[Book Reviews]

Abstract

DISSATISFIED with Mr. Julian Halls “Alma Mater”, recently published in the same series, on the future of the two older universities of England, Mr. Diplock has produced a sparkling and thoughtful essay on Oxford as it appeared to him during the past five years, when spending laborious days in chemical laboratories, and nights in discussing life and topics of wider intellectual interest with non-scientific friends. He not unnaturally prefers the Oxford of his leisure hours, and points out how the ‘old academic tradition’ may be in danger, if women become too numerous, or if benefactors prove too commercially-minded, or if ‘job-hunters’ increase. At the same time, he notes the absence of heads of colleges who have had a scientific training, whereas Cambridge has often benefited by their ability. We hope that Mr. Diplock will enlarge further on his theme.

Isis: or the Future of Oxford.

By W. J. K. Diplock. (To-day and To-morrow Series.) Pp. 95. (London: Kegan Paul and Co., Ltd.; New York: E. P. Dutton and Co., 1929.) 2s. 6d. net.