Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1886 [PAGE 165]

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157 bad, and, after leaving college, they do not help the reputation of either the institution or its graduates. They are very difficult to deal with. The equipment in this department is fairly satisfactory, although it is believed that a little money could be used profitably in completing our collection of building stones, cements, etc. Also a few full-sized bridge joints would be very useful. The location of the University is such that there are no engineering structures near which can serve for illustrations in the study of bridges and stonework. Before many years we will need a considerable outlay for new engineering field instruments; some of them, which were secondhand in the beginning, are badly worn. The equatorial telescope is not as good as we need for the work in descriptive astronomy. I hope we may soon be able to secure an instrument as suitable for that purpose as the new alt-azimuth is for the work which we do with it. I have no desire for a large telescope, a small one will suit our purposes better. All of which is respectfully submitted,

I. 0. BAKER.

Prof, of Civil Engineering.

MINING

ENGINEEBING.*

PROFESSOR THEODORE B. COMSTOCK, SC. D. DR.

S. H. PEABODY, Regent:

S I R : — I have the honor to present herewith a brief statement of the work done in my department since the beginning of the current scholastic year. As you are aware—owing to the undeveloped condition of the school of mining engineering and the lack of students already committed to such study—it was impossible for me to start at once upon a well-defined systematic course. As soon as practicable, however, I prepared and suggested a line of subjects intended to cover four years of thorough work leading to the degree of B. S. in the course in Mining Engineering. This scheme, after some revision by yourself, and the special faculty of the College of Engineering, was adopted by the General Faculty. The scope and character of the work required of students in this new course is clearly outlined in the special circular issued under your direction soon after its adoption. In addition to the wide distribution from your office, I sent out many of these announcements to mining engineers and others whose interest and practical support may be useful to our institution. Although 4t is yet early to look for direct results, there is much reason to believe that the building up of this department in the University is attracting the favorable attention of those whom we most desire to secure and retain as friends and patrons. Among the students there has been.