The Substance of Two Reports of the Faculty of Amherst College, to the Board ...

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J827.

Reprinted 1948 by Amherst College

REPORTa

At the annual meeting of the Board of Trus-
tees of Amherst College, August 21, 1826, the
Faculty presented a detailed Report of the state of
the Seminary, and the course of instruction, togeth-
er with some general remarks upon the inadequacy
of the pre vailing systems of classical education in this
country, to meet the wants and demands of an en-
lightened public. The Trustees were so much in-
terested by this Report, particularly that part of it
which touches upon the subject of modifications and
improvements, that they appointed a Committee,
consisting of the President, the Hon. Lewis
Strong, and the Hon. Samuel Howe, to publish
extracts from it, at such time and in such a way, as
they might think best calculated to elicit inquiry ;
to subserve the great interests of the College ; and
to promote the general cause of education.

At the same meeting, the Trustees passed a re-
solve, requesting the Faculty to draw up a specific
plan of improvement, upon the basis of their Report,
and present it for consideration at a future meet-
ing of the Board.

/

The following extracts are herewith presented
from this Report.

*^ Entrusted as we are, under the oversight and
authority of this Board, with the immediate govern-
ment and instruction of the College, we have en-
deavoured in all respects, to pursue an elevated and
liberal course, in accordance with the just and com-
prehensive views of its founders and guardians, as
expressed in the Charter and Laws of the Institu-
tion. And though it would ill become us at so
early a period, to claim for our favorite Seminary a
place in the highest rank of kindred Institutions,
we shall ever esteem it our honour and happiness,
to cooperate with the Trustees, in making it more
and more worthy of public patronage and confidence.

" The government which we have sought to es-
tablish and maintain is parental and moral, rather
than penal. The confidence of our pupils, the
sway of principle, and the obedience of the heart,
are in our estimation, incomparably preferable to a
mere cold conformity to the laws, however exact,
or universal.

^^ As it respects the great interests of the College,
we feel that we have something more to do, »than
merely to sustain them, upon their present eleva-
tion. This is emphatically an age of improvement,
especially in the science of education. Situated as
we are, therefore, accustomed and even constrain-
ed by our daily employment, to investigate prin-
ciples, to examine text-books, to compare the reign-
ing systems of education not only with each other,

but with those of past ages, and to consult the pecu-
liar genius, wants and demands of a great and pros-
perous Republic, we conceive it to be our duty to lay
before the Trustees, any suggestions which may oc-
cur to us, as having a direct bearing upon the per-
manent interests and more extended usefulness of
the College. Under this impression, we shall pro-
ceed to offer a few thoughts upon the great and
popular question of College reform, which may
possibly serve as hints or waymarks, should the
Board think it of sufficient importance to call for
any further discussion.

** One fact, we take it, is becoming more and
more obvious every day. The American public is not I
satisfied with the present course of education in our I
higher seminaries. And the great objection is, that
it is not sufficiently modern and comprehensive, to 1
meet the exigencies of the age and country in which
we live. Not that the general voice seems to be
hostile to the Ancient Classics. Any College may,
without serious opposition, retain both the Latin and ^,.
Greek languages for the majority of its sons — may /
insist more strenuously than heretofore upon the
study of the abstruse sciences, and may multiply its \. ^
requisitions in every existing department, provided
it will at the same time open its doors to that large
class of young men, who are not destined to either /
of the learned professions, and carry tliem through
a course, which they think better adapted to their
future plans and prospects. The complaint is, and
if our ears do not deceive us, it daily waxes louder
and louder, that while every thing else is on the ad-

\

vance, our Colleges are stationary ; or if not quite
stationary, that they are in danger of being left fiair
behind, in the rapid march of improvement.

" Why, it is demanded, such reluctance to admit
modern improvements and modern literature ? Why
so little attention to the natural, civil, and polit-
ical history of our own country and to the genius of
our government? Why so little regard to the
/French and Spanish languages, especially consider-
ing the commercial relations which are now so rap-
idly forming, and which bid fair to be indefinitely
extended between the United States and all the
great southern Republics ? Why should my son, who
is to be a merchant at home, or an agent in some
foreign port ; or why, if he is to inherit my fortune,
and wishes to qualify himself for the duties and
standing of a private gentleman, or a scientific far-
mer — why, in either case, should he be compel-
led to spend nearly four years out of six, in the
study of the dead Languages, for which he has
no taste, from which he expects to derive no
material advantage, and for which he will in
fact have but very little use after his senior exam-
ination ?

" Such questions as these, are every day asked,
by men, whose strong good sense, education and
standing in society, entitle them to be heard ; and
it does not satisfy them to be told, even from the
halls of science, that a knowledge of the Ancient
Classics is in all cases of pre-eminent importance ;
that no man can speak, or write English correctly,
who has not read them ; that the present system

has the advantage of great age, and the sanction of
long experience ; that innovations are dangerous ;
and that, if the young men of this generation profit
as much by a liberal education as their fathers did,
the public will have no reason to complain.

^^ To such admonitions as these, coming as they
do from some of the highest literary authorities in
the land, the advocates of reform may lend a civil
and patient attention : and the profound veneration
of many for old establishments, may half prevail
over their better judgement ; but the majority wiU
be apt still to contend, that in an age of universal
improvement, and in a young, free, and prosperous
country like ours, it is absurd to cling so tenaciously
to the prescriptive forms of other centuries ; and to
meet every call for instruction in Modem Languages,
Literature and Improvements, with the cry of innova*
tion. What, they will ask, are our liberties, and in-
deed all our civil and religious rights and blessings, \
but the fruits of innovation ?

^^ But however that large class of enlightened
men, of whom we have just been speaking, may
differ in regard to the practicability, or expediency
of modernizing our Colleges, in one thing they are
entirely agreed. These Institutions do not at pres-
ent, afford^all the fs^ which they want, fgr
the liberal education of their sons ; and we are con-
vinced, that if the Colleges cannot so modify their
systems, as to meet the public demand, or if they do
not choose to do it, other seminaries, equal in rank
and of surpassing popularity, will spring up by their
side. How detrimental this would be, to the pros-

8

perity of existing establishments, especially such of
them as derive their support chiefly from tuition, we
need not stop to inquire. Let our Colleges prompt-
ly lead on in the mighty march of improvement, and
all will be well ; but let them hesitate and linger a
little longer, and many of their most e£Scient friends
will go on without them.

" That there are serious difficulties in the way of
such changes and modifications as are called for, is
certain ; but we hope and believe, that they will
not be found insuperable. Would it not, for exam-
ple, be practicable to connect a new and liberal
course, with that which is now pursued, under the
direction of a common Faculty, and for the most
part, under the same teachers, so as not very mate-
rially to increase the expense, while both courses
would derive some important advantages from the
union ? We have nothing matured on this subject, to
submit to your consideration ; but it does appear to
us, that something like this is practicable, and would
be of great public advantage. The amount of study
required in each course might be the same ; it might
be left optional with candidates for admission which
to take; and they might all graduate together.
More instruction, indeed, would be required in two
courses than in one ; but would not the number of
students be sufficiently increased to defray the great-
er part of the additional expense ?

*' But whatever may be thought of these sugges-
tions, there is one new department of great practi-
cal importance, which it appears to us, should be
annexed to the College, as soon as the funds will

any how permit----wejnfiaaLl^^
When it is considered how this lies at the very foun-|
dation of all improvement ; and when so many Pro*
fessorships have been established in all the other
sciences, as well as in literature and the arts, it is
truly wonderful to us, that so little attention ha;
been bestowed upon the science of mental culture,
and that there is not, (as we believe there is not)
and never has been, a single Professor of Educatiotf,
on this side of the Atlantic. Will it not be an hon-
our to that College, which shall be the first to sup-
ply this deficiency, and open a department for the
thorough education of teachers ? But we have no
room for detail, or enlargement in the present Re-
port, and can only add in conclusion, that should the
Board judge it expedient, to refer the several topics
which it embraces to a select committee, we fondly
indulge the persuasion, that much good might re-
sult from the reference."

It has ahready been stated, that the whole sub-
ject was recommitted to the Faculty, and at a spe-
cial meeting of the Board, Dec. 6, 1826, called for
the express purpose of receiving and acting upon
some specific plan of improvement, the following
Report was presented, and, after much discussion
and some amendment, was ordered to be printed.

Crentlemen of the Trustees^ ^

In compliance with a vote of your Reverend and
Honorable Board, duly communicated by the Secre-
tary, we have the honor to submit the result of ou?

2

/

1 /

X

10

deliberations, upon the expediency of new modeling
and extending the present system of academic in-
' struction and study in this College. Every one
knows, how much easier it is to find fault than to
amend ; to point out existing deficiencies than to
supply them ; and we shall not attempt to conceal,
that the imperfectly digested plan now presented,
has cost us more thought and discussion than we
had anticipated. At the same time, if it can be
carried into successful operation, as we believe it
can, in all its essential provisions, the advantages
which it profiers, might well be purchased at a far
dearer rate. What we propose, in discharging the
duty which the partiality of the Board has devolved
upon us, is to offer a general outline of our plan, ac-
companied with such reasons and remarks, as we
have thought needful for its illucidation and de-
fence. The plan is somewhat extensive, and em-
braces,

L Preparatory studies*

II. The present classical and scientific four years
course.

III. A new course, equally thorough and elevated
with this, but distinguished from it by amore mod--
em and national aspect ; and by a better adapta-
tion to the taste and future pursuits of a large class
of young men, who aspire to the advantages of a
liberal education.

11

tV« A df^partment devoted to the science and art
of teaching ; but more especially at first, to the ed*
Qcation of School-Masters.

v. A department of theoretical and practical
mechanics.

The final result of much discussion with
regard to preparatory Indies is, that the terms
of admission should remain as they are ; that
the present amount of Latin and Greek should
be required for both courses ; and that no divergen-
cy should be recognised or encouraged, till after the
initiatory examination. Once received to full and
honourable membership^ and with the two courses
before him, let the student consult the wishes of
his friends and his own inclination, and take his
choice.

If he prefers the course now established id the
seminary, he will find a rich reward in the study of
the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew^ Languages ; An-
cient and Modern History and Geography ; Gram-
mar, Rhetoric and Oratory ; Mathematics and As-
tronomy ; Experimental Physics and Natural Histo-
ry ; Anatomy ; Intellectual and Moral Philosophy ;
Political Economy and Theology. We think that
in the new contemplated arrangement, it b best to
retain this course without alteration ;

1 . Because it still holds its place in our most

* Hebrew or Greek, at his option, during a part of senior
year.

12

distinguished public seminaries, after long and thor-
ough experience ;

2. Because, though powerfully assailed from
many quarters, particularly in the department
of languages, it continues, if we mistake not, to
maintain its popularity with a majority of those who
are best qualified to judge* in the case; And

S. Because we regard it, upon the whole, as
well entitled to the estimation in which it is held.

But we cannot discover in this long established
course, liberal and thorough as it is, any legitimate
claim to exclusive patronage and regard. To say
nothing here, of some of the more practical branch-
es of education which it scarcely glances at, but for
which there is an increasing public demand, we ob-
serve, that while for want of time, it passes hastily
over several of the later and more popular sciences,
it does not profess to lead the student a single step
within the bright enclosures, of some of the richest
and widest fields of modem literature. Elevated
and comprehensive as it is, therefore, nobody can
doubt, that it leaves ample room for genius and in-
dqstry to range and gather affluence, without its
ample limits. Under the impression, however, that
there is not space enough left for a new and liberal
parallel course of four years ; or that something
short of this is demanded by the public, much has
been said in favour of annexing a partial course to
each of our Colleges. Now we do not believe that
any such plan will satisfy an enlightened commu-
nity. Well informed men, who have the means of
carrying their sons through College, will hardly con*

13 .

sent to send them, to study English Literature and
the Sciences for two or three years, and take a cer-
tificate merely, when for a little more expense, a
diploma may be had at the end of a full and liberal
course.

For these and other reasons, our decided and
unanimous judgment is, that if a new course is in-
tanoduced, it ought to proceed on a most liberalj
8cale» By whatever name it may be called, itl
should be fully equivalent to the course which we 1
now pursue* It should fill up as many years—*
should be carried on by as able instructors — should
take as wide and elevated a range — ^should require
as great an amount of hard studyy or mental disci-
pline, and should be rewarded by the same acade-
mic honors.

In presenting to the Trustees an outline of thk
parallel, or rather equivalent course, we find consid-
erable difficulty in giving it a sufficiently distinct
character of its own ; arising chiefly from the many
coincidences which our plan contemplates, and we
ought perhaps, thus early to premise, that should it
be adopted, experience will doubtless ere long sug-
gest important modifications and improvements.

In the department of Languages, an entire sep-
aration is proposed, by substituting the jmodem for
the ancient, provided however, that in the new
course, Latin may be taken instead of the Spanish,
at the option of the student when he enters College.
Thus, with the knowledge of Greek and Latin,
which all who enter will be required to bring along
with them, it is thought they may in four years, so

14

hi master the French and Spanish, as to read and
write, and even speak them with considerable readi-
ness and fluency. Shoold room hereafter be found
for German, or Italian, or both, so much the better ;
but we deem it inexpedient to begin upon so broad
a scale. The adoption of our general plan, will
make the two courses more distinct in the depart*
ment now under consideration, than in any othef«
But the new course will differ from the old in several
important respects, which are yet to be mentioned : as

First. In the prominence which will be given to
English Literature, than which no subject has high-*
er claims upon the American scholar, or can more
richly reward his diligence. We do not mean to
attach any blame to the Colleges, for having done
comparatively so little hitherto, in this department,
for who can teach every thing in four years ? But
we believe the time has come, for the more critical
study of some of the admired classics in our own
language, by a portion at least, of the liberally edu-
cated in every College.

Second. The new course will differ essentially
from the old, in the attention which will be given to
French and Spanish Literature, by connecting this
branch of study, with the recitations and other ex-
ercises in these two rich and popular languages.

Third. In Mechanical Philosophy, by introducing
some such text book as, ^' Nicholson^ s Operative Me-
chanic and Machanist;^^ and by multiplying and va-
rying the experiments, so as to render the science
more familiar and attractive.

Fourth. In Chemistry and other kindred branches

15

of Physical Science, by showing their application to
the more useful arts and trades, to the cultivation
of the soil and to domestic economy. ^

Fifth. In a course of familiar Lectures upon cu*
rious and labour saving machines ;— upon bridges,
locks and aqueducts ; and upon the different orders
of architecture, with models for illustration.

Sixth. In Natural History, by devoting more
time to those branches which are now taught, and
by introducing others into the course.

Seventh. In modem History, especially the his-
tory of the Puritans, in connection with the Civil
and Ecclesiastical history of our own country.

Eighth. In the elements of Civil and Political law,
embracing the careful study of American Constitu*
tions. To which may be added Drawing and Civil
Engineering, together with some other branches
perhaps, which are not specified in the foregoing
enumeration. Ancient History, Geography, Gram-
mar, Rhetoric and Oratory, Mathematics, Natural,
Intellectual and Moral Philosophy, Anatomy, Po-
litical Economy and Theology, will, upon the plan
here recommended, be common to both courses.
This plan may be presented at a glance in the fol-
lowing illustration.

Two friends set out the same day from Boston,
or New York, for the City of Washington. But as
they have not precisely the same objects in view^
and are led by curiosity, or business to visit differ-
ent places lying a little off from the general route,
they make their arrangements before they com-
mence the journey, where to separate and where to

V

16

meet again—- when to travel in company and when
to take different roads and conveyances ; but so as to
advance with equal speed, and reach the seat of
Government on the same day. Thus would we
have, not two distinct classes of the same standing ;
but two divisions of the same class, advancing
through four years in their respective courses, now
in company, and now by separate paths ; but under
such an arrangement, as shall bring them both out
together.

To encourage and reward uncommon proficien-
cy in either course, provision might be made for ex-
tra recitations in both. Thus, for example, the re-
gular student in Greek and Latin, might employ his
spare time in the study of French and Spanish ;
while another might pass over from the new to the
old course, and take lessons in Latin, Greek, or He-
brew.

We are fully aware, that the outline which we
have thus hastily sketched, requires much filling up ;
and that it will be found no easy task, to select
text-books and spread out the new course in all the
details of four years' study. But it can be done ;
and should this part of our plan be sanctioned by
the Trustees, any aid which we can lend will be
most cheerfully afforded.

The Board will recollect, that in our first Re-
port, we ventured to express a decided judgement,
in favour of ajieio departrnj^iU-for sySitdmBtiQ^ in-
struction in the science of education ; and all our
subsequent thoughts on the subject, have conspired
to strengthen the opinion which we then entertain-

17

ed. Indeed, we look at this chasm, in the most 'y/ {

complete and popular systems of an enlightened age, j^

with increasing wonder. Why has it been suffered i A

so long to remain, or rather why to exist at all in \ ""

our public seminaries? No respectable College
would think itself organized, without a department /
of Natural Philosophy, and another of Chemistry—
nor without Professors in Rhetoric and the Lan-
guages ; and yet, how few who enjoy these advan-
tages in College, expect ever to be practical Chemists,
or Philosophers, or Critics. How then can the most
distinguished and useful literary institutions in the
land, go on from year to year without a single instruc-
tor devoted to the science of education, when three
fourths of their sons expect to be teachers, in one
form or another themselves, and when the primary
schools, academies and higher institutions of learning,
require twice, or thrice as many thousands to supply
them, as are wanted for all the learned professions
together ? Every third or fourth man we meet, is,
or has been a school -master ; but who among a thou-
sand of the best qualified, was ever regularly instruct-
ed himself in the science and art of teaching, for a
single quarter ? And to rise still higher, who that
daily gives lectures, or hears recitations in College,
does not find reason to regret, that when he was a
student, the analysis of mind was so little known or
thought of, with reference to the science of educa-
tion ? Who, in short, is so old, or so wise, that he
would not gladly take his place as a learner, under
a competent Professor of this noble, but strangely
neglected science ?

3

\

X

\

\
\

\

18

We feel confident that the time has come to
supply this great desideratum. The public is not
only prepared for it, but loudly demands it, and
will, we are perfectly assured, rejoice to see the
Trustees of this College, acting definitively on the
subject. Nor, if we judge correctly, will an enlight-
ened community be satisfied with any but the
most comprehensive and liberal views, in the estal>»
lishment of this new department. To occupy the
whole ground, will require,

1 . Much time and talent in the selection, revis-
ion and compilation of elementary school-books.

2. An experimental school, consisting of young
children, under the entire control of the depart-
ment, where students may have opportunity to learn
the art of teaching frcMn example, and in which new
methods of instruction may be tried, and the results
carefully recorded.

3. Adequate provision for the systematic in-
struction of school-masters, in all the branches of
education, which they may have occasion to teach
in our primary or district schools, together with the
theory of teaching and government.

4. An able and connected review, cnt rather se-
ries (Previews, of all the popular systems of educa-
tion now in use, particularly in our own country,
with free and critical remarks upon College text-
books.

5. A course of lectures annually by the profes-
sor, on the science of education, for the particular
benefit of the regular members of College, but which
other young men, wishing to qualify themselves for
teaching, might be permitted to attend.

19

Less than this, ought dot to satisfy public ex-
pectation from the department, when time shall
have been allowed, and means provided for its com-
plete organization. But we do not think it neces-
sary to occupy the whole ground at once. Let the
system be introduced gradually, and with ultimate
reference to -the most ample enlargement. As the
first and most urgent call is for good teachers in the
common schools, let arrangements be made, as soon
as practicable, to receive a limited number of young
men, and put them upon such a course of study, as
when successfully completed, will entitle them to a
certificate from the department.

The details of instruction, study, examinations,
tuition fees and the like, we purposely omit in this
Report ; our object being simply to present an out-
line of the improvements contemplated in the gen-
eral plan. It is obvious to remark, however, that
a department for the education of school-masters, of-
fers some advantages by being connected with a re-
spectable College, which cannot be enjoyed at so
cheap a rate, in a separate institution. Competent
professors in Natural Philosophy, Chemistry, Natur-
ral History and Rhetoric, commodious lecture-rooms
and costly apparatus, are already provided for other
and higher purposes ; and the aid of most of these,
is very important, if not essential, to every man
who is to assist, in educating the children and youth
of this great republic. A literary atmosphere too,
exists in the precincts of a College, which though
free as common air, is never formed at once, but rs
gradually and expensively created.

20

The last addition or improvement, contemplated
in our general plan, and which we ask leave to sug-
gest, for the consideration of the Board, is a depart-
ment of theoretical and practical Mechandcs. This
wuuliIlLSbrd exercise and amusement to many of
the students, and to a few of the more ingenious and
active, some pecuniary advantage. We should ex-
pect much greater advantage however, from a judi-
cious arrangement of appropriate studies, connected
with a course of practical lectures upon mechanics,
during a part of one of the collegiate years.

For a considerable time, at least, the skill and
industry of this department might be profitably
employed, in furnishing the College rooms upon a
uniform plan; in keeping all the buildings and
furniture in constant repair ; in making some of the
more common articles of philosophical and chemic-
al apparatus ; as also many curious models in ma-
chinery, for the use of the professors in other de-
partments. Here would be ample scope for the
exercise of all the mechanical ingenuity in the
Seminary ; and surely, it would be no disadvantage
^o^n^ professional man 1n after life, to have
learned how to drive a nail^ or put on a lock, or
use ai planer or ^at saw, when he was a student in
College.

^ But it will be seen at a glance, that our plan of
multiplying the branches of Education in this Col-
lege, cannot be adopted without adding to the
present number of buildings and instructers ; and
of course, to the expenses of the Institution.
Gladly would we point out the ways and means

SI

^ defraying these expenses, were it in our pow-
er ; but we fear that in this emergency, our finan-
cial skill will be of very little use to the Board*
Can it be, however, that if the improvements whidi
we have recommended, shall meet the approbatios
of an enlightened public, the necessary funds will
long be wanting ? Our confidence in this regard
wamy be misplaced. But of one thing we are cer-
tain. Though our present labors are not unusual-
ly light, we are prepared to take upon ourselves ad-
ditional burdens, for the sake of advancing the inter-
ests ofjqund and useful learning in the College, by
enlaiging^ the sphere of study and instruction. We
can only add, that the new system, should it be adopts
ed, would doubtless increase the number of students,
and of course the amount of income from tuition: and
for the rest, we cannot permit ourselves to believe,
that an institution which has already shared so rich-
ly in the prayers and largesses of an enlightened
christian community, will be denied the means of
support and extension, whenever its. wants and
its plans for increasing usefulness, shall fairly be
made known to the public.

All of which is respectfully suhmittedf in behalf
of the Faculty.

H. Humphrey, President.
Amherst College^ Dec. 5, 1826.

It has already been stated, that this Report was
ordered to be printed, and it should have been add-
ed; at the same time, that it was adopted by the
unanimous vote of the Trustees. They did not in-

22

tend, howeveri to pledge themselves by their rote,
to any immediate or specific course of measures ;
but to express their cordial approbation of the gen-
eral plan, and their design of incorporating the new
course, substantially as drawn out in the Report,
with the present four years system, and to add the
(ii^partment of Education^ as soon as they can ob-
tain the necessary means. The Mechanic depart-'
ment they deem of less immediate consequence ;
but as worthy of a fair trial, whenever the funds of
the College will permit.

Neither the Faculty nor the Trustees suppose,
that the contemplated changes and improvements,
are all that would be desirable, if the Institution
could afford to make them. The new system is
graduated upon the moderate scale of present abili-
ty, and the confident expectation of further encour-
agement to go forward. And the Trustees fondly
cherish the hope, of one day seeing the Seminary
^hich the Legislature has committed to their care,
become worthy of the title prospectively given to it
in the Charter, an University. In the mean time,
they will do w^at they can, to cherish its growth
and increase its usefulness.