Page:The Granite Monthly Volume 6.djvu/271

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JOHN SMITH WOODMAN.

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��new branches and methods of study adapted to this description of young men, and it creates a new degree, the degree of Bachelor in Science, intended to be equivalent to the degree of Bach- elor of Arts. Its scope is to elevate me- chanical and industrial pursuits, and give to material science and labor a social and political consequence in a higher proportion than they have here- tofore held to the professional. It implies that all the departments of knowledge and occupation are equally necessary to the subsistence and well- being of society, and that they have hitherto not held their natural and proper relation to each other. Its aim is to restore that natural and constitu- tional propriety."

In 1 85 1 the college authorities sent out a circular, in which they said, " The Chandler Scientific School, in its full course of instruction, aims at a liberal education on a scientific instead of a classical basis."

In 1863 Professor Woodman pub- lished a pamphlet giving a " Statement of the Conditions and Objects of the Chandler Scientific Department of Dartmouth College," headed "A Liber- al Education or Not." In 1867 he issued a circular setting forth the aims and needs of the Chandler Scientific Department, and explaining the prog- ress which had already been made. This circular was accompanied by let- ters from President Smith, Ex-President Lord, Gen. George Stark, Hon. Onslow Stearns, Judge Steele, of Vermont, and Hon. S. M. Wheeler.

Dartmouth College. June S. 1867. I desire to commend the carefully pre- pared and impressive statement in re- spect to the Scientific Department of Dartmouth College drawn up by the Senior Instructor. Professor Woodman, to the favorable consideration of the friends of education. Called as I am, in my official relations, to a constant and close observation of the Department. I am happy to bear the most decided testi- mony to the manliness, earnestness, and diligence of the students, and the com- prehensiveness, symmetry and thorough- ness of the course of study. I do not believe that a better training is given, to

��say the least, at any similar Institution in our country. I trust the appeal for additional pecuniary means will not be in vain. While all the objects named are important. I am particularly inter- ested in the suggestions respecting a fund in aid of worthy bul indigent young men. Such a fund ought at once to be established. What better use of money can be made than in providing for the greater efficiency of an Institution which has held, and is still to hold so important a place among our educational forces? ASA D. SMITH, President.

��[from ex-president lord.]

Hanover, X. H., May, 1867.

The circular of Professor Woodman, concerning the Chandler Scientific De- partment of Dartmouth College, sets forth truly and wisely, in my judgment, the design, history, deserts and wants of that Department. My own personal connection and intimate acquaintance with it from the beginning till within a recent period, will justify my commenda- tion of the Professor's circular to the re- gards of all who may receive it.

The Academical Department of the College will not fail to receive a large share of the public patronage. The numerous Alumni and the friends of professional learning in general will not sutler it to languish for want of adequate means of instruction and discipline. It may be confidently trusted to their sym- pathies and active charities. They will stand to their resolutions and fulfill their pledges.

The Scientific Department has yet to make its way to a corresponding favor. I would accordingly commend it on the grounds suggested b} r the Professor, and. more particularly, in view of the necessi- ty now becoming constantly more evi- dent of a higher education in the "prac- tical and useful arts of life."

It is clear to all considerate observers that the tendency of society every where is rapidly increasing in that direction. Agriculture, manufactures, trade, engin- eering, military necessities, the fine arts. and industrial pursuits in general, with the commerce ensuing to a more extend- ed and busy civilization, necessarily en- gage the many, while merely profession- al pursuits are confined to comparatively few. and are likely to decline in the gen- eral estimation. Whatever differences of opinion may exist as to tie' remote consequences of this remarkable drift, it certainly is undeniable. It is a law, no more to be overcome than that of gravity. It is the part of wisdom, there- tore. not to resist the law. which would

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