Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1876 [PAGE 128]

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128

The fastenings of the iron shutters on the east side of the Library are so weak that it is not safe to open them when there is any wind. There is not light enough on a cloudy day if the shutters are closed, so that it would seem some fastening should be devised which would be safe. In the Third Annual Report of the Trustees, the catalogue of the Library was printed. Since then the Library has been increased threefold, and there is no printed list of the books. I would suggest that the catalogue of the Library be printed in the next report of the Trustees. There are about twenty books that need repairs, and as they are books in common use, it would be well if the work could be done during the vacation. Very respectfully, J. D. CRAWFORD, Librarian.

CHEMICAL DEPARTMENT.

J . 11. GREGORY, L. L. D M RegentIU. Ind. University: DEAR SIR :—The undersigned begs leave to submit the following report, showing in brief terms the condition of and the work done in the Chemical Department for the past year. In the fall term the class in Elementary Chemistry opened with one hundred and four students, and was divided into two sections, each of which recited daily. The work done in this term embraced the study of chemical physics, the principals of chemical nomenclature, and the chemistry of the non-metals. Ninety-four of this class were present at the examination at the close of the term. There was also taught in this t^rm a class in Mineralogy, numbering eight students, seven of whom were present at examination. The class had three recitations a week, and the minerals constituting the cabinet of the University were determined. The class in the Chemical Laboratory numbered twenty-nine students, four of whom commenced in Qualitative Analysis. Of the advanced students three were in the agricultural course, the rest were engaged in making analysis of soils, mineral waters, iron, zinc, lead and copper ores, assaying of gold and silver ores, organic analysis and the preparation of chemicals. In the winter term the class in elementary chemistry numbered fifty-three students, and was again taught in two divisions. The work done in this term embraced the chemicals of metals, special attention being given to its application to the arts and manufactures. The whole number of students in the Laboratory this term was eighty-four, twenty of whom were advanced students, and occupied the room which had recently been fitted up. Five of these were in the agricultural course, of the remainder three were engaged in the study of poisons and the rest in alalysis of various ores and other minerals, electroplating and preparing chemicals. The class in elementary chemistry for the present term numbers thirty students ; the whole term has been given to the study of Organic Chemistry. The whole number of students in the Chemical Laboratory is sixty. Of these, four are in the agricultural course. Of the remainder, two have been engaged in making the various preparations of the veterinary materia medica, one has been preparing tinctures and extracts with a view of going into the drug business, and the rest have been engaged in making general analyses, electroplating, etc.

ASSISTANTS.

During the whole year this department has received the constant and able assistance of Messrs. A. E. Barnes and M. A. Scovell, both of whom cannot be too highly recommended for t h e s i t u a tions they are occupying. The teaching in the Laboratory must all be done individually, and at the opening of the winter term we found that with our help it was impossible to give the large number of students proper attention. Two of the more advanced students, Messrs. J. N. Stayman and W. Stull, were therefore taken as volunteer assistants, the former of whom has acted in the same capacity during the present term, and has rendered the department valuable aid. With the prospects of an increased attendance in the Laboratory next fall, the number of assistants would have to be increased, and should it meet your views, and those of the Honorable Board, the undersigned would respectfully recommend the appointment of Messrs. Barnes and Scovell, at the salary agreed upon with you, as well as that of Mr. Stayman, with such little compensation as may seem fit. It might also be well to state that if the class in Chemistry will be as large next fall as it was last, the lower room will by no means accommodate all who will work in the Laboratory. If it should be thought desirable, the old recitation room could be fitted up with desks. Very respectfully, H. A. WEBBER. J u n e 3, 1875. J. M. Gregory, L.L.D., Regent Illinois Industrial University:

DEAR SIR—The undersigned begs leave to submit the following list of Chemicals and apparatus needed for the progress of work in Chemical Laboratory next fall. The estimate of Chemicals have been based upon the wants of the Laboratory for the whole coming year, since wholesale prices can be obtained if the Chemicals be purchased in the following quantities: