The "May" is one of the features which distinguishes Cambridge from Oxford; at the latter there are no public College examinations.—Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ., Ed. 2d, p. 64.
As the "May" approached, I began to feel nervous.—Ibid., p. 70.
MAY TRAINING. A correspondent from Bowdoin College where the farcical custom of May Training is observed writes as follows in reference to its origin: "In 1836, a law passed the Legislature requiring students to perform military duty, and they were summoned to appear at muster equipped as the law directs, to be inspected and drilled with the common militia. Great excitement prevailed in consequence, but they finally concluded to train. At the appointed time and place, they made their appearance armed cap-à-pie for grotesque deeds, some on foot, some on horse, with banners and music appropriate, and altogether presenting as ludicrous a spectacle as could easily be conceived of. They paraded pretty much 'on their own hook,' threw the whole field into disorder by their evolutions, and were finally ordered off the ground by the commanding officer. They were never called upon again, but the day is still commemorated."
M.B. An abbreviation for Medicinæ Baccalaureus, Bachelor of Physic. At Cambridge, Eng., the candidate for this degree must have had his name five years on the boards of some college, have resided three years, and attended medical lectures and hospital practice during the other two; also have attended the lectures of the Professors of Anatomy, Chemistry, and Botany, and the Downing Professor of Medicine, and passed an examination to their satisfaction. At Oxford, Eng., the degree is given to an M.A. of one year's standing, who is also a regent of the same length of time. The exercises are disputations upon two distinct days before the Professors of the Faculty of Medicine. The degree was formerly given in American colleges before that of M.D., but has of late years been laid aside.
M.D. An abbreviation for Medicines Doctor, Doctor of Physic. At Cambridge, Eng., the candidate for this degree must be a Bachelor of Physic of five years' standing, must have attended hospital practice for three years, and passed an examination satisfactory to the Medical Professors of the University,
At Oxford, an M.D. must be an M.B. of three years' standing. The exercises are three distinct lectures, to be read on three different days. In American colleges the degree is usually given to those who have pursued their studies in a medical school for three years; but the regulations differ in different institutions.
MED, MEDIC. A name sometimes given to a student in medicine.
—— who sent
The Medic to our aid.
The Crayon, Yale Coll., 1823, p. 23.
"The Council are among ye, Yale!"
Some roaring Medic cries.
Ibid., p. 24.
The slain, the Medics stowed away.
Ibid., p. 24.