Repository: UIHistories Project: Course Catalog - 1892-1893 [PAGE 17]

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HISTORY.

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duty of the state to provide it has been emphasized. With many obstacles encountered and various vicissitudes endured, the University itself and the central idea upon which it was founded have made long strides forward in fact and in public esteem. During the first term classes were instructed in algebra, geometry, natural philosophy, history, rhetoric, and Latin. Along with this, work on the farm and gardens or around the buildings was compulsory for all students. But in March of the next year compulsory labor was discontinued, save when it was made to serve as a part of class instruction. A chemical laboratory was fitted up during the autumn of 1868, and students then began practical work in the department. Botanical laboratory work was commenced the following year. In January, 1870, a temporary mechanical shop was fitted up with tools and machinery, and in this little wooden building, originally constructed for a carpenter shop, was begun the Jlrst shop-instruction in American universities. During the summer of 1871, a large brick structure, the present Machinery Hall, was erected and equipped for students' shop work in both wood and iron, and in 1876 a diploma of merit was awarded for the exhibition in this line made at the Centennial Exposition. By vote, March 9, 1870, the trustees admitted women as students, and during {he year 1870-71, twenty-four availed themselves of the privilege. Since that time they have constituted about one-sixth to one-fifth of the total number of students. In 1875 a course in domestic science and art was organized. This was maintained five years, when, upon the withdrawal of the professor in charge, it was abandoned. By the original state law certificates showing the studies pursued and the attainments in each were substituted for the usual diplomas and degrees. The certificates not proving satisfactory to the holders, the alumni petitioned the legislature in 1877 to give the University authority to confer degrees, and such authority was granted. Again upon motion of members of the alumni, seconded by trustees and faculty, the legislature was asked in 1885 to change a former action by that body. The word industrial, as used in connection with public institutions, had become associated with those of a penal or reformatory kind, and, in consequence, many ludicrous and sometimes embarrassing mistakes were made as to the character and purpose of the University. Instead of the splendid conception of high, collegiate education preparatory to and in aid of the great industries of the age, people were too often led to suppose the state had provided a place for destitute children or for young culprits. From the beginning the institution had been recognized as the state University and all the discussion leading to.