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Discussions on Philosophy and Literature, Education Ad University Reform
Discussions on Philosophy and Literature Education Ad University Reform Author:William Hamilton This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1860 Excerpt: ...to its attainment. He knew that professors wrought more even by example and influence than by teaching; that it was theirs to pitch high o... more »r low the standard of learning in a country; and that as it proved arduous or easy to come up to them, they awoke either a restless endeavor after an ever loftier attainment, or lulled into a self-satisfied conceit. And this relation between the professorial body and the nation, held also between the professors themselves. Imperative on all, it was more particularly incumbent on the first curators of a University, to strain after the very highest qualifications; for it was theirs to determine the character which the school should afterward maintain; and theirs to give a higher tone to the policy of their successors. With these views, Douza proposed to concentrate in Leyden a complement of professors all illustrious for their learning; and if the most transcendent erudition could not be procured for the University, with the obligation of teaching, that it should still be secured to it without. For example. Lipsius, "the Prince of Latin literature," had retired. Who was to replace him? Joseph Scaliger, the most learned man whom the world has ever seen, was then living a dependent in the family of Rochepozay. He, of all men, was if possible, to be obtained. The celebrated Baudius, and Tuningius, professor of civil law, were commissioned to proceed as envoys to France, with authority to tender the appointment, and to acquiesce in any terms that the illustrious scholar might propose. Nor was this enough. Not only did the Curators of the University and the Municipality of Leyden write in the most flattering strain to the "Prince of the literary Senate," urging his acquiescence, but also the States of Holland...« less