Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1871 [PAGE 55]

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ously undergo a satisfactory examination in each of the branches ordinarily taught in the common schools of the State." In addition to these, candidates for advanced standing must pass an examination in the studies already pursued by the class, or an equivalent therefor. Those desiring ancient languages must pass in the ordinary preparatory studies in such languages. 3. The examinations heretofore have often exhibited a most lamentable lack of true scholarship, even in the ordinary common school branches. In many cases, it is evident that the fault has been in that too common and sad blunder of teaching, which neglects all thorough drill in definitions and principles, and occupies the pupil wholly with exercises. The student often gains considerable expertness in solving the problems in the book, without being able to answer a single question concerning principles, or to explain, rationally, a single step in the process. The following statement of topics, to be embraced in the examinations for admission, may help to guard candidates and their teachers against the blunders mentioned:

1st. In English Grammar, the candidate must give full and clear definitions and explanations ; in Orthography, formation of derivative words by prefixes and suffixes, and rules for spelling ; in Etymology, classification of nouns, classes and conjugations of verbs, etc., the sentence, its principle parts, classes and modifiers, connectives and their use, modifying words and phrases, adjectives and adverbs, analysis of sentences. 2d. In Geography—Form, size, motions and divisions of the Earth by circles ; latitude, longitude and zones ; the continents and their grand divisions ; countries and capitals of Europe and America ; mountain systems and chief rivers and lakes of Europe and America, boundaries, capitals, chief towns, great railroads and canals, of the States of the Union. 3d. Arithmetic. Decimal system of notation and numeration, the four grand rules or operations, with clear explanation of processes, reasons and proofs, classification of numbers, reduction, denominate numbers, fractions, terms of fractions, effects of changes in numerator, in denominator, reduction of fractions, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of fractions, decimal fractions, operations in decimals, percentage, interest, ratio, proportions, involution and evolution. 4th. Algebra. Definitions, notation by letters and signs, simple operations, changes of signs and reasons, algebraic fractions, equations, transformations of equations, solutions of problems, methods of elimination, calculus of radicals.

The examinations in other studies need not be described. Candidates for the University should aim to be as thorough as possible in their preparations. If poorly prepared their progress will be slow and painful, and they will run the risk of losing standing in their classes, and failing in their aim. Frequent and searching examinations will be held to test the progress in study, and to determine each student's fitness to remain in the classes. The University cannot be held responsible for the lack of