Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1884 [PAGE 176]

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MAECH MEETING.

The Board met at 4 o'clock P. M., on Tuesday, March 13, 1883, in the University parlor. ., Present—Messrs. Kenower, Mason, McLean, Millard and Pearman. Absent—Governor Hamilton, Messrs. Bennett, Cobb, Landrigan, and Paden. The records of the last meeting were read and approved. Kecess taken to 8 o'clock P. M.

EVENING SESSION.

The Board met at 8 P. M., present as before. The election of officers was on motion postponed until to-morrow morning The Kegent read the following report, which was received:

EEGENT'S REPORT. To the Trustees of the Illinois Industrial University: GENTLEMEN—In the report which I presented to>ou one year ago, I gave a detailed account of the work of the University in its several departments, indicating a few points in which the service might be improved. The changes which were made at the end of the last collegiate year, gave opportunity for some changes in the outline of instruction, which seemed to me desirable, especially in the courses in Chemistry and in Natural History. The work of the first term in chemistry has taken character adapted to the wants of such students as require that subject as an incident in a broader course of literature and science, without interfering with the substantial foundation desirable for those who expect to make the study of chemistry a specialty. It is a matter of regret thatithe finances of the University did not permit the filling of both places made vacant in the Chemical laboratory. In order that the work in that department may be so distributed that it can be properly handled by one professor, some changes must be made in the Chemical and Agricultural courses, as suggested in the revised catalogue which will be transmitted for your approval. In all respects the work in the department of Chemistry is proving quite satisfactory. The analytical work is characterized bv accuracy and precision, and the methods pursued are such as are developing thoroughichemists. Some changes are proposed in the course of Natural History, having in view the same ends which have been attained in the School of Chemistry. It is proposed to extend the course in Zoology one term, making three terms for special students of that science, and to give in addition a single term, which shall be complete in itself so far as it may go, for such students as desire that subject in the general courses. Some provision is needed for laboratory instruction in this department. A. balance from the appropriation for the Museum has been retained until now, that these needed facilities might be furnished as soon as their character could be intelligently ascertained. I trust that the practical instruction in this specialty may be brought to the same grade as that which characterizes this institution in its other schools. The collection of shells now on deposit in the Museum can be bought by the University at a fair price, but our present available means will not permit the purchase. It ought to be secured for us, both for the sake of the instruction in zoology, and for its relationship to paleontology.