University of Do you enter into the various discussions as to the nature of heat and the doctrines of heat? I do not enter into the nature of heat further than show its effects. I show that it Marischal College. is a body that expands almost all bodies; but that in some cases it seems to contract them, or at least, that the expansion is not in proportion to the degree of heat they possess; and Professor Davidson. I explain several phenomena from that, such as the freezing of water upon the surface, in 19 September 1827. consequence of the specific gravity of ice being less than that of water at 40. As Dr. Knight's course comprises essentially all this part of the subject, might it not be desirable to turn your attention more to Civil History?-It does not comprise all my course, because Dr. Knight's course being Natural Philosophy, he has sufficient, with mechanics, and optics, and hydrostatics, and all that, to occupy his course; mine is merely a preparation of facts, to lead the student on to be ready for his course. Is there not also a Professor of Chemistry?-He is not in the curriculum; the students do not attend his class till the third or fourth year. Does not that part of your course interfere with the course of the Professor of Chemistry? -Were I to teach Chemistry in its full extent, it would interfere; but instead of interfering, I think it is of very essential service to him. From your teaching that elementary part of Chemistry, do you know whether it has been the means of leading the students of your class to attend the Professor of Chemistry in greater numbers than before?-I cannot say as to that, because Chemistry was taught by my predecessor; but I vary from him, because Pneumatic Chemistry during his time was almost unknown, and the views of Natural History are very different from what they were in his time. Is the collection of specimens of Natural History under your care of great extent?—The collection of specimens of Natural History are mostly my own, except a few in the Museum. I have been at considerable expense in procuring them. Were there none here when you came?-There are a considerable number in the Museum, but they are not adapted for teaching; they are rather showy specimens than specimens that can illustrate Natural History. Is any part of the Library Fund allotted to procuring such specimens ?—None. It is stated in the Return, that there are specimens of Natural History under the care of the Professor of Civil and Natural History?-There are; but I have a great deal more than double or treble those, of my own, which I could not do without. Are they all kept in the same place?-No; I keep my own in a closet off the class-room, and, as it is very damp, I am under the necessity of having them carried to my house at the end of the session. Is there an inventory of such as are the property of the College?-There is a distinct inventory. Are those occasionally added to?-Occasionally, by donations; but there has been nothing particular done by the College. Have you practised Medicine since you came to Aberdeen?—I do, to a very slight extent. -I have. Do you consider there would be any great difficulty in the way of forming a proper medical school here ?-I should conceive there would be very little difficulty; the attempt has been made to found a medical school already, but, in consequence of its being a first attempt, it is not so perfect as it have been. Do you know whether the students of Medicine are in the practice of attending the Infirmary at present ?-Very much; I believe that every student of Medicine attends the Infirmary. In what way are they admitted to attend the Infirmary ?-Upon paying a fee of five guineas they receive tickets to attend the Infirmary; they are allowed to attend it as long as they please. By whom are those tickets given?-By the Treasurer of the Infirmary; and the sum of money that is paid for them goes to the funds of the hospital. Are the students, without having any teacher with them, permitted to go at any time into the hospital?—Only during the hours that the two physicians go round the wards; and they are occasionally allowed to go in, when there is any particular case, if they ask liberty from the physicians. Are any means used to ascertain that the students attend regularly at the hours when the physicians attend?—I am not certain that there is anything done in that way, but I believe the attendance is very regular. I happen to be a manager of the Intirmary, and have had frequent opportunities of being there, and I am satisfied that the attendance is very regular. By whom is the attestation of their attendance given?-By the physicians. There are generally two classes of students, one with Dr. Williamson and the other with Dr. Ewing; and they certify their attendance when they are going away to Edinburgh or London, or anywhere else. Can you state upon what authority the Professorship of Chemistry was instituted in this University?-As it took place before I was here, I can only say, that I understand that a Mrs. Blackwell left £40 a year as a salary for the Professorship of Chemistry, and that in the original deed she named Dr. French as the first Professor, and left the patronage to the University. Was there any sanction obtained from the Crown, or from the Chancellor, to the institution of this Professorship ?-It is not in my power to say, but I rather think not. Is there nothing but the will of Mrs. Blackwell, under which that individual is made a member of the Senatus?-I suppose there is an adoption of the will by the Senatus; but as I was not present, I cannot speak with confidence. University of Marischal College. 19 September 1827. What is your opinion of the expediency of a union of the two Colleges, either as one College or as one University?--I should question very much the propriety of uniting the two Colleges into one, on account of the number of students that generally attend the pri- Professor Davidson. mary classes; because I think, while the system of examination is going on, it is impossible to do justice to more than the numbers that we have attending each. King's College and our College have about the same number of students; my class has about 60, and I suppose Mr. Tulloch's, which corresponds to mine, in the King's College, is about 60); and I should suppose it impossible to do the same justice to 120 that I can do to half of them. What is your opinion, with respect to their being united into one University?-I can see no objection to their being united in one University. Do you see any advantage in it?-Not any very material advantage; but I see no particular objection to it.-[The Witness withdrew.] Robert Hamilton, Esq., LL.D., called in and examined. You are Professor of Mathematics in this College?-I am. The Commissioners understand that you have not, for some years, taught the Mathematical class?—I have not. In the year 1814 I engaged an assistant, being then in the 71st year of my age. I continued to do part of my duty till three years ago. These three last years I have done no duty whatever. Did you appoint your successor yourself, or in conjunction with the Senatus Academicus? In conjunction with the Senatus Academicus. I consulted them upon it, and did it with their approbation. Is there any suggestion you would wish to make to the Commissioners respecting the manner of conducting the Mathematical class, or generally, respecting the interests of the University?—I believe that the Mathematical class is conducted with all the propriety that can well be done; and in that class, as well as the other, I believe that care is taken to keep pace in the lectures with the alterations in the state of the science. Do you think that the session might be beneficially lengthened?-My opinion is, that it might be to a certain extent beneficially lengthened. There is a circumstance that perhaps would make some limitation necessary in lengthening it, viz. that a great part of the students are in poor circumstances, and not able to afford the expense of residing in the town for a long time; but to a certain extent, in my opinion, it would be beneficial, both to the masters and students, to have the session lengthened,-not, perhaps, that the number of meetings should be greater than it is at present, but they are too much crowded together; and it would be more easy to the masters, and more beneficial to the students, if they were extended over a longer period. Would you propose the addition of a month to the session?-I should think the addition of a month it might well bear. Have you formed any opinion as to the expediency or advantage of a union of the two Colleges?-No doubt the Commissioners are informed that several attempts of that sort have been made the last was in 1786. I was at that time a member of the College, and I am the only one surviving. At that time the opinion of every member of our College and University was, that a full union, both of the University and the Colleges, would be expedient. That, however, was opposed by the King's College, and it became abortive. Now, although my opinion then was for a union of the Colleges-a union somewhat similar to what took place at St. Andrews-I have altered my opinion since; and the reason that suggested the alteration is this: at that time the number of students, both here and at the King's College, was much smaller than it is at present; we thought from 30 to 40 a good class. It appeared then, that as that was a smaller number than a Professor of ordinary activity could take the charge of, it was to be regretted that there should be two separate Professors, so near to each other, undertaking a charge that one man was fully equal to. Now the number of students is more than doubled, and therefore my opinion is that if the College was united, so that there was only one Professor for each department, the duty could not be done to the same advantage as it could be if there were two Professors, one in each College, for the same department. I thought it was necessary to state the reason of the alteration of my opinion. In my present opinion it would be inexpedient, for the reason I have stated. As to the other question, with reference to the union of the Universities, I see no objection to it, though it does not appear to me that there would be any great advantages resulting from it. In case of a union of the Universities, without a union of the Colleges, the principal point in which they would act as a general body would be in granting degrees. No doubt something would be added to the respectability of their degrees by their uniting; in other respects, the uniting into one University does not appear to me of very essential consequence. Do you think that a union of the faculties of Divinity and Medicine might be beneficially accomplished?—It is rather out of my line to form a decided opinion upon that point. There is one department in which I think a single Professor would be fully sufficient, and that is the department of Oriental Languages. No. IV. N Professor Hamilton. University of Marischal College. Have you any suggestions to offer to the Commissioners, independently of what you have now stated?-I do not recollect any. Have you formed any opinion with respect to the mode in which the election of the Rector is conducted at present?-I have; it is an unfavourable opinion. With regard to Professor Hamilton. the present mode, it is well known to the Commissioners that the greater part of our students enter very young-younger, indeed, than is eligible; but that is a thing which it 19 September 1827. is not in our power to prevent; but the consequence is that there are always some students who are disposed to be factious and discontented, and who, for a considerable time before the election of the Rector, engage in politics and parties, which are apt to draw off their attention from those things to which it ought to be directed, and the effects of that I have been very sensible of. I may mention, that till within these eight or ten years nothing of that kind has occurred, though there have been regular elections of the Rectors ever since I was a member of the College. Till within these eight or ten years matters went on smoothly; and it is within that later period that the spirit of party and politics has come in among the students, which has had a bad effect upon their studies for a considerable time before the election. John Cruickshank, Would you propose to limit the right to the elder students, or would you think it advantageous that they should all be excluded from exercising it?-I have a little difficulty in forming an opinion. I have seen very bad consequences from matters as they are: whether limiting it to the elder students would remedy it or not I cannot say. What arrangement was made with respect to providing your assistant and successor with suitable recompense?—I retain the salary, and my assistant has nearly all the fees of the class. Was he recommended by you to the patrons ?-He was recommended by me to the Senatus Academicus. For the two or three first years he was only my assistant; afterwards he was, by the town-council, the patrons of the office, appointed my assistant and successor. At your request?—Yes. You did not resign?-No, I still hold the office. Can you state upon what footing it was that Dr. French was admitted a member of the Senatus Academicus, and made a Professor ?-The Senatus Academicus agreed, in consequence of Mrs. Blackwell's mortification, to admit him one of their Professors.-[The Witness withdrew.] [On the Evidence being sent to the Witness for verbal correction, he added the following paragraph]: "I beg leave to mention, that although the answer to the query, Would you propose to limit the elder students,' &c. be correctly stated as I gave it, yet, on recollection, I am of opinion that the inconveniences mentioned would not be done away by limiting the right of election to the students in the higher classes. "If any means could be found of adding to the number of Professorships, I should think a Professor of Modern Literature a valuable accession to the University. John Cruickshank, Esq., A.M., called in and examined. You are assistant and successor to Dr. Hamilton, the Professor of Mathematics ?— I am. Do you concur in all the statements contained in the Answers to the Questions proposed by the Commissioners to the Senatus Academicus?-I do, with two very slight exceptions. I am sorry that, in making up one of the Returns, there were two errors committed, which I discovered soon after; and I will give in the corrections of them. I do not think they are of great importance. [The Witness delivered in the same.] The one refers to the comparison of the present names of the small crofts, with the names which they bore in 1716: there are three entries in the table given in page 3, which are not perfectly correct. The other refers to what is said with regard to the property of the College in the Grey Friars Church. Both those errors appear in one of the Supplementary Appendices. Will you have the goodness to state in detail to the Commissioners the manner in which you conduct the Mathematical class ?-In the first place, as to the method of conducting the class, I would state, that I secure regularity of attendance by calling a catalogue always at the beginning of the meeting, and calling over again, at the end of the meeting, the names of those absent at the beginning of it, in order to distinguish those who come too late from those that are absent altogether. I may state, also, that I regularly watch the censor, so as to detect him if he falsify the catalogue, either by neglect or design; so that I can affirm with certainty that no student can be late or absent without my knowing it. Do the students sit in fixed places?-They do not, in my class. If they were fixed in certain places, might not that save the calling the catalogue, by enabling you to see at once whether any row wanted its proper number?-I should think not, if the class were very numerous. How long does the calling the catalogue take?-A very short time; I do not allow the censor to read the Christian names of all the students. All those of the name of Alexander, for example, are together in the catalogue; he reads the first Christian name of Alexander with the surname, and then he runs through the other surnames as fast as he can. My reason for not obliging the students to sit in any constant order is, that sometimes two University of Marischal College. or three of them are apt to get too intimately acquainted when they sit in that way, and to become troublesome and trifling. When they enter the class-room promiscuously, and take their seats as they can find them, it seldom occurs that, in any bench, the order is the same on two days in succession; and I think, upon the whole, that this is an advantage. In my mode of teaching, very few written lectures are read, the subjects not admitting of John Cruickshank, them with much advantage. A very great number of exercises are proposed in writing, Esq. the answers to some of which are examined by me at home; and the students are examined on the others in the class-room. Will you state what it is you read, as well as the method you pursue?-In the elementary Mathematical class, a few days are spent in illustrating the principles of arithmetic ; but the students are supposed to have learned arithmetic before they enter that class. Is that the fact?With respect to a few of the students, it was sometimes not the fact a short time ago; but by the system of entrance-examinations, which are now introduced here, we can very easily ascertain whether they are intimately acquainted with the elements of arithmetic or not; and we reject those who are not so acquainted; or, if they will go forward, they are allowed to do so only as private students, who cannot be candidates for any University honours, and are not allowed to wear University gowns. Has that regulation been productive of beneficial consequences?-The regulation is as yet carried into effect only partially. Last autumn it was carried into effect with respect to the Bursars, and it produced remarkably good consequences; they came forward much better prepared than could have been expected. It was intimated, at the close of the last session, that the same regulation would be extended to all public students. From which you anticipate equal benefit?—I do. If this be the proper time to state my opinion with respect to those entrance-examinations, I think they are of the utmost importance, and that it would be highly conducive to the interests of learning, if they were introduced into all the Universities. Further, in the elementary class, after spending a few days in illustrating the principles of arithmetic, a long time is devoted to the elements of geometry. In the course of the session, the first six books of Euclid are taught, together with algebra, as far as simple equations; then the elements of plane trigonometry, with their application to the mensuration of heights and distances, and to land surveying. These are the branches taught in the elementary class. In the second class, I spend a few days in revising algebra from the beginning. I then give a great variety of examples, both in simple and quadratic equations. Next, I give the application of algebra to different kinds of series, such as arithmetical and geometrical series, figurate numbers, combinations and permutations, and so forth; and then its application to compound interest and annuities. I also devote a short time to the higher equations, such as cubic and biquadratic equations, but not a very long period. I then go on to the elements of solid geometry, with their practical application; then conic sections; then the doctrine of the sphere; the elements of navigation, the elements of spherical trigonometry, with their application to a great variety of nautical and astronomical problems, and also to dialling; but I may mention, that I have taught dialling for several years back, in a separate class, allowing those who choose to attend, and not forcing the whole class to attend it. My reason for doing so has been, that I was rather confined as to time, in going over all those branches in one course. fee is ever charged for the dialling class. No How long may it last?—I cannot say with certainty; I think usually about four weeks, three meetings a week; it may be two or three meetings more. In the third Mathematical class, I spend a good deal of time on the higher equations, and the more difficult applications of algebra, such as its application to geometry and to Natural Philosophy, and to indeterminate problems. Then I give a good many more astronomical and nautical problems, rather more difficult than those that were given in the class immediately preceding. The third class not being numerous in general, I am able also to show the students in it the method of using the astronomical instruments, to put several of the instruments into their hands, to show them the adjustments, and to take observations in their presence, and give them the observed quantities on which to found calculations. I find these to be much more interesting to them than mere suppositions prescribed as exercises. A great portion of the time is spent, in that class, in teaching the elements of fluxions, and their application to various branches, such as problems de maximis et minimis, and the mode of drawing tangents to curves-the method of finding areas, the lengths of curved lines, the surfaces and the contents of solids, and so forth. In the fourth Mathematical class, in which there has never been, as far as I know, more than one student (the person who has gained Gray's Mathematical bursary, and who does not attend the Professor at stated hours), there are usually taught the higher parts of fluxions, and different parts of astronomy. Is attendance upon the third and fourth classes voluntary?-It is, except on the part of the Mathematical Bursar, who, by the deed of mortification, is obliged to attend the third and fourth classes. I have not known any instance of more than the Mathematical Bursar attending the fourth class; and the Professor usually meets with him at such hours and on such days as are most convenient to both parties. Is that a voluntary duty upon your part?-No, I do not consider it as such, because, by Gray's deed of mortification, the Bursar is required to attend both the third and fourth classes; and it is appointed that for each Bursar the Professor of Mathematics shall receive a fee of two guineas. When the bursary was increased from £12, which it was at first, to £15, and subsequently to £25, this fee of two guineas was increased by the College to three guineas. It has not been customary to take any fee from the students who attended the third Mathematical class voluntarily; so that the Professor of Mathematics teaches the third and fourth classes for this fee of three guineas for each. 19 September 1827. University of Marischal College. How much time do you spend with that one student at once?—I do not spend much time with him in general, because the method is to prescribe to him written exercises; to examine his papers at my leisure; and perhaps spend 15 or 20 minutes, or perhaps in some cases a whole hour, in conversing with him upon the subject of those papers. Have any of the students who have acquired that bursary prosecuted the study of Mathematics pretty high?-There are several instances of their having done so. There 19 September 1827. Was one instance, in 1795, of a student's receiving a gold medal, which is appointed by the founder of the Mathematical bursary, to be given out of the same fund to any Mathematical Bursar who eminently distinguishes himself in Mathematics. The same medal was given in 1824 and 1825. These are the only instances in which it has been given since its foundation in 1772. Have any of those young men turned out civil engineers?-They have not. The last two are still but very young men. One of them teaches an arithmetical and mathematical school in Aberdeen,-what is called the Town's Mathematical School. The one that received the medal in 1795 studied Medicine, went to the East Indies, and died soon after. How many hours a day are you occupied in teaching?-The first class meets daily, one hour a day; the second also daily, one hour a day; the third class meets only three times a week; and the fourth in the irregular way I have been describing. The third class is generally not opened till about the 18th or 20th of November. How long is the course?-The course is 22 weeks, without any vacation, except the 25th of December and the 1st of January. I have mentioned already that very little time is spent in my classes, in reading written lectures. Towards the end of each meeting, the lessons for the next day are prescribed and explained; and the greater part of each meeting is occupied in examining the students on the lessons prescribed on the preceding day. In the first and second Mathematical classes a few prize-books have of late years been given at the end of the session, by competition, which I think are very useful in exciting emulation. When fines happen to be taken in the class, for being late or absent, or for misbehaviour, the produce of those fines I have applied of late years to the purchase of prize-books. In some instances, the fines for a winter have not exceeded a few shillings, in which cases I have added a little to them myself. In what manner do you give those prizes?—I give them by competition; and I think all prizes of that description should be given by competition. I do not at all approve of the mode of giving them by the votes of the students, because, although I am aware that it succeeds pretty well on many occasions, yet I think the system is very liable to be abused; and I know instances where it has been grossly abused. In what way?-By the students going about among their fellows, during the session, soliciting votes, and getting them through favour. Were you a student yourself at this University?—I was. Was the system of prizes then in operation?-It was not. How is the competition for the prizes conducted?-The competition for my prizes is conducted as follows: I generally hold the competition of both the first and second Mathematical classes in one afternoon; I meet with them at four o'clock, and I place the competitors from the one class at tables at the one end of the Hall; and those from the other at the other end. I prescribe the exercises in writing, and I order the answers to be given in in writing at a certain hour, generally about ten o'clock at night. I remain with the competitors to see that they do not assist one another. Do you think that the institution of prizes has excited much greater emulation among the students than existed in your time?-Much greater; and I should think it highly to be desired, that a certain provision should be made for regular prizes; that they should not depend upon anything so precarious as fine-money. Is it your opinion, that a number of small prizes, or a few more valuable prizes, is the best system?--I do not think, that when prizes are given for proficiency at the end of the session, very much depends upon their value. If the highest prize is from 30s. to two guineas, what may be sufficient for purchasing and binding handsomely some useful book on Mathematics, I think that is sufficient. The lowest prize ought also to be sufficient to purchase and bind handsomely some useful mathematical work, and therefore ought hardly to be under 15s. or 16s. I think it would be very desirable to have a prize of that description for every five students in a class; I should think that proportion sufficient. I would wish to state further to the Commissioners, that, in order to excite emulation among my scholars, I not only encourage them in the usual way, by well-timed praise of those that are diligent, and by reprimanding the idle, but I warn the students regularly, at the commencement of the session, that I am to keep accurate records of their proficiency, as displayed at each of the daily examinations. Those records of their proficiency, as shewn at the daily examinations of the class, I keep by means of a set of marks, which I place on the catalogue before me, after the names of the students. These marks shew me also how often each student has been examined during the preceding part of the session. I never examine the students in any fixed order; so that no student in my class can know when he is to be examined. He may be examined, for aught he knows, twice in one day; he may be examined to-day, and again to-morrow; or he may not be examined for four or five days; yet, at any period of the session, I can tell, by means of those notes or marks, how often I have examined each student during the preceding part of the session, and what proficiency he has shewn at each examination, by having half-a-dozen different marks, one to express distinguished excellence, another for the next degree of proficiency, and so on. Do you make your certificates correspond with those marks?-I always do so; and I warn the students regularly that I am to do so. I could, by referring to my books at present, |