Repository: UIHistories Project: Course Catalog - 1881-1882 [PAGE 63]

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College of Natural Science.

61

Entomology.—After some introductory lectures upon the most useful literature, and the methods of collecting and preserving specimens, about five weeks are devoted to the special anatomy of insects and the outlines of classification. During this time students make collections as fast as possible, reserving, however, the determination of species until the last half of the term. During this latter portion of the term three lectures per week are given upon insects, both injurious and beneficial, methods of exterminating, etc., and four hours per week are taken for laboratory work, naming species, noting habits observed, making detailed descriptions, etc. A careful and complete description of some one species, illustrated by drawings of important parts, is made by each student and deposited in the library of the school. The large collection of named species, the ample reference library, the drawings and other illustrations to which students have access, are invaluable aids in the study. Students are required to provide themselves with collecting nets and bottles, pins, and lined boxes, and books for notes. Microscopes and other required apparatus are furnished by the University. Microscopy and Fungology —Students have in this study further practice in the use of the compound microscope, the management of light for particular purposes, the testing of lenses, measurement of magnifying powers and angles of aperture, drawing and photographing objects, preparation and mounting of material, etc. The application is mainly, but not exclusively, devoted to minute fungi, including those of the different fermentations and putrefactions. Such fungi as are known or supposed to be injurious to plants or animals are studied as carefully and thoroughly as circumstances permit, specimens being obtained by cultivation and from various other sources. Mineralogy.—Fourteen weeks; about six weeks are occupied in lectures on crystallography; Nauman's system of symbols is used and explained. A collection of models, comprising the most important forms and combinations in the various systems of crystallization is used for illustration and study. The remainder of the term is occupied by the descriptive determination of minerals. A very complete collection of minerals, both American and foreign, has been furnished for this purpose.

APPARATUS.

In Botany, the school has a collection of about one thousand species of the plants indigenous to the State of Illinois, including a very nearly complete set of the grasses; a collection of Rocky Mountain and Western Plants; a collection of plants from Dr. Vasey, Botanist of the Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C; and others obtained by exchange