Repository: UIHistories Project: Course Catalog - 1897-1898 [PAGE 25]

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HISTORY

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the farm and gardens or about the buildings was at first 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. Botanical laboratory work began the following year. In January, 1870, a mechanical shop was fitted up with tools and machinery, and here was begun the first shop instruction given in any American university. During the summer of 1871 the present Engineering Laboratory was erected and equipped for students' shop work in both wood and iron. By vote, March 9, 1870, the Trustees admitted women as students. During the year 1870-71 twenty-four availed themselves of the privilege. Since that time they have constituted from one-sixth to one-fifth of the total number of students. By the original state law certificates showing the studies pursued and the attainments in each were given instead of the usual diplomas and degrees. The certificates proved unsatisfactory to the holders, and in 1877 the legislature gave the University authority to confer degrees. In 1885 the legislature changed the name of the institution to 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, the results of which should be published in a series of bulletins and reports, and for the allied purpose of furnishing specimens illustrative of the flora and fauna of the state to the public schools and to the state museum. For these purposes direct appropriations are made by the legislature from session to session. A large amount of material has been collected and extended publications have been made in both the forms above mentioned. By an act approved March 2, 1887, the national gov-