Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1876 [PAGE 47]

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47 The estimates will give the cost of ground, earth-work structures, rolling stock, etc. A project in Geodsey, or Higher Engineering:, will be executed during the Senior year.

APPARATUS.

The School is provided with both English and American Instruments for the different branches of Engineering Practice, and for the Astronomical work of Higher Surveying. It has numerous models for illustration of its specialties, and access to the cabinets of the other Schools. To facilitate the practice in Trigonometrical and Land Surveying, it has a specially prepared area, in which the difficulties of plane surveying are presented to the beginner as he is able to meet them, and where he is taught practical methods of overcoming them. This area is subdivided by a large number of lines, the positions of which are accurately known, but not by the student. He is then required to determine the position of the "corners'- by varioua methods, and to calculate the enclosed areas. Other problems are given in detetermining inaccessible distances, passing obstacles, avoiding local attractions, etc., for which the ground is prepared. The number of divisions is so large that no two students need have the same problem, and so accurately laid out that the correctness of the student's work can at once be determined. An Astronomical Observatory for meridian observations, and of suitable size for the practical exercises in Astronomy, has been erected and is in use. An Equatorial telescope has also been mounted for the use of the students. A set of Smithsonian Meteorological instruments has been procured, placed in suitable positions, and observations commenced. A Universal Instrument for Astronomical and Geodetic work is being made for the use of the Senior classes by Messrs. Ertel & Son, Munich. It will read to seconds of arc both in altitude and azimuth by four micrometers, and will in all respects be a superior instrument, adapted to the most accurate work.

CIVIL ENGINEERING COURSE.

First Year—1. Same as in Mechanical Engineering. Second Year—1. Advanced Algebra and Analytical Geometry ; Land Surveying; German. 2. Advanced Calculus; Drawing; German. 3. Advanced Calculus and Spherical Trigonometry; Topographical Surveying ; German. Third Year—1. Advanced Descriptive Geometry; Chemistry and Laboratory Practice ; Railroad Surveying. 2. Analytical Mechanics ; Chemistry and Laboratory Practice ; Physics ; Weekly Exercises in Practical Astronomy. 3. Analytical Mechanics ; Astronomy ; Physics; Weekly Exercises in Practical Astronomy. Fourth Year—1. Resistance of Materials and Hydraulics; Geology; Geodesy. 2. Bridges ; Constitutional History ; Meteorology and Physical Geography. 3. Stone work ; Physical Laboratory and Thesis; Political Economy.