EXTRACTS

FROM THE

MINUTES AND PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMISSIONERS

RELATING TO THE

UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN.

2. Colleges in Convention.-A Copy of the Regulations or Resolutions of the Scotch Universities in Convention. (Return not printed.)

4. Students of Divinity.-A Statement of the Number and Proportion of Regular and Irregular Students at the Divinity Halls, in the different Colleges of Scotland, for the last 25 years. (Return printed.)

2. Students of Divinity.-A Return of the Number of Students who have actually given attendance, and those who have not given actual attendance at the Divinity Halls of the Colleges of Scotland, for the periods for which they were enrolled, during the last 25 years. (Return printed.)

Universities and Colleges, Scotland.

Extracts from the
Minutes
and Proceedings.

7 November 1829. 13 November 1826.

Paper presented.-Ley's Bursaries.-Petition of Sir Robert Burnett, of Leys, Bart., in regard 4 December 1826. to the Leys Bursaries founded in King's College, Aberdeen.-(See Minutes of Visitation at Aberdeen.)

Leys Bursaries.-Sir Robert Burnett's Petition, presented on the 4th December, ordered to be 29 December 1826. answered by King's College, Aberdeen.

Intimations.-They (the Commissioners) also directed one, of which the following is a copy, 13 January 1827. to be put up in the public entrance to the Common Hall of the University of St. Andrews, and on the public entrances to King's College and Marischal College, Aberdeen, viz. :— "His Majesty's Commissioners, appointed for the Visitation of the Universities and Colleges of Scotland, are transacting business at Edinburgh, and are ready to hear all concerned, in regard to all matters relating to the University and College.

"The Commissioners intend, in the course of the year, to hold a particular Visitation of this University and College. Any communications, duly authenticated, may be transmitted to their Secretary, 29, Queen Street, Edinburgh.

(Signed)

66

"13th January, 1827." BINNING, P." Leys Bursaries.-Answer from King's College, Aberdeen, to Sir Robert Burnett's Petition, regarding the Leys Bursaries. Subject to be considered by the Commissioners of Visitation when at Aberdeen. Visitation, 1718.-Copy of Representation (got from the Secretary of State's Office) of the Commissioners of Visitation in 1718, relative to the state of King's College, Aberdeen; and a Copy of a Memorial relative to the Revenues of that College. (Not printed.) Visitations at Aberdeen and Glasgow.-The Commissioners were of opinion, that a Visitation should take place of the Colleges of Aberdeen on the 17th of September, and another at Glasgow on the 9th of October; and direct a notification to be sent to each of the Commissioners to communicate this intention, with a request to know whether the time proposed will be convenient for him, and whether his name may be put down as one of the Committee for visiting both, or one or other of those Universities. Visitation at Aberdeen.-The following Commissioners, or any of the others who may be able to attend, or a quorum of their number, appointed (nearly in the same form of words as used on 29th December, regarding Glasgow) to visit the Colleges of Aberdeen on the 17th of September:

Leys Bursaries.-Reply from King's College, Aberdeen, to Sir Robert Burnett's Petition, regarding Leys Bursaries. Copy to be sent to Sir Robert, with a letter, stating that the Commissioners will be ready to hear him or his agent when they visit Aberdeen. Accounts of Colleges.-The whole accounts transmitted by the Colleges of St. Andrews, Glasgow, and Aberdeen, in regard to their Property, Revenue, Bursaries, &c., were remitted to the Account Committee to report thereon.

6. Rental of Marischal College.-A Return of Marischal College, Aberdeen, of a copy of the Rental made out in 1716, for a former Commission of Visitation, and referred to in the Return No. 7. (Return printed.)

No. IV.

B

12 May 1827.

10th July 1827.

27 July 1827.

18 August 1827.

Universities and Colleges, Scotland.

Extracts from the

Minutes and Proceedings.

18 August 1827.

5 October 1827.

17 October 1827.

27 October 1827.

7. Property of King's College.-A Return from King's College, Aberdeen, containing a special enumeration of the Buildings stated, in Return No. 69, to be erected within the precincts of the College; of the date of the Grants or Titles on which the same are built, and of the persons to whom, and the terms and conditions on which the ground was feued, sold, or let; and the authority under which the same was done; and the price or annual payment obtained therefor; and the purposes for which the buildings are now occupied, and whether there is any restriction on the use to which they may be converted. (Return printed.)

8. Properties of Colleges of Aberdeen.-A distinct enumeration of the whole Properties, Estates, Funds, Rights of Debts, or other sources from which the income of the College is derived, exhibiting the amount drawn from each; the date when, and the deed by which the same was acquired by the College; with the names and designations by which the estates were acquired, and are now known; and stating whether any portion of such acquisitions has been at any time, and if so, when and how and by what authority alienated, and in what manner the price is secured; and in cases where any part of the income is derived from the interest of money, stating in what manner such sums are secured or invested. (Returns printed.)

9. Titles of Aberdeen College.-Inventory of the Writs, Title-deeds, and other Evidents of the College. Book containing those from King's College exhibited and returned to College. (Return from Marischal College not printed.)

11. Bursaries of Aberdeen Colleges.-A Return of the Deeds of Mortifications or Endowments for Bursaries, Lectureships, or other Establishments at the College, or certified copies thereof. (Not printed.)

12. Students of Aberdeen Colleges.-A Return of the number of students attending the College during the last session, stating also the number at each class, and the number of regular and irregular students at the Divinity Hall. (Returns printed.)

Visitation at Aberdeen.—Minute, appointing Visitation at Aberdeen, read. Chairman reported, verbally, an account of the Proceedings of the Visitation. Approved of. Evidence taken, to be printed.

Marischal College Buildings.-Lectures on Mental Diseases. Letter from the Marquis of Lansdowne, respecting an application from Marischal College for a Parliamentary Grant, referred to the University Commissioners; another from his Lordship, transmitting a Memorial from Dr. Morrison, regarding the establishment of a Regius Professorship in the University of Edinburgh, for the delivery of Lectures on Mental Diseases, also referred to the Commissioners, read. Commissioners requested the Chairman to acknowledge the receipt of the same, and to state, that the subjects to which they relate will be taken into consideration by the Commissioners when they make up their General Report to His Majesty.

Books borrowed by Professors.-A Return of all Books entered in the receipt-books of the Libraries of the Universities of Edinburgh, St. Andrews, and of Aberdeen, prior to the date of this order, as borrowed out by the Professors respectively; specifying the titles of the Books, and the number of volumes of the same, the year when such borrowing took place, the name of the borrower, and distinguishing such as may appear in the receipt-books to have been borrowed by any Professor for the use of other persons, together with a list of the Books which may have been returned to the Library by the Professors respectively at the date of the Return thus ordered.

Books borrowed by Professors-Marischal College.-Return from Marischal College, Aberdeen, as to books borrowed by Professors, ordered on 17th current.

Mr. Farquhar's Will.-Extract received from Marischal College, Aberdeen, from the Will of the late J. Farquhar, Esq. of Fonthill Abbey, bequeathing certain sums to the Scotch Universities.

5. Class Fees, &c.-A Statement of the whole Expense which must be incurred by every Student in the Universities of Edinburgh, St. Andrews, and Aberdeen, passing through the course of study preparatory to the degree of Master of Arts, including class fees, price of books, library-money, dues of graduation, and all other necessary charges. 17 November 1827. Books borrowed by Professors.-A Return from King's College, as to Books borrowed by Professors. Ordered 17th October.

8 October 1827.

Aberdeen Colleges-Class Fees, &c.-Statements of the Expense incurred by Students in
King's College and Marischal College, passing through the course of study prepara-
tory to the degree of Master of Arts.-Ordered 27th October.

Aberdeen Colleges-Libraries.-Returns from both of these Colleges, of the Number of
Students who have availed themselves of the use of the Library during session 1826-7.
-Ordered 27th October.

Remuneration for College Returns.-Letters from Professor Paul, King's College, and Pro-
fessor Cruickshank, Marischal College, written by direction of their respective Colleges,
in regard to their being allowed payment of the expense for making out Returns ordered
by the Commissioners.

Dr. Cook-Reports on Aberdeen Colleges.-Dr. Cook stated, that he had, at the request of Lord Aberdeen, prepared Reports respecting the two Aberdeen Colleges, printed copies of which had been already distributed to the Commissioners. Copies of these Reports were laid by him upon the table, and ordered to lie for consideration.

Union of the two Aberdeen Colleges.-The Commissioners are also of opinion that it is advisable,
upon the general principles stated in the Report of King's College, Aberdeen, to unite
the two Universities of Old and New Aberdeen; the necessary details for effecting this
object in the most beneficial manner being subject to future consideration.
Emoluments of St. Andrews and Aberdeen Professors.-The Commissioners refer to Dr. Cook
to draw up a Statement of the Emoluments derived by the Professors in Aberdeen; and
to Dr. Taylor, to draw up a similar statement with regard to St. Andrews.

Universities and Colleges, Scotland.

Extracts from the
Minutes
and Proceedings.

15 October 1828. 17 October 1828.

5. Emoluments of Aberdeen Professors.-A report from Dr. Cook, in pursuance of the remit made to him on 17th October, in regard to the Emoluments derived by the Professors 19 November 1828. of Aberdeen.—(Printed.)

Books borrowed by Professors.-The Commissioners directed that the printed abstract of the number of books borrowed by the Professors of the several Colleges from their libraries, should be transmitted to the Colleges respectively, with a letter, requesting that measures may be immediately adopted for recalling and securing to the Library the books not yet returned; and that a Report should be made to the Commissioners on or before the 25th of December next, containing an abstract of the then state of the Library in regard to this subject.

Extracts from the interim Reports of the Commissioners.

"We request also to mention, that committees of our number have, in conformity with your Majesty's instructions, made special Visitations to the Universities of Glasgow, St. Andrews, and Aberdeen, to which a great part of the evidence, and many of the documents, more immediately relate."

"We beg to add, for your Majesty's information, that a full report of the present condition of the Universities of Old and New Aberdeen, comprehending various suggestions for their improvement, has been already made; that similar reports of the state of each of the Universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, and St. Andrews, are in progress; but that we have thought it our duty to abstain from presenting to your Majesty the report on the Universities of Aberdeen until we are enabled, by the completion of the others, to lay all of them at one time before your Majesty."

1. Books borrowed by Professors in Marischal College.-A Return from Marischal College of 19 November 1828. Aberdeen, to the Order of 10th November current, in regard to the return of the Books borrowed by the Professors.

Ogilvie Bursary A Letter from Professor Scott, of King's College, Aberdeen, in regard to 29 November 1828. the appropriation of the Funds attached to the Ogilvie Bursary, was read; and the Commissioners referred to the Lord Advocate and the Solicitor-General to frame an answer 'to that communication.

Books borrowed by Professors.-Returns from the Universities of Glasgow and St. Andrews, 17 January 1829. and King's College of Aberdeen, to the Order of 10th November last, in regard to the return of the Books borrowed by the Professors.

2. Principal Brown-Subjects of his Course.-A Paper from Principal Brown of Marischal College, Aberdeen, in regard to the subjects of his Lectures as Professor of Divinity.

3. Dr. Kidd as to inadequate Salary.-A letter from Dr. Kidd, Professor of Oriental Languages in that College, in regard to the smallness of his Salary, on account of the reduc

tion in the rate of interest.

6. Rector-Marischal College.-A Letter from Mr. Davidson, Dean of Faculty in Marischal
College, transmitting Extracts of Minutes in regard to the Election of a Rector in March
last. The Chairman was requested to inform Mr. Davidson, that the Commissioners
will take the subject into consideration, and communicate to him the result.
Reports on Provisional Resolutions.-Printed Reports from the Universities of Edinburgh
and Aberdeen on the subject of the various schemes of Study embraced in the Provisional
Resolutions which had been transmitted for their deliberation, were presented, and or-
dered to lie on the table for consideration.

18 August 1829.

22 August 1829.

Rector-Marischal College.-The Commissioners, having had under consideration the question stated in the Minutes presented on the 18th instant, in regard to the Election of Rector in Marischal College-Remitted the subject to a Committee, consisting of Lord Corehouse, Lord Moncrieff, and the Solicitor-General, to report thereon. Political Economy.-That a separate Chair should be endowed in each of the Universities of 25 August 1829. Edinburgh and Glasgow, for teaching Political Economy, the right of presentation to the Chair being vested in the Crown; and that in the Universities of St. Andrews and Aberdeen, in the event of there being sufficient encouragement, Political Economy should be taught by the Professor of Moral Philosophy, as a separate class, and at a separate hour, and, in case of his declining this duty, it should devolve upon such other Professor as the Senatus of these Universities may nominate for the purpose. Irving's Bursaries. The papers relative to Irving's Mortification in Marischal College were ordered to be printed.

Rector-Marischal College.-Lord Corehouse, from the Committee appointed on the 22d current in reference to the Election of Rector in Marischal College, reported as follows:That the Committee had, in pursuance of the remit, taken the subject into consideration-that the Charter of Marischal College appeared to contain no provision for the

28 August 1829.

Universities and Colleges, Scotland.

Extracts from the
Minutes
and Proceedings.

28 August 1829.

20 October 1829.

22 October 1829.

16 January 1830.

case of an equality of votes, and the Senatus state that "there was no precedent in
the University to rule the case:"-That Mr. Hume, the late Rector, had not taken
the oath of office during the year for which he was chosen, and that, though he had,
he could only give a vote in person; and that his casting vote, even if there was no
doubt of the Rector possessing that privilege, could not be allowed:-And, on the
whole, the Committee were of opinion, that under the circumstances in which an equality
of votes occurred on that occasion, it ought to be held that the Election is void, and
that, in consequence, a day should be now appointed for electing a Rector for the
present year.

2. Number of Students-Graduates.-Returns from the Universities of St. Andrews and
Aberdeen, to the Orders dated 22d August last, of the number of Students at these
Universities, and of persons who have graduated in continuation, to the close of last
Session, of similar Returns formerly transmitted to the Commission.
Rector-Marischal College.-A Letter from Mr. Davidson, Dean of Faculty in Marischal
College, to the Chairman, with a Minute of the Senatus Academicus in regard to the
Election of Rector in that College, was read; and the Chairman was requested to
send an answer, stating, that the Commissioners adhered to the opinion formerly com-
municated on this subject, and that it appeared to them, that, in the event of an Election
for Rector being held previously to March next, all the Matriculated Students attending
the classes at the time of the Election will be entitled to vote.
Constitutions of the Universities of St. Andrews, Glasgow, and Aberdeen.-The Commis-
sioners, having had under consideration the subject of the Constitutions of the Uni-
versities of St. Andrews, Glasgow, and the proposed united one of Aberdeen,—a
draft of resolutions thereon was made, and ordered to lie on the table for farther
consideration.

Union of Aberdeen Universities.-The Commissioners were of opinion, that for the purpose
of carrying into effect the Union of the Universities of Aberdeen, it is expedient that
the following should be the number and character of the Professorships in the United
University: :-

And that adequate compensation, on account of the loss of Fees, ought to be given to those Professors who, in the event of the proposed Union taking effect, may be deprived

of their classes.

Endowments of Professorships.-That some of the Chairs in the United University of Aberdeen will require additional Endowment after the Union of the Universities shall take place; but the Commissioners are not able to state more specifically what particular Professorships will be in that situation, until these Universities are actually incorporated.

College Fabrics. The Commissioners having referred to the evidence with regard to the state of the Buildings of Marischal College, Aberdeen, wherein the architects examined declare them to be unfit for repair, and that repairing them adequately would equal the expense of rebuilding them: and, those Commissioners who attended the special Visitation at Aberdeen, and inspected those buildings, concurring in that opinion,

Resolved, That in the event of no union of the Universities of Aberdeen taking place, it will be necessary to reconstruct Marischal College, with accommodation for the Medical School; but that if a union of these Universities be formed, as recommended in a former Minute, a building for the accommodation of the Medical School only will be required :

That if a union of the Universities of Aberdeen take place, the site of the United University ought to be at King's College, Aberdeen, where considerable additions and extensive repairs have recently been made, partly by a grant of money from Government, and partly by private subscription.

3. Marischal College Ground.-A Letter from Mr. John Smith, architect, Aberdeen, enclosing a sketch of the ground belonging to Marischal College, Aberdeen, on the north-east side of Broad Street, comprehending the site of the College Buildings.

Ogilvie Bursary-There having been read a letter from the Secretary of King's College, in reply to the communication made to him respecting the appropriation of the Funds of