science in buildings, equipment, and plant, have left scant funds available for the
remuneration of teachers, apart from the fees of students, which in most cases are quite
insufficient for the purpose. On the Arts side there is no equivalent for the Laboratory
fees, which swell the emoluments of teachers of Science, and special endowments—such
as the Yates Professorship of Archaeology or the Grote Professorship of Philosophy–
only exist in rare instances. Consequently, though scholars of high distinction in
various branches of learning have from time to time adorned University or King's
College, it has been impossible to give security for a permanent career, or even to
enable teachers in the Faculty of Arts to devote the whole of their time and energy to
the service of the Colleges. . . . . . ºf
º, For the development of the teaching and study of Arts in a manner worthy of the
metropolitan University the first need is endowment. The unrivalled stores of
material supplied by the British Museum, the Public Record Office, and by numerous
Libraries and collections of a public or semi-public character, would be a powerful
attraction to men of letters, and in this respect there is no need for supplementing the
resources already available ; and there is no reason to apprehend any dearth of students.
In the existing London University the number of students graduating in Arts largely
exceeds that in Science. Apart from undergraduate training, London is an intellec-
tual centre, at which post-graduate study or research would flourish under the guidance
of teachers competent to guide and stimulate it. This higher work, hitherto almost
untouched, would come within the province of University Professors, brought into
such connection with existing institutions as the circumstances of each case might
suggest ; while ordinary undergraduate teaching would for the most part be organised
upon a collegiate basis, supplemented as might seem desirable by University grants.
University Professors would mainly regard the needs of more advanced students,
whether undergraduates or graduates or other persons/devoting themselves to specialised
lines of study or research. - t t . . . . ;
\
But in defining the functions of University Professors we are convinced that an
attempt to draw a hard and fast line between pre-graduate and post-graduate study
would be mischievous. The experience of Universities shows that such distinctions
cannot be maintained; and the circumstances of different orders of study differ widely.
In two main departments of Arts—History and Philosophy—abler students might
from the outset of their course come with advantage under the influence of University
Professors. In the department of Language, Greek and Latin as accepted instruments
of educational discipline, have received the highest elaboration of scholarship and
erudition, and this it would be the work of the Professor to communicate and pro-
mote; while in Modern Languages it would be the aim of the Professor to advance his
subject to an academical standard and status which in English Universities have onl
recently, if at all, been accorded to this large department of linguistie study. The
importance of providing efficient teaching in Oriental, Languages has been dwelt
e 2
xxxvi
on by more than one of our witnesses; and one especially drew a contrast in this
respect between London and “Berlin, Paris, Vienna, and Italy, where there are large
“ institutions at which a student can obtain instruction in Arabic and other Oriental
“Languages absolutely free.” Considering the vast interests of the British Empire it,
the East, it would certainly seem that the demand for such teaching in London ought
to be as great as—if not decidedly greater than—that in any of the other European
capitals. University and King's Colleges have done all that can be expected of them
by combining with the Imperial Institute to establish a school of Oriental Languages;
but a large increase of the funds available for this school will be required to enable
it to perform adequately the task that it has undertaken, and to provide reasonable
remuneration for its teachers.
As a further illustration of the possibilities which London affords, of the scale which
ideal completeness would require, and of the way in which local opportunities might
beget and justify special development, we would instance the study of Art. Here the
evidence offers no encouragement for an attempt on the part of the University to teach
the practice of Painting, Sculpture, or any other branch of Art. But the history
of Art should certainly find a place in the studies of the University, and Archaeology
has so many relations, on One side with Art, and on others with Language, that it also
ought to find a place, or provision should be made for it in the Faculty of Arts. London
is so rich in collections illustrative of Art and Archaeology, and many of these collec
tions are to so great a degree lost to all but advanced students, from want of public
exposition of their value, that it may be described as a national duty to render them
more widely available for purposes of study. The great stores of material of the
highest interest and value at the British Museum, and in the Art departments at South
Rensington, have long called for the appointment of Professors whose business it
should be to make them intelligible to those who desire to study them in a serious
manner. The Assistants at these Museums are in many cases well qualified to give
courses of lectures on the subjects which the collections under their charge illustrate;
but the departmental demands upon their time and energies do not at present leave
room for work of a professorial character. And, almost without exception, it is the
fact that provision for such teaching is not made elsewhere in London. Thus it
would appear that the creation of a considerable number of teacherships is necessary.
Having regard to the unique and priceless character of some of the collections to
which reference is made, and the very wide and important questions which they raise and
illustrate, there should be no unwillingness on the part of the nation to provide the means
required. The Assyrian collections at the British Museum call for a Professorship of
Assyriology. The Egyptian collections make a similar demand. In this latter connec-
tion, the foundation of a Professorship of Egyptology at University College by the late
Miss Edwards, to which Mr. Flinders Petrie has been elected, has in part supplied the
need. A Professor of Greek Archaeology, and a Professor of Roman Archaeology,
with a Lecturer on Palaeography, and a Lecturer on Numismatics, would complete
the staff. In connection mainly with the collections at South Kensington, a Pro-
fessorship of Mediaeval Art, and a Professorship of Mediaeval Archaeology should be
established, the British Museum also supplying much material for these studies,
And there should be a Professor or Reader in the History of Art, who would find
illustrative material in many of the museums and galleries of London.
There are other special departments of work which the University could initiate
and direct more appropriately than any single institution. One such is the Theory
and Art of Education, which is now recognised in several Universities of the United
Ringdom as well as on the Continent. The Education Department has recently esta-
blished a direct connexion between primary teaching and university training, and
Day Training Colleges are now associated with the two London Colleges, and with
almost all other institutions of University rank in the United Kingdom. It is desirable
that in acquainting themselves with the Practice and Art of Teaching, as well as in
their other work, this class of students should be brought under Academic disci-
pline and influence. The University could give direct and acceptable aid to the Resi-
dent as well as to the Day Training Colleges, by the establishment of courses of
lectures on the history, theory, and method of education which might be delivered at
various centres according to the necessities of the students for whom they were
designed. As Secondary Education becomes Organised, and increased stress is laid
upon the professional training of secondary no less than primary teachers, the work
may require for its efficient performance the creation of a professorship devoted
entirely to the furtherance of the subject.
xxxvii
The subject of Geography, has recently attained academic recognition in English
Universities, and London offers unique advantages for the development of this subject
upon scientific lines, and the Royal Geographical Society would cordially support a
movement in this direction.”
In the more fundamental subjects of University education the existing resources
of the London Colleges, and the new impetus which it is hoped they will derive
from association with a central University, will obviate the need for any excessive
multiplication of University Chairs, and there exist already special endowments
which the present trustees might be willing to place under University control,
in a well co-ordinated scheme of University instruction. It does not seem possible
under present conditions to rival the completeness of the great University of Berlin,
where—to take the single example of History—there exist, for Ancient History
3 Professors Ordinarii, for Medieval and Modern History 3 Professors Ordinarii and
3 Ephra-Ordinarii, besides other Professors and more than 10 Privat-Dozenten dealing
with historical subjects; but the example of the Johns Hopkins University shows how
much may be achieved by a comparatively small band of Professors, working with
concerted aims and in a well-proportioned organisation. Among the most important
subjects deserving of Professorial representation in the Faculty of Arts, the following
may be enumerated:— l - - -
LANGUAGES. Greek Philology and Literature. ... •
- (Hellenistic Greek, connected with the Faculty of Arts or of Theology).
Jatin Philology and Literature, -
Greek and Roman Philosophy.
£nglish Philology.
English Literature.
Romance Languages.
Teutonic Languages.
Slavonic Languages.
Comparative Philology of the Aryan Languages.
- Oriental, including Semitic Languages.
HISTORY. Ancient History.
Medieval and Modern History.
Economic History.
PHILOSOPHY. Philosophy—Mental and Moral.
History of Philosophy. -
Economic Science.
Geography.
Archæology.
Fine Art.
This list makes no pretension to completeness and would appear meagre if com-
pared with the personnel of a great Continental University. But it may at least be
said that each one of the subjects enumerated deserves to have one or more repre-
sentatives——whether members of a college staff or otherwise—free to carry on the
teaching and study of his subject upon professorial lines. It would be the pro-
fessor's aim to supplement, not supplant, the college teaching to which he would
constantly look for co-operation and support. In adjusting rival claims and deciding
the order of development of various subjects, the University will naturally be guided
by educational needs and openings, and attach due weight to actual local requirement.
II.—ScIENCE.
In their Minute of December 14th, 1892,+ which was forwarded to the Commission,
the Senate of the University of London expressed the opinion that the “re-organised ''
University should have in view, not only the furtherance of “regular liberal education,”
but also “the promotion of original research "; and in a letter addressed to the
Commission by the Vice-Chancellor on March 7th, 1893,f “education ” and “research "
were referred to as purposes which must be so combined as to maintain a “just
balance between “the requirements of practical life and those of Science and learning.”
Tº see Letter from the Royal Geographical Society, February 2nd, 1893. Appendix to Evidence No. 58,
Paper No. 7. 4
f See Appendix to Evidence No. 58, Paper No. 8.
# See Appendix to Evidence No. 58, Paper No. 9.
: e 3
xxxviii
A similar view is expressed in the Scheme of Convocation” for the reconstitution of
the University (Dec. 1892) in which the “advancement of knowledge and the
“ encouragement of original research” are the ends for which, in combination with
“regular and liberal education” it is proposed that the University should be recon-
stituted.
Again, in the Preamble to the Draft Charter of the Gresham University it is asserted
that an “urgent demand” exists in the metropolis “for the better encouragement
“ of learning and research "; and in similar terms a memorial has been presented
to the Commission signed by the Presidents of the Royal Society and all the other
leading scientific societies, as well as by the most distinguished representatives of
science in the United Kingdom, in which a “strong opinion ” is expressed as to
the necessity of making provision “for higher education and original research.”
Various distinguished men of science who have been examined as witnesses, have
unhesitatingly and without exception, expressed similar views; and many of them,
e.g., Mr. Huxley, Sir H. Roscoe, the Directors of the Natural History Museum and
of Kew Gardens, and Professors Foster, Thorpe, Rücker, W. Ramsay, Schafer,
Armstrong, and Weldon, have supported them by facts and arguments which appear
to us to be incontrovertible. t
We accept the principle, insisted on by these witnesses and memorialists. We also
agree with them in thinking that the University should contribute to the advance-
ment of science not only by affording to its graduates the means of educating
themselves in the best possible way, but also by enabling and encouraging them to
continue their studies after graduation, not in preparation for further examination,
but in order to fit themselves for contributing by their own work to the advancement
of knowledge.
In the discharge of this function the University would, we have no doubt, find it easy
to co-operate directly and completely with University and King's Colleges, each of
which possesses already in the organisation of its scientific departments, the nucleus
of a system of higher academical teaching. At University College there are labora-
tories for research in chemistry, physics, Zoology, botany, physiology and pathology.
Most of these laboratories are fairly provided with the appliances necessary for
independent study, and all of them are under the direction of scientific men of
recognised position. A few of them have research endowments which, however in-
adequate in amount, are of value in enabling the professors to remunerate their
assistants and to defray some of the expenses of their own researches. At King's
College similar organisations exist, but the want of adequate income is even more
urgent than at University College, so that any development of the scientific depart-
ments beyond the limits of what is required for the efficient instruction of medical
and engineering students seems impossible without further aid.
We are well aware that, notwithstanding the inadequacy of their resources, the two
colleges for many years took a leading part in the higher teaching of science and
that notwithstanding the development of scientific teaching which has taken place in
other institutions, they still hold their ground. In evidence of this we might advert
to the large number of professorial and other teaching appointments which are
occupied by men educated in science at these colleges, and to the large number of
original researches of acknowledged value which they have conducted. *
We are of opinion that wherever any teaching institution in London is sufficiently
equipped to enable students to pursue study and research under scientific guidance, the
University should avail itself of such teaching, and contribute to its efficiency either
by subsidising the teacher, or by providing him with the means of improving his
teaching. }
We #. not think, however, that by mere co-operation with the colleges, or with
other existing institutions, the University would worthily or adequately accomplish its
purpose. The colleges have freely expended their resources in the endeavour to meet
the needs of advanced students trained within their own walls, or coming from else-
where. We are aware that the colleges have hitherto not been unwilling to welcome
students educated in other schools, but on the whole it is evident that if there were
any considerable increase in the demand for such aid, want of space would render it
impossible for them to meet it. If we could regard the future University as a body
possessed of unlimited, or even of adequate resources, it would be easy to frame a
scheme of higher education embracing all branches of Science on the model of the
* See Appendix to Evidence 58, Paper No. 10.
{ º
+ S-1 - A
xxxix
Johns Hopkins University at Baltimore, of the great institutions for higher education
in Science at Paris,” or of some of the Universities of Germany and Switzerland.
As, however, we fear that the funds at the disposal of the University will for
some time to come be inadequate to cover the whole field it is clearly of importance that
great care should be used to employ them in the most advantageous way for the
furtherance of the higher education in science.
Although it has been strongly urged upon us by some witnesses that the function
of a University is to promote the study of Science for its own sake, we have not
allowed this principle to be the only one to guide us, in the recommendations which
we now submit.
Believing that the advancement of “Pure Science” will be best promoted by showing
how it may be applied in the best possible way to useful purposes, we have endeavoured
to form an opinion as to the branches in respect of which the demand for higher
teaching is most urgent. The scientific subjects usually included in academical teach.
ing are—(1) Mathematics, (2) Mechanics and Physics, (3) Astronomy (4) Chemistry,
(5) Physiology and Pathology, (6) Natural History, including Zoology, Botany, and
Geology. Of these we think that with reference to the actual requirements of the
metropolis, Chemistry and Physics are the sciences in respect of which the need is the
greatest.f We have been led to this conclusion by the consideration that with a view
to public utility those branches should be first provided for in respect of which the
defect of adequate means of study is most felt.
As regards Chemistry we recommend that provision should be made for the develop-
ment of its application, particularly :—
(a.) Chemistry as applied to Agriculture and the Physiology of Plants.
(b.) ,, . , ,, to Animal Physiology and Pathology.
(c.) 35 ,, ,, to Pharmacology.
(d.) 35 ,, ,, to Hygiene and Sanitary Science.

(e.) 5 3 2 3 ,, to Technology. }
ºw-
* Of these the most important are the 12 laboratories for the yarious branches of Physics, Chemistry,
Theoretical or Applied, at the “Faculté des Sciences” or at the “Collège de France,” and the 18 laboratories
for the various branches of Biological Science, including Physiology and Pathology, at the same places, or
at the Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle. Each of these laboratories represents a Department of “ Enseignement
Supérieur” and is under a “ Directeur,” those for the exact sciences being under the general mānagement
of M. Berthelot, those for Biology, &c. under that of M. Lacaze-Duthiers. The annual income of each of
32 departments varies from 1,000l. to 2,000l. a year, but in case this should not be adequate, a subsidiary
fund, under the direction o a Commission, may be drawn upon. The supplementary contributions from this
fund for the laboratories, i.e., for higher teaching amount to about 7,800l. a year. (See Annuaire de
l’Instruction publique pour l'année 1892, p. 55.)
The annual expenditure of the University of Zürich for instruction and research is:—
For instruction 9,776l., viz., salaries of professors, 8,800l., of assistants, 800l., other expenses, 176l. .
For research 3,400l., viz., libraries, 1,0201, botanic garden, 320l., museums and laboratories, 2,000l., prizes,
40l. There are 705 students (1892), of whom 184 are in the Faculty of Philosophy (Arts and Science), 245
in the Faculty of Medicine, 69 in that of Law, and 45 in that of Theology. The population of the Canton is
237,000.
in the recently re-organised University of Strasburg each branch 'of Science is represented as in other
German Universities by a department. The original cost of construction and equipment, and the annual cost
of maintenance of a few of the more important of these departments or Institutes are given below:—
(*sºsºs Original Cost. Annual Maintenance.
£ £
Physical Institute - -4 - - 28,000 654
Chemical Institute - - * wº 35,000 1,300
Institute of Physiological Chemistry - 16,000 | 477
Human Anatomy - - sº- * — ? 930
Botany. - º *- * sº , 26,000 739
Zoology - s - º tº- ? 298
Astronomical Observatory, &c. - - 25,000 807
—h
The total cost of re-construction and equipment of the University was 711,000l. and the annual expenditure
50.607 l.
º For several years there was in London the Royal College of Chemistry, under the celebrated Prof.
Hofmann. The investigations in pure chemical science inade at this college were numerous and important, and
out of them arose the great industry of tyr colours. It was given up, at the height of its fame, because annual
subscribers were difficult to retain. Had it been supported by an adequate endowment, the New London Uni-
versity would not have to provide for such institutions as are now found in Berlin and other capitals. Attentions
was drawn to the fact, in the evidence of Professor Armstrong and other witnesses, that although the great,
chemical industry of Coal Tar Colours originated from the discoveries made at the Royal College of Chemistry,
this industry has left this country and settled in Germany, on account of the superior facilities in that country"
for training scientific and technical chemists. •r -
e 4 , , , }
xl
The head of each department should be a trained expert in his own branch, and
should take the charge of the researches in his own subject, under the general super-
vision of the chief, who would be a professor of the University, and would take charge
of the study of pure Chemistry in co-ordination with its special application.
As regards Chemistry applied to agriculture and the physiology of plants it may be
hoped that the University will receive help from the Royal Agricultural Society. If
the Physic Garden, Chelsea, were made available for experimental purposes in con-
nexion with the study of Chemistry applied to the physiology of plants, a valuable aid
would be provided for the effective prosecution of these studies. ... • *
As regards Pathology, the Commission are aware that the two Royal Colleges
have provided an excellent laboratory for pathological investigations on the Victoria
Embankment, and we believe that space may be made there for a laboratory of Patho-
logical Chemistry. At King's College much attention is paid to Physiologica
Chemistry, but no endowment exists for it there or elsewhere. - *
For the study of Chemistry applied to Pharmacology there is an admirable, but small
laboratory, at the Pharmaceutical Society, where, in addition to educational work,
much valuable research has been done. It suffers much from want of funds, and
requires extension so as to provide for work which cannot for want of space be carried
out. The garden at Chelsea would also be valuable for the study of Pharmacology in
connexion with which it was originally founded. . . - +
Initial steps have been taken as regards the subjects enumerated under d and e.
It is understood that a sum of money has been received by University College which
will be available for instruction in hygiene, and that the “Institute of Preventive
Medicine " which is shortly to come into existence, may provide for this study. Subject
e is already represented by the City and Guilds of London Institute, but will no doubt
require extension hereafter.
All these subjects are based on or connected with the science of chemistry. It is
for that reason, and because the influence of pure science on its applications would be
thereby secured, that we suggest that the head who has the general supervision of
the departments of Applied Chemistry should be a chemist of high scientific attain-
ments, who should in addition to this duty be charged with the immediate direction of
a laboratory for research and for the post-graduate study of pure chemistry. -
As regards Physics we have been assured of the urgent need which exists for the
establishment of laboratories adequately equipped for post-graduate study of the higher
branches, and have no doubt that the contrast between the existing resources for this
purpose of the Metropolis and those which are at the disposal of students in America,
France, and Germany, is even greater than in relation to the study of Chemistry. Many
of the leading representatives of Physical Science are, we believe, of opinion that a
central Imperial Institution must sooner or later be founded for carrying on those
costly investigations which demand apparatus of extreme precision and delicacy, and
in which it is absolutely necessary that the observations should extend over long or
even secular periods; and it has been suggested that in case such an institution were
brought into existence it would afford opportunities for post-graduate study. We
believe, however, that in the opinion of those best qualified to judge, an observatory
for physical research, even if it existed, could not be made available for educational
purposes without impairing its efficiency. We therefore think that one of the first steps to
be taken by the University in the direction of post-graduate teaching must be the
establishment of a thoroughly equipped Department of Physics under the immediate
control of the University. The whole Department should, we think, be under one head
holding the position of a University professor, aided in the several branches of the
subject by a staff of competent coadjutors. We do not, however, think it desirable
to enter into any details as to the way in which the work of the Department should be
distributed between the professor and his staff. -
As regards several practical applications, and particularly those of Electricity and
Magnetism, existing institutions, such as the City and Guilds of London Institute and
the Colleges, afford in great measure what is required. -
For the teaching of Zoology, Botany, and Geology, much more complete apparatus is
wanted than exists,but considering the number of students who pursue these sciences after
graduation, and the facilities which exist at the Science Schools and at the Colleges
for cultivating them, we think that the University could further these studies most
effectually by co-operating directly with those institutions. The same considerations
seem to apply to Physiology. Although the importance of the subject makes it desirable
that it should be better provided for than it is at present, the facts that a research
endowment for Physiology exists at University College, and that at several of the
xli.
other large Schools there are laboratories which require only additional funds to render
them efficient for the higher teaching, seem to us to afford reason for postponing its
claims to those of other subjects. w -
In determining the direction of its future action the University will be largely
guided by considerations relating to the scientific character of many of those studies
which have hitherto been regarded as professional or technical rather than academical.
By the creation of a Board of Studies for Applied Science, the University will give
effect to this principle, and thereby acquire a power of forwarding scientific education
in practical directions which it could not otherwise possess. The very existence
of this department will attract students who would otherwise not aspire to a Univer-
sity status. But it may be expected to exercise an even more important influence in
establishing and strengthening advantageous relations between the University and
other bodies interested in the advancement of knowledge. We refer particularly to
the various organisations—whether societies or institutions—which are directly con-
cerned in the application of scientific discovery to useful or practical purposes.
Among the most important of these is the Royal Agricultural Society, for it repre-
sents an art which, like that of medicine, has direct relations with the chemical and
biological sciences. For many years this Society has actively promoted scientific
investigations, relating not only to agriculture itself but to many collateral subjects,
particularly the diseases of plants and animals, and has liberally employed its funds
in the promotion of technical education, and in the diffusion of scientific knowledge.
In all these efforts the University, and particularly its department of Applied Science
will, we trust, afford to the Society effectual co-operation.
In like manner it may be anticipated that those institutions which represent the
professions of engineering and architecture will be materially aided in their efforts
for the promotion and improvement of professional education by the establishment of
a department of Applied Science in the Faculty of Science. For this will afford to those
who are preparing for their profession an education in which the fundamental prin-
ciples of Science are taught by methods illustrating their bearing upon those theoretical
and practical problems familiarity with which is essential to a professional training.
This point has been enforced by several witnesses who have expressed the opinion that
a great impulse would be given to professional education by the establishment of courses
of study in which the practical application of mathematics, physics and chemistry
would form an integral part. In so far as this is desirable and practicable, we think
that it has been provided for in the organisation which we have proposed.
We think it desirable that on the Board of Studies for Applied Science one represen-
tative should be appointed by each of the following bodies, viz.: the Royal Agricultural
Society, the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers,
and the Royal Institute of British Architects.
For the successful carrying out of the objects which the University has in view,
it is no less essential to ensure the efficiency of the teachers than to provide them with
adequate laboratories and other equipments. We have no doubt that the inferiority of
this country to others in most branches of research is due to the fact that until lately
it has been impossible for a young man of science to maintain himself by genuine
scientific work. It is part of the function of a University to afford to those who
occupy the positions of professors and teachers adequate means of support and to
provide that the younger teachers—occupying the positions of demonstrators or
assistants—should not be diverted from an academic career. -
As the sum of what has been stated above we recommend that the University
should, as regards some subjects, co-operate with existing institutions, by contribu-
tions to their expenditure for the purposes of research and post-graduate teaching, and
as regards others, should establish new professorships and departments, equipping them
with the necessary means and appliances. In every case we hold it to be essential that
the University should, in contributing to the maintenance of any professorship or
department, require evidence that the duties of the office are duly discharged and that
the work of the laboratories is efficiently performed.
III.-MEDICINE.
We are of opinion that the following main branches of medical study. should be
represented in the Faculty of Medicine:–
(a.) Physics; (b.) Chemistry; (c.) Biology; (d.) Anatomy ; (e.) Physiology;
(f) Pathology; (g.) Pharmacology and Materia Medica; (h.) Medicine,
including Therapeutics; (i.) Surgery; (j.) Midwifery and Diseases of Women;
(k.) Hygiene and Public Health; (l.) Forensic Medicine; (m.) Mental Disease.
o 79670. f -
xlii
Some, at least, of these titles include many subsidiary subjects; for instance, under
the heads of Medicine and Surgery are naturally included Dermatology, Ophthalmology
and other special branches of study. -
Each of these subjects should be represented on the Board or Boards of Studies.
In our opinion, however, it is very desirable that with regard, at least, to the
smaller medical schools the teaching of physics, chemistry, biology, anatomy,
physiology, pharmacology and materia medica, pathology, hygiene and public health,
and forensic medicine, should be concentrated into one or two institutions. . -
At some of the medical schools the number of students attending these severa
classes is very small, and there is often great difficulty in obtaining teachers properly
qualified for the work. As a rule the best men are not anxious to accept these
appointments. There is little or no remuneration or encouragement to exertion. But
if the several classes in these subjects could be fused together, the individual classes so
resulting would be of sufficient magnitude and importance to secure the services of
the best teachers. ſf can hardly be doubted that considerable improvement in medical
education would result from this arrangement, while by the saving of time and
expense and concentration of force the several schools would be set free from what
must be now a burdensome weight, and would be enabled to devote all their energies
to the teaching of the clinical subjects of medicine and surgery which in all their various
branches have largely developed of late years. s
, If such a plan as this were adopted the further question would be considered whether
each of the several subjects should not be entrusted to more than a single teacher.
The classes would probably be large enough and the remuneration sufficient to admit
of this division of labour.
* We would also observe, in relation to the subject of Mental Disease, that it would
be highly desirable in the interests of the public for the instruction of students in
this branch of medical study, if the lunatic hospitals, asylums, and licensed houses
in the metropolis, were open for clinical study and available for the instruction of
students. This is to some extent done in the metropolitan asylums, and in one of the
hospitals. ſ t { -- - - -
Candidates for degrees in Medicine should be required to go through the prescribed
courses of instruction in admitted or recognised Medical Schools. -
With regard to the examinations for degrees, we are of opinion that the University
should have power to enter into arrangements with the Royal Colleges of Physicians
and Surgeons, for conducting in common examinations in such portions of the subjects
included in the course for the degree as may be determined by common consent
between the University and the Colleges. It is obvious that much would be gained by
a combination which would prevent an undue multiplicity of examinations, without on
the one hand tending to lower the standard of the University degrees, or interfering,
on the other hand, with the licensing authority of the Royal Colleges. The fact that
an arrangement with this object was actually agreed upon by the Senate of the London
University and the Colleges in 1891,” gives us confidence in believing that little
difficulty will be found in arriving at a mutual arrangement satisfactory to both
parties, No arrangement of this kind will in any way lessen or interfere with the
duty of the University to satisfy itself as to the adequacy of the examinations in all
respectS. . . . * * - . . .
* : { #. Society of Apothecaries, being admitted to a representation on the Senate of
the University, might be included in the arrangement for conducting examinations.
It should be clearly understood that we do not think it desirable, and in this nearly
all who have given evidence concur, that a degree should be obtainable on the same
terms as the ordinary license to practise. A somewhat higher standard of knowledge,
more particularly of scientific knowledge, should be required for the degree; and
this, as we have already intimated, it will be open to the University to require. **
... Jt is hoped that by the means we have indicated, the need of greater facilities for
obtaining the medical degree in London will be adequately met, without lowering its
scientific character. ... • - -
IV.---LAW.
1. Subject matters of the Faculty.
(A.) This Faculty should be constructed with a view to-
(1.) Persons studying for the Profession of the Law whether as Students
in the Inns of Court, or as Articled Clerks, and whether designing to
practise in this country, in India, or the Colonies; . . . . {
* See Appendix to Evidence, No. 14.
xliii
(2.) Persons engaged or about to engage in the Public Service, whether
Civil or Diplomatic, whether in this country, in India, or the Colonies;
(3) Persons engaged or about to engage in public life or in the administra-
tion of public law as Members of Parliament, Magistrates, &c. f
(4.) Persons applying themselves to the work of investigation or research
in any of the subjects of the Faculty.
(B.) The subjects which should be represented are as follows:—
English Law, including f
(1.) The subjects enumerated under the head of “English Law and
º . in Clause 28 of the Consolidated Regulations of the Inns of
ourt. |
(2.) Constitutional and Administrative Law and Legal History, English
and Colonial. *
(3.) International Law, public and private, considered in its bearing
upon English, Law, criminal and civil; Status; Testamentary,
Mercantile, and Shipping Law ; Extradition; &c.
Indian and Colonial Law, public and private ; including Hindu and
Mahomedan Law. ºl
International and Diplomatic Law and History.
Roman Law.
Comparative Jurisprudence, public and private, including American and
Foreign Constitutional Law and History,
Theory of Law and Legislation, including Origin and Grounds of Law, and
Forms and Methods of Legislation. *
Economics.
By Administrative Law we understand the laws regulating Institutions such
as County Councils, Municipal Corporations, Endowed Institutions, School Boards,
Poor Law and Roads Management. The lines of demarcation between questions
of an Imperial and of a local character will come under review. . . Diplomatic
History would include Political History, the expansion of the British Empire,
and the expansion of other Empires and their relations. The Theory of Legislation
is a subject which derives its importance not only from the duties imposed on
Parliament, but also on the numerous bodies legislating for areas which have been
decentralised. -
By Economics a whole range of studies is covered which deal with problems of
Political Economy and of Sociology in their theoretical and practical aspects. It
includes the study of Finance, and of Statistics of this and other countries.
Systems of Taxation, Armaments, the causes of National Wealth, and the industrial
question, are among the subjects which will have to be taught. f
2. Boards of Studies.
This question must be considered with reference—
(1.) To the fact that the bulk of the students may be expected to belong to
the class of professional students,
(2) To the existing educational means.
(1) It is not to be expected or desired that the qualification for the licence to
practise either as Barrister or Solicitor and for the degree should be identical. On
the one hand, it appears from the evidence that neither the Inns of Court nor the
Incorporated Law Society would (even apart from disciplinary considerations) waive
their right to impose conditions of practical efficiency, which would fall outside the
scope of University instruction; nor is this a matter with which the University has any
concern. Upon the other hand, to identify the licence and the degree would necessarily
detract from the academic rank and value of the degree. But it is desirable (a) that
as large a number of law students as is practicable should be induced to familiarise
themselves, through a University training, with the higher aspects of the subject.
(b) that all unnecessary duplication of means of instruction and multiplication of
examinations should be avoided. And it appears probable that in the event of the
Inns of Court and the Incorporated Law Society taking part in the University
organization they would accept the results of the University examinations in the
subjects covered by the University course as satisfying the educational conditions
* See Appendix to Evidence No. 26.
f 2
xliv
required by them in those subjects. Hence it appears to be both desirable and
practicable that the University should act in conjunction with those bodies.
(2) A survey of the means of Legal Education existing in the Metropolis adds
weight to the considerations stated under (1).
It appears from the oral evidence and the papers laid before us that the Inns of Court
have a system of organized instruction and examination which has (broadly speaking)
been in operation for between 40 and 50 years, which has been modified from time
to time and which is now governed by the Consolidated Regulations of January
KS92 (App. 26). With reference to its present, working, we may quote the
following observations from the Report of the Council of Legal education, dated 29
January 1893 :- -
“Three features distinguish the present system of Legal Education from
those which have preceded it.
“The first is, that the four Inns of Court having entrusted the education and
examination of students seeking to be called to the Bar to a single representative
body, have discontinued all separate tuition and examinations.
“The second is, the formation of a Board of Studies, consisting of members
of the Council and of the teaching staff, thus bringing the Council and the
teaching and examining staff into frequent and close communication with each
other, the Board being, in fact, the working committee of the Council. The
Board of Studies meets frequently, and can and does attend to details which it is
impossible for so large a body as the Council to consider and dispose of with the
necessary despatch. The experience gained by the Board and the assistance
given by it to the Council are of the greatest value.
“The third feature is the introduction of systematic tuition for advanced
and junior classes, and the closer personal contact between the Readers and
Assistant-Readers and their respective pupils. -
“Endeavour has been made to arrange a course of instruction extending
over two years, so as to encourage continuous systematic reading, and to
discourage cramming. - -
“The Council are of opinion that the working of the present system, so far as
it has at present been proved, is satisfactory.” i
This system is constructed not merely with a view to the level of legal attainments
required as a condition for a call to the Bar, but it includes a wider range of subjects
and aims at an honour standard.* The list of “Subjects of Instruction’’ includes
the great bulk of the subjects above enumerated, and instruction in them is provided
for by six Readers at a salary of 500l. a year each, and four Assistant Readers at a
salary of 350l. a year each, besides two lecturers in Hindu and Mohammedan Law
and in Roman-Dutch Law.t. A Board of Studies is appointed by the Council of Legal
Education consisting of eight members of the Council and three of the teaching staff. .
The educational apparatus at present provided by the Incorporated Law Society
appears, to be exclusively of a tutorial character, but it seems probable that if
brought into connection with the University, the Society would be prepared to assist
in a higher and more systematic development of legal instruction. -
At University College an endowed Chair of Comparative Jurisprudence has recently
been founded (the Quain Professorship); and at King's College, Chairs of Political
Economy and the Practice of Banking exist with slender endowments. No other
endowed Chairs for instruction in any of these subjects appear to exist in London ;
but both at University College and at King's College provision is made for Political
Economy, and for some branches of legal training. -
As the result of our inquiry it appears that the system of education maintained by
the Inns of Court (though not complete) is the only School of Law in the metropolis
approaching efficiency; that the Inns stand in a close relation to most of those who
would be probable candidates for graduation; and that a considerable number of those
who are studying for the profession of solicitors would also be candidates for
graduation.
* See the Consolidated Regulations of January 1892, clauses 23–63, and particularly the list of “Subjects
of Instruction” set forth in clause 28, and illustrated by the Prospectuses of Lectures and Classes (App. 27,
28, 30, 31, and 34); also clauses 41–62 of the Consolidated Regulations, titles “Examinations for Call to the
Bar” and “Honours and Scholarships; ” also the papers headed “Examinations of Candidates for Pass
Certificates” and “Examinations for Candidates for Studentships and Honours” (App. 32 and 33), and the
Resolutions of 26th June 1892 (App. 35), - -
f See Appendix 35 and 28.
f See Appendix 35, cl. 9.
xlv.
3. To meet the requirements of the case, we make the following recommendations:—
(1.) That the courses of instruction and the examinations should be arranged
with a view to the results of examination being, so far as practicable, accepted
oy the Inns of Court and the Incorporated Law Society as adequate educational
tests; but that the view to professional education should not be allowed injuriously
to affect the pursuit by the University of the higher and wider aspects of the
subject.
(2.) }. a Board of Studies should be constituted to regulate instruction and
examination in those branches which are most immediately related to professional
work, on which Board the Inns of Court and the Incorporated Law Society should
have a preponderant representation, and that the subjects of the Faculty which
lie outside the ordinary professional course, but are largely pursued by members
of the Legal Profession, should be placed under another Board of Studies, on
which those bodies should be represented, but in a less proportion.
(3.) That the Board of Studies for the professional branch should consist of 15
members; eight appointed by the Inns of Court, two by the Incorporated Law
Society, and five members of the teaching staff appointed by the Academic
Council. -
(4.) That the Board of Studies for Jurisprudence and Political Science should
consist of fifteen members, one of whom should be appointed by each of the four
Inns of Court, one by the Incorporated Law Society, one by each of your
Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State for Home, Foreign, Colonial, and Indian
Affairs, one by the Trustees of the British Museum, and the remaining five
as the Academic Council may direct. - §
The grouping of studies will to some extent necessarily follow the division
above indicated ; but, especially, having regard to the width and variety of the subjects,
and to the comparatively advanced age at which the degree is, from the nature of the
study, likely to be taken, abundant freedom should be allowed for differentiation
of study.
4. º is to be anticipated that if the legal instruction now provided by the Inns of
Court is thrown open to the public as part of the University system, an increase in
the staff will be necessary in the professional branches. The additional charge would
probably be met by the fees which would in that event become payable, and
assistance might be reckoned upon from the Incorporated Law Society as well as from
the Inns of Court.
With respect to the less purely professional branches it may be confidently
anticipated that in the metropolis the subject of Economics and other subjects of vital
importance to those in any way connected with the Government or the adminis-
tration, or with public life, will before long be adequately provided for, and fully
endowed Chairs in these subjects created in the University.
5. The legal bodies are possessed of valuable libraries to which access for the
purpose of research is freely given. But, it cannot be expected that for the
ordinary purposes of study the libraries of these bodies, which are very fully used,
should be placed at the disposal of other than their own students. It would be
beneficial if a students’ reference and lending library could be founded in connection
with the University, available for its students on reasonable terms.
6. In this Faculty it may be found desirable, to acquire for the University the
benefit of lectures given by eminent men, whose services can be temporarily placed at
the disposal of the University. For instance, Indian officials on furlough might
give lectures on the Revenue systems or other subjects connected with the Adminis-
tration of our Indian Empire. In the very wide field covered by the Law Faculty,
the necessity for specialisation will make the services of experts, available only for a
time, of the greatest use, especially to the students who are preparing for the degree
of LL.D. -
7. We wish it to be understood that the Boards of Studies on each side
should have full power to group subjects, and to include in any group of studies
such studies on the other side as they think may be useful to certain categories
of students. We think it would be a great advantage that Bachelors of Law should
be encouraged to frequent foreign Universities, or such an institution as the École
Libre des Sciences Politiques in Paris, for specified purposes of detailed study, in
order to obtain the degree of LL.D. in the London University, which should only be
granted to those who have really distinguished themselves in one or more special
subjects. A treatise on a foreign institution may naturally require residence abroad,
f 3
xlvi.
and the University should be careful not to lay down any conditions which would
discourage it. - - - -
8. It will be very desirable that the University should come to some understanding
with the Civil Service Commissioners, to obtain from them a recognition of its degrees
gained in the department of Jurisprudence and Political Science. The University
annot undertake to prepare its students for examinations over which it has no
control, but it is obviously advantageous to the State to encourage its servants to get
the best tuition, and towards attaining this object the co-operation of the State and
the University will offer the best guarantees. - -
9. In further elucidation of our aim in constituting this department of the
Law Faculty, we need only refer to the programme of the lectures of the Ecole
Libre des Sciences Politiques which has raised with great success the standard of
political education in France.” We are fully alive to the imperative, and urgent
need which exists for supplying this kind of education to the students in the
London University, and it is our wish that after an adequate general education the
students should immediately engage in studies having a direct bearing on their future
work in life. - - -
10. The degree of LL.B. on either side should not be given unless the examiners
have satisfied themselves that the student possesses an adequate knowledge of legal
subjects, and is capable of grappling with the problems with which he may have to
deal. I -
v.—THEOLOGY.
&
It will be seen from the evidence that the authorities of Theological Colleges
connected with the Church of England and with other denominations propose the
establishment of a Faculty of Theological Science in the University.
The Divinity Degrees now obtainable in England are practically restricted to the
clergy of the Established Church. It appears to us that students of Divinity outside that
class should have the opportunity of obtaining the stamp of a Degree upon their studies.
And, further, the new University would not, in our opinion, be in the largest sense a
University, if the study of Theological Science found no place in its recognised work.
It will be seen from the evidence that in the opinion of those who have considered
the subject from a practical point of view, examinations, which would command public
respect and confidence could be held, not only on such parts of the ground as are
common to several denominations, but also on at least some parts on which there
is a wide divergence of view; especially if some latitude in choice of subjects were
allowed to candidates for graduation. The experience of Scottish Universities
confirms this opinion. We are, therefore, favourable to the inclusion of Theological
Science among the Faculties of the University.
We recommend that provision should be made, either by the University or by the
admitted Schools for the study of the books and languages of the Old and New
Testament Scriptures, including Rabbinic Hebrew, and languages cognate to Hebrew
and Patristic Greek, and of the following subjects:—Ecclesiastical History ; History
of Doctrines; the Philosophy of Religion; the Comparative History of Religions;
Ethical Systems; Psychology and Logic. t -
The degree of Bachelor in Theological Science should be open to graduates of the
University, and of other Universities whose degrees are recognised for this purpose by
the University, who, desiring to proceed as internal students, have during three years
attended courses of study recognised by the University and passed the examinations
prescribed by the University after report from the Board or Boards of Studies in the
Theological Faculty; and to other students desiring to proceed as internal students,
who have attended recognised courses of study in an admitted School of the University
during five years, and passed the examinations, prescribed by the University after
report from the Boards of Studies in the Arts and Theological Faculties. !
For external students who desire to proceed to the degree of Bachelor of Theological
Science, the University will make such regulations as may seem to it advisable, -
The degree of Doctor in Theological Science should be open to Bachelors of Theo-
logical Science of the University, or of any other University whose divinity degree may
be recognised by the University for this purpose, who give evidence of original
research or of original criticism or of a wide range of knowledge. - -
* See Appendix to Evidence No. 58, Paper No. 11.
xlvii
It appears to us that the grouping of subjects in the courses of study leading to
the degree in Arts should be so arranged as to include among the alternative subjects
branches of study proper to that Faculty which may be specially serviceable to students
intending to proceed to degrees in Theological Science. -
VI.-MUSIC. -
The University of London has for some time past conferred degrees in Music.
Sufficient provision for teaching, in this branch of University study, appears to be
made by four existing institutions. . These are:—The Royal Academy of Music,
Tenterden Street, Hanover Square (Principal, Dr. A. C. Mackenzie); the Royal College
of Music, Kensington Gore (Director, Sir George Grove); the Guildhall School of
Music, Victoria Embankment (Principal, Sir Joseph Barnby); and Trinity College,
London, 13, Mandeville Place, Manchester Square (Warden, Dr. E. H. Turpin). Besides
the Professors and other teachers of Vocal and Instrumental Music, there are in the
Royal Academy nine Professors of Harmony, Counterpoint, and Composition; in
the Royal College, eight; in the Guildhall School, nine; in Trinity College, seven."
Lectures are given also in some of these institutions in the History and Science of
Music, in Musical Acoustics, and in subjects connected with Music. If in any respect
the curriculum of any of the four institutions should seem to the authorities of the
University to need a little strengthening on this side of the work, there appears to be
no reason to suppose that difficulty would be found in meeting the demand. Arrange-
ments should be made to enable students in Arts to obtain the full advantage of
lectures on the Theory of Music without entering upon the study of Vocal or
Instrumental Music. -
TART III.
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS.
We now append a Summary of the various recommendations contained in the first
part of our Report which relates to the constitution and conduct of the University.
This we desire to be understood not as in any way controlling or placing an inter-
pretation upon the detailed paragraphs of the Report, but only as drawing attention
to the main conclusions. The result of our recommendations is as follows:— .
VISITOR.
The Queen will be Visitor of the University.
THE CHANCELLOR.
The Chancellor will be elected by Convocation, and will hold office for life. $39, 50.
. The Chancellor will be head of the University, and ex-officio a member of the
Sénate, and of Convocation. § 39, 50.
The Chancellor will preside over all meetings of the Senate at which he is present.
§ 39.
THE WICE-CHANCELLOR.
The Vice-Chancellor will be elected annually by the Senate out of its own body, and
will be ex-officio a member of Convocation, a member of all Boards and Committees
appointed by the Senate, and a member of the Academic Council. § 41, 50, 32.
The Vice-Chancellor will, in the absence of the Chancellor, preside over all meetings
of the Senate; and will be Chairman ex-officio of all boards and Committees appoinjed
by the Senate, and of the Academic Council. § 41, 32. &
f 4.
xlviii
The constituent bodies of the University will be the Senate, the Academic Council,
the Faculties and Boards of Studies, the Convocation. § 28.
THE SENATE.
The Senate will consist of the Chancellor, and of 65 other members appointed
as follows:—
3 by the Crown.
3 by the Lord President of the Council—
1 in respect of the Royal College of Science.
1 in respect of the Education Department.
1 in respect of Art.
1 by the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
1 by the Secretary of State for India.
9 by the Convocation, elected—
2 by the registered graduates in Arts.
2 by the 3 9 35 Science.
2 by the 39 3 3 Medicine.
1 by the 35 39 Law.
1 by the 93 32 Theology.
1 by the Music.
2 by the Royal College of Physicians.
2 by the Royal College of Surgeons.
1 by the Society of Apothecaries.
4 by the Inns of Court, one for each Inn.
2 by the Incorporated Law Society.
1 by the Royal Agricultural Society.
1 by the Institution of Civil Engineers.
1 by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
1 by the Royal Institute of British Architects.
1 by the Trustees of the British Museum.
1 by the Royal Society.
2 by University College.
2 by King's College. *
1 by the Governors of the City and Guilds of London Institute.
1 by the Corporation of London.
1 by the Mercers' Company.
2 by the London County Council.
22 as follows:— *
4 by the Academic Council.
4 by the Faculty of Arts.
5 by the 22 Science.
4 by the 35 Medicine.
2 by the 33 Law.
2 by the 5 3 Theology.
1 by the 33 Music.
See §§ 13, 15, 20, 26, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 50.
All members of the Senate, other than the Chancellor, will (except by special
pºsion in the case of the first appointments) be appointed for a term of four years.
$ 40.
The Senate will be the supreme Governing Body of the University, and will have
power from time to time to frame Statutes” to be submitted to the Queen in Council
and to be laid before Parliament, for altering or adding to the constitution powers or
functions of the University. § 28, 41.
The Senate will further have power to make, alter, or revoke Ordinances” for
regulating all matters concerning the University, and to exercise all powers and do
all things authorised to be exercised and done by the University, provided always—
S. 41. ºf
(1.) That any such Ordinance be not repugnant to any provision of the Statutes
of the University. § 41.
* By a “Statute” is meant a law of the University alterable only by the Queen in Council, with the usual
reference to Parliament; by an “Ordinance ’’ a law of the University passed by the Senate and alterable
upon its sole authority.
xlix
(2.) That it shall not adopt or impose on any person any test whatsoever of religious
belief or profession, or assign any grant of money for any purpose in respect
of which any privilege is granted or disability imposed on account of religious
belief. § 22, 42 (b). * P
Subject to these conditions, the Senate will, in particular— : a
Control the affairs and property of the University; regulate the amount and
determine the distribution of all fees payable to the University; and appoint
a Registrar and other officers necessary for conducting the business of the
University. § 41, 50.
Assign funds for the conduct and administration of the University; and, after
first inviting the opinion of the Academic Council, assign funds for the
erection or extension of buildings, for the provision of teaching and equip-
ment, and for the endowment or remuneration of University Professors, Readers,
Lecturers, Demonstrators, or Assistants. § 22, 41, 42 (b).
Make regulations regarding Scholarships and other emoluments. § 50.
For good cause deprive the holder of any University office or emolument of such
office or emolument. § 41 (e). - e
Admit Institutions or departments of Institutions as Schools of the University,
visit such Schools, and (subject to an appeal to the Queen in Council) remove
any Institution or department of an Institution from being a School of the
University. § 20, 41 (c). 4
Recognise Medical Schools, other than Schools of the University for the time
being, as Schools from which candidates will be allowed to proceed to Medical
degrees, and withdraw such recognition. § 41 (d), 43,47.
Alter the number and distribution of the Faculties. § 41 (b).
Appoint University Professors upon the report of Standing Boards appointed
by it for the purpose. § 41 (e.), 42 (a). -
Appoint University Readers, Lecturers, Demonstrators and Assistants upon the
report of Boards, whether Boards of Studies or otherwise. § 41 (e), 42(a).
Determine the duties of University Professors, Readers, Lecturers, Demonstrators
and Assistants. $22. g -
Assign University Professors, Readers, and Lecturers to their respective Faculties.
41 (e).
*u. admission, and order the examinations of Internal and External
Students. § 41 (h), 48.
Appoint a Standing Board to superintend, regulate and conduct the examinations
for External Students, and to advise External Students in the prosecution of
their studies. § 42 (c), 48 (4). -
Appoint Examiners of Internal Students, upon the reports of Boards of Studies
transmitted through the Academic Council. § 48 (4).
Appoint Examiners of External Students, upon the nomination of the Board for
External Students. § 48 (4).
Appoint a Standing Board to promote the Extension of University Teaching; and
upon the report of the Academic Council recognise work done under the
superintendence of the Board as an equivalent for parts of the regular Univer-
sity course. § 14, 41 (g), 48 (5). *
Confer degrees, diplomas, and certificates, § 41 (i), 43.
Admit duly qualified graduates to the register of Convocation, and for non-
payment of fees, or for other good cause (subject to an appeal to the Chancellor),
remove the name of any member from the register. § 41 (k), 50.
Determine the manner of conducting the election of the Chancellor, and of the
representatives on the Senate of Convocation, of the Faculties, and of the
Academic Council. § 41 (a), 50. -
Elect the Vice-Chancellor out of its own body. § 41.
Sixteen members should form a quorum. § 41.
THE ACADEMIC CouncIL.
The Academic Council will consist of the Vice-Chancellor, who shall preside,
and of fifteen members, elected by the Faculties as follows:—
4 by the Faculty of Arts.
4 , 35 Science.
3 , 39 Medicine.
2 , 55 Law.
1 > 35 Theology.
1 * * Music. § 32.
o 79670. §
1
... All representative members of the Academic Council will (except by special provision
in the case of first appointments) be elected for a term of four years, • " . . .
The Academic Council will elect four representatives upon the Senate. , § 40 (a).
Subject to the Statutes and Ordinances of the University, the Academic Council
will have power— $ g t’
To recognise Teachers in any admitted school of the University as Teachers
of the University, and to withdraw such recognition. § 32.
To assign such Teachers to their respective Faculties. § 32. * ,
To assign, if they think fit, a place upon the Faculties to Demonstrators and
Assistants appointed by the University. § 29. f
To determine the number and composition of the Boards of Studies in each
Faculty, and the mode of election and period of Service of the members of the
Boards. § 32.
To appoint such members as they think fit upon any Board of Studies, provided
that the number so appointed shall not exceed one-fourth of the Board. . § 33.
To delegate to any Board or Boards of Studies such functions as it may see fit,
and to refer any matter for report to any Board or Boards of Studies. § 33.
To direct the Dean of any Faculty to summon a meeting of the Faculty for the
consideration of a report of any Board of Studies belonging to the Faculty.
§ 35. . . . .
To determine curricula of study and examination, after having had before them
the opinion of the Board or Boards of Studies of the Faculty concerned.
§ 32, 34 (a), 48 (a). 4
To settle University courses of study to be pursued at any School of the Univer-
sity, after consultation with the authorities of the institution concerned.
§ 34 (b). g *
To arrange for the holding of University Examinations for Internal Students,
in So far as separate from those for External Students, and to fix the times and
places at which they shall be held. § 32, 48 (4).
To advise the Senate upon the various matters enumerated in § 32.
Six members should form a quorum. § 32.
*Y.
FACULTIES AND BOARDS OF STUDIES.
The Faculties will be six in number, viz., Arts, Science, Medicine, Law, Theology,
and Music; and the Faculty of Science will be divided into two departments, one
for Pure and one for Applied Science. But the number and distribution of the
Faculties may be altered from time to time by Ordinance of the Senate. § 13, 29, 41 (b).
The Faculties will consist of :— f
(1.) University Professors, Readers and Lecturers. § 29 (1).
(2.) º Demonstrators and Assistants approved by the Academic Council.
§ 29 (1). f
(3.) º in the Schools of the University recognised by the Academic Council.
§ 29 (2). ‘.
University Professors, Readers, and Lecturers will be assigned to their respective
Faculties by the Senate. § 41 (e). y
University Demonstrators and Assistants, if approved for the purpose, and all
recognised Teachers of the University will be assigned to their respective Faculties by
the Academic Council. § 29, 32. *
Each Faculty will elect representatives upon the Senate, in the 'manner prescribed
by the Senate, as follows:— .* g
The Faculty of Arts, 4.
55 Science, 5.
25 Medicine, 4.
25 Law, 2.
55 Theology, 2.
39 Music, 1. § 40 (a) 41.
Each Faculty Will elect representatives upon the Academic Council, in the manner
prescribed by the Senate, as follows:— ; *
The Faculty of Arts, 4.
35 Science, 4.
º: Medicine, 3.
,, . Law, 2. '
3 5 Theology, 1.
* 25 Music, 1. § 32, 41.
li
Each Faculty will elect a Dean, to hold office for four years. § 35.
The Dean of each Faculty will summon a meeting of the Faculty when he sees
occasion, or when directed by the Academic Council, or when requested by one-third
of the members of the Faculty to do so. § 35.
In each Faculty a Board or Boards of Studies will be constituted, in the way
determined by the regulations of the Academic Council; and not less than three-
fourths of the members of every such Board will be elected by the Faculty to which it
belongs. § 33. f #. -
Each Faculty or Board of Studies will consider, and report upon any matter
referred to it by the Senate or the Academic Council, and may consider any matter
concerning courses of study, examination, degrees, diplomas, certificates, and teaching,
in subjects within the province of the Faculty, and report to the Academic Council
thereon. § 33, 35.
Each Board of Studies will elect its own Chairman and conduct its own proceed-
ings. $ 33. { l
º biº of Studies may meet and act concurrently with another Board or Boards,
and will, if so requested, deliberate in conjunction with the Academic Council or any
Committee thereof. § 33. *
Any Board of Studies may exercise administrative or executive functions expressly
delegated to it by the Senate or the Academic Council. § 33.
THE CONVOCATION.
Convocation will consist of the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor, and registered
members as follows:—
(1.) Present members of Convocation.
(2.) Graduates of the existing University qualified to be members.
(3) Future Graduates, of three years' standing from the date of first graduation.
(4.) Members of the Academic Council registered under Ordinance of the Senate.
(5.) Subject to the assent of Convocation, persons admitted to a degree otherwise
than by ordinary graduation. § 50.
Saving the rights of members already registered or qualified to register, members
of Convocation will be required to register and to pay fees according to the regulations
of the Senate. In default of payment of fees, or for other good cause (subject to an
appeal to the Chancellor), the names of members may be removed from the register
by the Senate. § 50.
Convocation will elect its own Chairman, manage and record its own proceedings,
and appoint a clerk with such salary as the Senate may determine. § 50.
Convocation will be convened by the Chairman, once at least every year as provided
by the Senate, and at other times if directed by the Senate ; the Chairman will at
his discretion convene an extraordinary meeting for the despatch of specified business,
if so requested in writing by twenty members of Convocation, but no such extra-
ordinary meeting will be held within three calendar months of the last foregoing
extraordinary meeting. § 50.
Convocation when convened for ordinary purposes will have power to discuss any
matter relating to the University, and to declare to the Senate its opinion thereon.
50.
§ For the decision of any question in Convocation the numbers present should be not
less than fifty. § 50.
Convocation will be entitled to express its views before the Queen in Council, upon
any alteration of the Statutes proposed by the Senate. § 50, 41.
Convocation will elect the Chancellor, voting by voting papers, in accordance with
regulations laid down by the Senate. § 50, 39.
Convocation will have nine representatives upon the Senate, elected as follows:—
2 by the registered Graduates in Arts,
2 33 33 92 Science,
2 ” 35 22 Medicine,
1 : 92 9 y Law,
1 : 95 93. Theology,
1 : 39 33 Music;
g 2
lii
but until the registered Graduates in Theology amount to twenty, their representative
will be elected by the registered Graduates in Arts. The elections will be conducted
by voting papers, in accordance with regulations laid down by the Senate. § 50, 40(c),
41 (a).
ScHOOLS of THE UNIVERSITY.
\
A School of the University will be any Institution, or department or departments of
an Institution, admitted by the Senate to a place in the University, as a School
at which University courses of instruction may be pursued. . $ 20, 22.
In deciding the claim of any teaching institution to be admitted as a School of the
University, the Senate will consider (a) the character of the foundation; (b) whether
the teaching and appliances are of University rank; (c) the average age of students;
(d) the number of students proceeding or likely to proceed to University Degrees;
(e) financial position; (f) relation to any other University. But the claim of special
institutions for research will be considered on the special merits of the case. § 21.
The following Institutions will be admitted in whole or in part as Schools of the
University :—
University College.
Ring's College.
The Royal College of Science.
The Medical School of Charing Cross Hospital.
55 23 Guy's Hospital.
33 23 London Hospital.
33 39 Middlesex Hospital.
99 9 3 St. Bartholomew's Hospital.
99 59 St. George's Hospital.
* 3 2 3 St. Mary's Hospital.
35 3 * St. Thomas's Hospital.
33 39 Westminster Hospital.
The London School of Medicine for Women.
The City and Guilds of London Institute.
Bedford College.
The following Theological Colleges, namely,
Hackney College.
New College.
Presbyterian College.
Regent's Park College.
Cheshunt College.
Richmond College.
The following four Colleges of Music :—
Royal Academy of Music.
Royal College of Music.
Guildhall School of Music.
Trinity College London (Music).
and under certain reservations, the Inns of Court and the Incorporated Law Society.
§ 24.
No Institution will in the future be admitted which is not within the administrative
County of London, including the County of the City of London. § 21.
Any Institution or department of an Institution which the Senate shall refuse to
admit as a School of the University, will have a right of appeal to the Queen in
Council. § 21.
Any teacher in a School of the University, who has been duly recognised by the
Academic Council, will be a member of the Faculty or Faculties to which he is assigned
by the Academic Council. § 20, 29 (2), 32.
The courses of University study to be pursued at any School of the University, and
the requirements of attendance will be regulated by the Academic Council, after first
consulting the authorities of the institution. § 20, 34 (b), 48 (a).
Schools of the University will be open to the visitation of the University, and
subject to the right of appeal to the Queen in Council any School may be removed by
the Senate from being a School of the University. § 20, 21, 41 (c).
liii
ExAMINATIONS AND DEGREES.
The University may, if it think fit, impose an Entrance or Matriculation test on all
students of the University, and may accept in lieu of any such examination other
examinations of equivalent standard. § 44.
The University will recognise students of two kinds, Internal and External.
Internal Students will pursue regular courses of study, of not less than three Academic
years' duration, under the regulations of the Academic Council, in a School or Schools
of the University. External Students will proceed to a degree by way of examination
without attendance, and three Academic years must elapse between their first exami-
nation by the University and their final examination for the first degree. § 20, 48.
The final examinations for the first degree, for Internal and External students
respectively, will, if not the same, represent the same standard of knowledge, and
will be identical So far as identity is consistent with the educational interests of
both classes of students. § 11, 12, 48 (2).
Other arrangements for the conduct of examinations are explained in § 48.
All candidates for degrees in Medicine will be required to go through regular
courses, whether in Schools of the University or in other schools recognised by the
TJniversity. § 43, 47.
The degrees should, as a rule, be of two orders only. The degree of Doctor will,
except in Medicine, be conferred only on those who have by study or research
contributed to the advancement of learning or science. § 46.
In addition to ordinary graduation, degrees may be conferred without examina-
tion on University Professors; similar and equal degrees on graduates of other
TIniversities, who are recognised Teachers of the University; and Honorary Degrees,
except in Medicine, on persons esteemed worthy of that distinction by the Senate.
§ 49.
SUGGESTIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE PROPOSED STATUTORY
COMMISSION.
We have in an earlier paragraph of our Report indicated our view that the changes
recommended by us should be effected, not by Charter, but by legislative authority,
and by the appointment of a Commission with statutory powers.
After hearing a very large amount of evidence, and giving the matter our most
careful consideration, we held it our duty to make detailed recommendations for
the organisation and powers of the University, and with a view to their being promptly
and authoritatively carried into effect, we recommended that a Statutory Commission
should be appointed, with power to carry out (subject to the approval of Parliament
in the usual way), the recommendations and provisions contained in our Report, and
to give conclusive authority to our determinations. § 7 (2).
We have, therefore, to recommend that the Statutory Commission should be appointed
for such a period as may be thought necessary, with the following powers and duties.
1. To determine in what mode, and under what conditions, any property now held
by the University of London should continue to be held by the University as recon-
stituted, regard being had to any trusts to which the same is now subject.
2. To receive the assents of the institutions named in the 24th paragraph to be
admitted as Schools in the University; and with reference thereto to determine, in
the first instance, the following matters:—
(a.) Whether any Institution is to be admitted as a whole to be a School in the
University ; and if not in respect of what Department or Departments it is to be
admitted.
(b.) What teachers in such Institutions are, in the first instance, to be recognised
as Teachers in the University, and in which Faculties they are respectively to
be placed.
g 3
liv
3. To receive the assents of the various persons and bodies, other than the Crown,
the Convocation, the Faculties, and the Academic Council, who are to nominate to seats
upon the Senate. sº j
4. To determine the time or times within which, and the mode or modes in which,
nominations are in the first instance to be made by the various nominating persons
and bodies (a) to the Academic Council, (b) to the Senate; to determine (when necessary)
the period of office of those first nominated upon the Academic Council and the
Senate respectively, so as to Secure a due rotation; and to receive and record, or
appoint some person to receive and record, such first nominations.
5. To frame, in accordance with the recommendations now submitted to Your
Majesty, the Statutes of the University; and therein to make such provision as
they may deem necessary for preserving the rights and protecting the interests of any
existing members or officers of the University.
6. To frame such Ordinances as they may deem necessary for the conduct of the
business of the University in the first instance, such Ordinances to have the same effect
and to be altérable in the same mode as if they had been made by the Senate acting
under the Statutes of the University. ?
7. To make such temporary provisions as they may deem necessary for better
effecting the transition of the University from its present form and functions to
the form and functions to be defined by the Statutes, and to fix the date at which
the present constitution of the University should cease to exist, and the new constitution
come into operation, with power to direct that such new constitution shall come into
operation although the Senate or any other part of the University may not be fully
constituted, and to fix the date of the first meeting of the Senate, and the mode in
which it is to be summoned. --- f
8. On application by the Governing Body of any of the said Institutions to repeal and
abrogate in whole or in part any Act of Parliament, Charter, Letters Patent, Statute,
Deed, Instrument, Trust, or Direction relating to such Institution or the property
thereof, and to make such provisions, and frame such Charters in relation thereto as
to them may seem fit, and as may be assented to by such Governing Body.
9. To make such order from time to time as may seem to them necessary for
carrying into effect any of the matters aforesaid.
10. It should also be the duty of the said Commission to make such recommendations
as they may see fit in respect to any grant of funds which Parliament may provide
for the endowment of the University, and for making an adequate provision for scientific
research. . . . . . . $
In conclusion, we humbly beg leave to submit the above Report to Your Majesty's
gracious consideration.
Dated the 24th day of January 1894.
COWPER. (L.S.)
REAY. (L.S.)
PLAYFAIR. (L.S.)
ALFRED BARRY. (L.S.)
(Subject to my note of Dissent appended.)
WM. S. SAVORY. (L.s.)
G. M. HUMPHRY. (L.S.)
G. G. RAMSAY. (L.S.)
G. F. BROWNE. (L.S.)
HENRY SIDGWICK. (L.s.)
J. S. BURDON SANDERSON. (L.s.)
JAMES ANSTIE. (L.s.)
RALPH CHARLTON PALMER. (L.S.)
(Subject to appended Note.)
GERALD H. RENDALL. (L.S.)
(w
DISSENTIENT AND OTHER NOTES.
I. NoTE WITH REFERENCE TO PARAGRAPHs 22 AND 42 (b.).
II. NoTE By LORD REAY. . . . . .
III. NoTE By Bishop BARRY.
TW. NoTE. By PROFESSOR SIDGWICK.
W. NoTES BY MR. ANSTIE.
NOTE ON THE REPORT.
With reference to Paragraph 22 and 42 (b).
sº . . . i
We cannot agree that the University should be fettered by a proviso “forbidding
“ the grant of money for any purpose, in respect of which any privilege is granted or
“ disability imposed on account of religious belief.” We hold that the University
should be at liberty to accept, if it see fit, the administration of funds offered for
University purposes, whatever may be the conditions attached to such administration.
Should Parliament, or should individual donors impose religious or other restrictions
upon the application of funds, which they commit to the keeping of the University,
the University in accepting the trust would pledge itself to faithful observance of the
conditions attached. But in the absence of such conditions the University should be
guided solely by educational needs, capabilities, and opportunities, and not by extra-
neous considerations of any kind; it should be, free to assign funds in the way best
calculated to promote the work of a Teaching University, taking care to secure that
advantages provided by University funds should be open to all University students on
the same terms. However desirable or advantageous it might be to subsidise some
branch of learning in connection with a particular institution, this proviso would seem
to preclude the University from doing so, if membership of some religious communion
or any declaration of religious belief were incidentally involved. In all the relations
of the State to Education, whether Primary, Secondary, or Higher, efficiency has been
the one condition of assistance from public funds. To refuse the same discretion to
the University, and to abridge its application of this most equitable principle, would
be unwise and unfair to the University as well as to the Institutions concerned; we
trust that no such disability will be imposed upon the new University, which it has
been our endeavour to make strong, free, and comprehensive. J. V. ( " - a
ALFRED BARRY. (L.S.)
WM. S. SAVORY. (L.S.)
G. M. HUMPHRY. (L.s.)
RALPH CHARLTON PALMER. (L.s.)
GERALD H. RENDALL. (L.S.)
If and so far as the Report is interpreted as going beyond the principle of the
Universities Tests Acts, I join in the above note.
G. F. BROWNE. (L.S.)
lvi
NOTE: BY LORD REAY.
As the scheme is open to various interpretations, it is desirable to point out on what
conditions success may be attained. The reputation of the new University will mainly
depend on the strictness, with which the selection of teachers for appointment or
recognition is made in every individual case. High intellectual powers and devotion
to the service of the University as a homogeneous corporation will have to be
the tests qualifying for membership of a Faculty, which should be considered a
distinction in the educational world and not the mere result of a more or less well-
defined position on the educational staff of one of the admitted Institutions. Faculties
composed of the leading teachers will form a select constituency in every respect
capable of electing the best men to the very responsible position of members of
the Academic Council. And this Council will inevitably determine the character of
the University. It is therefore essential that the Academic Council should be
representative of the highest development of English learning and science.
In order to attain this result the University and the admitted Institutions must have
sufficient funds to enable them to offer a remuneration which will attract and retain
teachers whose appointment or recognition will do honour to the University.
Equipment and laboratories worthy of these teachers are necessary to secure the
continuity of superior teaching which the University will certainly desire to establish.
The University will, I anticipate, enlist the hearty co-operation of the admitted
Institutions by making grants to them out of University funds for these purposes.
The University and these Institutions are not separate units with different aims, but
they have one object in common, to promote the organisation of University teaching in
the Metropolis. A joint effort of all concerned, a combination of all existing resources
is needed to give the University a sufficient degree of cohesiveness. By frittering
away their limited financial means in isolated educational work the University and
these Institutions can only imperil their efficiency.
Systematic co-ordination and redistribution of the work which is at present
performed by various Institutions must enhance their efficiency as well as that of
the University of which they are the constituent elements. Any other interpretation
of the scheme will, to my mind, create needless friction if not further prolongation
of the existing chaos of higher education in London, and will prevent the fullest use of
the unrivalled materials which are available in this metropolis. In building up a new
force in the intellectual life of England we must not lose sight of the exacting demands
of modern times.
REAY. (L.S.)
i
lvii
NOTE TO REPORT.
(By Bishop Barry.)
In signing this Report, I desire to state that my signature merely implies a general
agreement with its recommendations as to the constitution of the proposed University,
on the assumption, which has approved itself to the large majority of the Commis-
sioners, that it is possible and desirable to combine in one University two wholly dis-
tinct functions. The first is the function of a teaching “University of London,”
properly so-called, confining its operations to the metropolitan area, recognising in
various ways teaching institutions therein, endeavouring to organize, direct, and supple-
ment their educational resources, and conferring its degrees on those who have pursued a
course of systematic study, either in one of these recognised schools, or under some
other organisation approved by the University. The other is the function, which the
present University has taken up and discharged with signal ability and success—the
function (that is) of an examining University, in no exclusive relation to London, but
having to do in a large majority of cases with candidates from other parts of Great
Britain, and even of the Empire, and conferring its degrees, by the simple test of
examination, on students having no necessary connection with London, and (except
in the case of Medicine) no necessary connection with any recognised institutions of
systematic teaching, either in London or elsewhere.
With this assumption, however, and with the portion of the Report which adopts
and defends it, I am obliged to express emphatically my absolute disagreement. A
careful consideration of the additional evidence and arguments on the subject laid
before us has only strengthened in my mind the conviction, expressed in 1888 by the
three members of the former Commission who had the greatest practical experience
in education, that there is the gravest doubt as to the possibility of rightly combining
these two distinct functions.
This conviction does not depend mainly upon the consideration of the acknowledged
difficulty of so conducting the examination of what are called in the Report “internal”
and “external” students, as to do impartial justice to both, and to promote the highest
educational interests of both. Of that difficulty, indeed, I am fully sensible. After
the fullest study, both of the remarkable and often contradictory evidence given us
upon the subject, and of the recommendations and arguments of the Report of this
Commission, it still seems to me insuperable. By elaborate arrangements it may be
diminished, but I doubt whether it can be removed; and I cannot but believe that it
must be injurious to both classes of students, and to both functions of the proposed
University. On this point I am absolutely at one with my distinguished colleague,
Professor Sidgwick.
But there is, as it seems to me, a far more fundamental objection to the course
proposed. I hold that the two functions are incompatible, because they involve
essentially different ideas of the character of University education and the meaning
of a University degree. . ---
The movement for a teaching University in London may have been in some measure
due to dissatisfaction with the examinations of the existing University. But its funda–
mental ground lay far deeper than this. It was the firm conviction that the needs
of higher education in London could not be adequately met on the principles ruling
the whole system of that University, under which it confers its degrees generally
on the simple test of examination, and extends, its operations equally over the
whole Empire. It was strongly held that true University education could not be
Secured by simple ability to pass examinations, however excellent in themselves; but
that it absolutely required attendance on courses of systematic instruction in teachin
Institutions (under the guidance and inspiration of the best instructors and the general
influences of academic life) with which the examinations should have close connection,
and to which they should be so far subordinated as not to interfere with some freedom
and variety in teaching. It was clearly seen that this principle, bearing not
only on intellectual training but on formation of character, has been at all times the
leading principle of University education everywhere; and it was observed that, by a
happy inconsistency, it was to some extent recognised by the existing University in
O 7967 C. h
lviii
the Faculty of Medicine, in which its degrees stand perhaps highest in the estimation
of the world. With a view to the thorough carrying out of this principle, it was also
earnestly desired to bring the new University into direct and vital relation with the
higher education of the Metropolis itself, for the sake both of London students and of
the great teaching Institutions, which through want of it have been placed, in spite of
their excellence, at great educational disadvantage. Now it appears to me clear that this
most important principle, to which I attach the highest value, is virtually surrendered
by the proposal to stamp with the same University sanction the education in London,
in which it is to be the dominant principle, and the mere preparation elsewhere for
examinations, in which it is altogether ignored; that, if the recommendation of the
majority of the Commissioners be adopted, the degree of the new University will
have to the world an ambiguity of meaning fatal to its value as an educational test ;
and that a great opportunity will have been lost for the promotion of true University
education in London.
Had the Commission seen fit to adopt the general idea of the Gresham Charter, and
simply to improve and enlarge its provisions, these evils, which appear to me funda-
mental, would have been averted; the two different ideas of education would have been
expressed in two distinct degrees, between which the world would have soon learned
to discriminate; and, while 1 have no doubt that the Imperial function of the exist-
ing University would still have been discharged with ability and usefulness, the
requisite impulse and organisation would have been supplied to the Metropolis by a
true University of London.
Accordingly, though fully alive to the advantage in the abstract of a single
University, I am obliged to express, in opposition to the majority of the Commission,
a very strong opinion, that this attempt at what seems to me an impracticable com-
bination is likely to defeat the very object for which the Commission itself was
appointed.
I may add that the experience of the attempt made to combine these functions in the
University of Dublin, quoted as a favourable precedent in the Report, appears, from the
evidence laid before us, not only to present a most imperfect analogy to the circumstances
of the new University of London, but, so far as it goes, to tell distinctly in the opposite
direction, in relation both to the possibility of securing equality between both classes of
students, and to the effect upon the value of the University degree.
ALFRED BARRY. (L.S.)
lix
NOTE TO REPORT.
(By Professor Sidgwick.)
Although I have signed this Report, I am decidedly opposed to the fundamental
principle on which it is framed ; namely, the principle of combining the ordinary work
of a University with the function—now performed by the (so-called) University of
London—of impartially examining students from all parts of the United Kingdom, and
awarding degrees and honours on the results of such examination. I agree with three
out of the six Commissioners who signed the Report of the Royal Commission of
1888, in preferring that these functions should be separated. At the same time, on
the assumption that the new University is to combine these functions, I am willing to
give a general acceptance to the scheme proposed in this Report. And, finding that a
decided majority of this Commission is in favour of such a combination, I have
thought it right to affix my signature to this Report; because I think it on the whole
preferable that a University—in the ordinary sense—should be established in London
with as little delay as possible, even on a basis which I regard as ill-chosen, rather than
that the question should be launched de novo on an indefinite period of agitation,
discussion, and negotiation. Holding this opinion, I should have refrained from
arguing publicly this fundamental question on which I disagree with the majority of
my colleagues, had it not seemed to me that a clear view of the disadvantages and
dangers involved in the basis here proposed would in any case be of service to those
who will actually have to construct and administer the new University.
I will first mention a serious disadvantage which, if this basis be adopted, seems
to me inevitable. The new teaching University will be unfairly handicapped in its
competition with the other Universities of Great Britain, through being unable to
give its students the ordinary and recognised attestation that they have gone through
its course of training with profit. It will be forced to allow them to be confounded
with a different class of students who will not have subjected themselves to its training,
but will merely have passed its examinations. Now, though Oxford and Cambridge
have of late years shown themselves ready to ea'amine outsiders, I venture to say that
any proposal to admit them freely to graduation would be rejected by an over-
whelming majority in either of these Universities; and the opposition to a similar
proposal in Edinburgh or Glasgow would be no less emphatic. If a University is in a
healthy condition, its training has a value not expressed in the marks which it enables
its students to obtain in examination ; and I think it hard that a new University
should be singled out to be deprived of the power of representing this value by its
degrees. a
#. is a disadvantage inherent in the proposed scheme. I pass to note what is
perhaps not more than a difficulty which may be overcome by care; but still a difficulty
so grave as to constitute, in my opinion, a strong objection to the scheme. I mean
the difficulty of arranging the degree-examinations so as to do full justice both to
internal and external students. It will be impossible, I think, to do justice to the
former unless the University has perfect freedom in adapting its examinations to its
teaching. I do not mean that the two classes of students will require separate
examinations in all cases; I believe that in some subjects, especially in the earlier
stages of study, the same examinations would be suitable to both classes of students.
But in other cases I am convinced that it is impossible to give due scope and stimulus
to the best academic teaching, unless the examination of the students taught is
specially adapted to the teaching, and, in part, conducted by the teachers themselves.
On this point the teachers of Science who have given evidence before us are almost
unanimous. The opinion that the teacher “ should have a large say in the exami-
nation ” is expressed, not only by the teachers of science who advocated the Gresham
Scheme, but equally by those—such as Professors Thorpe and Rücker of the Royal
College of Science—who spoke in decided opposition to it. Our evidence shows that
in Applied Science everywhere, at the City and Guilds' Institute no less than at
University College or King's College, the teachers examine their own students, and
serious objection would be felt to any change which handed over the examinations to
outsiders. Nor can this claim to subordinate examinations to teaching be regarded
as an eccentric demand of the London teachers of science. The system that they
h 2
lx
advocate is the prevalent system of the civilised world:—e.g., it appears from the
evidence brought before us, that students are normally examined by their teachers—
with or without the addition of external examiners—in the Universities of Scotland,
Germany, and the United States.
On the other hand, it appears to me equally impossible that examinations specially
adapted to the work of the London teachers of Science can also be used for external
candidates, without abandoning the strict and manifest impartiality towards all teaching
institutions, which it is the pride of the present University of London to maintain.
Separate examinations in the department of Science will, therefore, be necessary for
the two classes of students; and I believe that they will also be found necessary, in
some subjects at least, in the department of Arts, if fºe work of the University is to
be maintained at a really high level. At the same time, I think that the difficulty of
securing an equality of standard in the two sets of examinations will be found very
serious, and will, probably, be a continual source of complaint and friction. In short,
a dual system of examinations will be complicated and troublesome, while uniformity
of system will be tempting but disastrous;–a dilemma which is the natural conse-
quence of attempting to satisfy in one organization two fundamentally different and
incompatible views as to the right relation between University teaching and University
examinations.
In answer to this it is said that the University of Dublin admits non-resident and
resident students to the same examinations, without unsatisfactory results. But,
according to the evidence given before us, the examinations of this University are
frankly and completely adapted to its teaching, and the natural result is that the
competition for honours is practically almost confined to residents. The non-resident
candidates rarely aim at more than a pass, and we are told that in some subjects, to
obtain even that modest rank, they find it best to come to Dublin for two or three
weeks of preparation before the examination. If a similar result were to follow from
the proposed combination in London, it would certainly be felt as a serious grievance
by the institutions outside London who prepare for the examinations of the existing
University. *
I may add that the representatives of the University of Dublin who have given
evidence before us, have all expressed their dislike of the system which imposes on
them the function of examining and graduating external students.
On the whole, I incline to think that when those who are interested in maintaining
the traditions of the existing University of London examine closely the example
furnished by Dublin—in relation to the combination of functions proposed in this
Report—they are likely to find it rather deterrent than encouraging. If, however,
in the face of this example, the Senate and Convocation of the existing University of
London are willing to accept the transformation now proposed, I think that—con-
sidering the strong body of opinion in favour of such a transformation—it should
be permitted to take place. But if they should not be willing to accept it, I trust
that it will not be forced on them. I trust, therefore, that if Parliament should see fit
to carry out the recommendations of this Report, by the appointment of an executive
Commission, that Commission will have power to establish the new teaching University
either in combination with the present examining University or—in the contingency
just supposed—on an independent basis. The modifications of the scheme required in
the latter case would be comparatively small ; and would all, in my opinion, be rather
advantageous than otherwise, from the point of view of the teaching University.
H. SIDGWICK. (L.S.)
lxi
NOTES TO THE REPORT.
(By Mr. Anstie.)
I.
I am not prepared to give to the question of examination so great an importance as
is assigned to it in the Report. Anything approaching to a complete analysis of this
question would exceed the limits proper to a note; but in general the paragraphs
8–12, in my judgment, materially over-estimate the difficulties connected with the
conduct by the same body of the examination and graduation of internal and external
students. This result is in my opinion produced:—
(1.) By on the one hand, under-estimating the amount of common matter which,
especially with regard to Pass Examinations, must be present in the examinations
in the same subject at any given stage, and therefore under-estimating the amount
of mutual arrangement and co-ordination of study which will be found practically
necessary in any University, and especially in a University composed (as this
University will be) of several distinct teaching institutions; and on the other
hand, by not taking into account the degree to which such necessary co-ordination
and assimilation will afford a basis for the examination of external candidates.
(2.) By not taking into account the necessity which, especially in many of the
higher, or Honours Examinations, will be found to exist, of adopting the method
of alternatives or options, whether in paper work or in experimental or vivà-voce
examinations; without which, as it appears to me, the required freedom cannot
be given to the higher teaching.
(3.) By not taking into account the consequent necessity of applying to the exami-
nations for Honours the method (also recommended by other considerations) of
simple classification, instead of that which, in addition to the classification of
successful candidates, assigns to each his individual place; and the degree to which
this system would facilitate the solution of the question with regard to both
internal and external candidates. {}
The practical solution of the question is in my opinion to be found in the following
direction :-
(1.) The distinct recognition of the principle that the whole examination system of
the University should be based upon its authorised teaching.
(2.) The constitution of Boards of Examiners of adequate numbers, upon which
the leading professors of the various Schools in the University should be placed as
ex-officio members.
(3.) The recognition of distinct Pass Courses and Honour Courses, and a sufficiently
ample concession of alternatives, especially in the Honours Courses.
(4.) The arrangement in Class Lists without the assignment of individual places,
of all successful graduation candidates, whether in the Pass or in the Honours
examinations; and the special provision, by scholarships, medals, &c., for the
recognition of individual merit.
But I desire to add that the eminent and experienced professors and teachers
who have recommended to us the scheme of the Association for founding a Professorial
University in London appear to be of opinion that no insuperable difficulty exists in
combining in one University the functions of teaching, and of examining both those
who have and those who have not been taught by the University; and I should upon
this evidence be content to leave to the University, guided by the ample and varied
experience which will be found within its own body, the determination of the arrange-
ments required for exercising these functions in such a way as will neither unduly
interfere with freedom of instruction, nor give rise to any just complaint on the part of
either class of candidates.
Finally, I desire to observe that it would, in my opinion, be an erroneous inference
from the experience of the University of Dublin to assume that either honours or
individual distinctions would be found to be beyond the reach of external students. It
appears that in that University the external students are not unsuccessful in the
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lxii
Honours which are attached to the Pass Degree, notwithstanding the very marked
and special type which characterises the University teaching and examination. But
the conditions under which the external students work undoubtedly make it difficult
that they should in any but very exceptional cases compete for the higher honours of
that University. If in the future the teaching power of the London University is what
may be reasonably anticipated, it ought to be, and no doubt will be, difficult for
those who have not the advantages of its training to compete successfully with those
who have. But the conditions under which the external student will work will be in
almost every respect more favourable than in the case of Dublin, and the internal
student will not, I think, be able to reckon in an equal degree upon immunity from
competition.
II.
Although I entirely assent to the recommendation in par. 45, that a degree should
be conferred only as the result of a three years' course of study, I must express the
opinion that, in order to carry out this principle with fairness, the first degree to be
conferred in Arts should be that of Master, and not Bachelor.
(a.) In the scale of degrees the title of Master is of a purely conventional value, and
varies in significance with the subject with which it is connected. In the Faculty of
Arts, the usage of the older Universities (resulting from historical and financial
considerations which are inapplicable to a modern University) is to confer the degree
of Master indifferently on all Bachelors who, without satisfying any further intellectual
test, are willing and able, after the lapse of a certain time, to pay the required fees. In
those Universities, therefore, the two degrees of Bachelor and Master of Arts (except
in points of mere internal discipline) mean the same thing ; while that of Master,
though reached merely by the lapse of time and the payment of a sum of money,
confers a higher titular, and in the view of the public a higher real, distinction.
I think, however, it cannot be doubted that if the recommendation of par. 45 be
carried out, the first degree in Arts will hereafter be fully equal in intellectual value to
the first degree in Arts in any other University. If therefore the University of London
does not confer as its first degree the title of Master, the result will be that graduates
of that University will, with equal intellectual claims, receive a designation which will
appear lower than that of graduates of the older Universities, owing to the fact that,
on historical and financial grounds, those Universities retain a nominal, which has
ceased to be a real distinction.
I can see no reason why the graduates of the University should be stamped with this
appearance of inferiority; and on this point I think the course taken by the Scottish
TJniversities, in giving the title of Master as their first degree in Arts, furnishes a
weighty and useful precedent, and one which should be followed in the present case.
(b). Further, a distinction must always exist in the tempers, capacities, and objects
of the students, which will inevitably divide them broadly into two classes. . It is well
known, and is abundantly evinced by the evidence given before the Commission, that
those who aim at high University distinction pursue, throughout their studies, a course
which is in many respects different from that pursued by those who are merely aiming
at a pass degree. The arrangements for graduation should therefore be accommodated
to, should within reasonable limits favour, and should in regard both to students and
teachers afford the freedom required by, naturally existing conditions.
This end would, as it appears to me, be best attained by giving character and pro-
minence to the well understood distinction between simple graduation and graduation
with honours; and not by requiring all students to pursue a common course up to a
first degree, as a condition of entering upon that wider and deeper study, which is still
not adapted to the conditions of the Doctorate, but is only a continuation of the earlier
forms and methods of instruction and study.
Whether the difference between the attainments of the two classes of students
should be marked by a different title, or by the same title with a qualifying addition,
or by the same title without any qualification, appears to me a matter of altogether
secondary importance. The holder of a degree can always specify his own distinctions;
and those concerned in more exactly estimating his qualifications will certainly and
easily, as they habitually do, satisfy themselves upon the point. But having regard to
the common usage, and to the advantage of avoiding unnecessary varieties in nomen-
clature, I should prefer that for the first degree one title only should be conferred,
which should, for the reasons already stated, be that of Master.
lxiii
(c.) With regard to the status and rights of existing graduates, no difficulty can
arise which could not be easily dealt with by the University, whether in relation to
the comparatively trivial point of University status, or in relation to the provision of
reasonable facilities for enabling existing Bachelors to obtain by further examination
the degree of Master.
JAMES ANSTIE (Ls)