Notes

Abstract

THE John Hopkins University, some account of the organisation of which we recently published, was formally instituted at Baltimore, U.S., on February 22. Prof. Gilman in his address hinted that elementary instruction in all branches of science is not contemplated at the new University. There will be no stated curriculum of four years. Great freedom is to be allowed both to teachers and to scholars; the former must be “free and competent to make original researches in the library and the laboratory;” the latter will be encouraged to “make special attainments on the foundation of a broad and liberal culture,” and to make them through a “combination of lectures, recitations, laboratory practice, field work, and private instruction.” Pending the filling of the several professorial chairs, the trustees will ask the most eminent men, both in Europe and America, to come to Baltimore during a term of years, and reside there an appointed time, “and be accessible, publice et privatim, both in the lecture-room and in the study.” One most important appointment has already been made, by which England will lose, for a time at least, one of her most distinguished mathematicians; Dr. J. S. Sylvester has been appointed to the Chair of Advanced Mathematics, at a handsome salary. Prof. Sylvester will probably enter upon his duties in October next.