Repository: UIHistories Project: Course Catalog - 1893-1894 [PAGE 17]

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HISTORY.

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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 first shop-instruction in American universities. Daring 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 studentsi and during the 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 its establishment was based upon this idea. No change was now sought in its character or in its relations, but a name better expressive to the public mind of that character and relation was desired. The industrial University became the University of Illinois. During the same session of the legislature a bill was passed transferring the State Laboratory of Natural History from the Illinois State Normal University to the University of Illinois. This laboratory was created by law for the purpose of making a natural history survey of the state, with the.publication of the results in series of bulletins and reports, and for the allied purpose of furnishing specimens illustrative of the flora andjfauna of the state to the public schools, and to the state museum.