The Public Schools with which I have been concerned, arranged chronologically in order of foundation or charter, are as follows:—
| 1160 | Derby. | 1564 | Felsted. |
| 1387 | Winchester. | 1567 | Rugby. |
| 1441 | Eton. | 1571 | Harrow. |
| 1515 | Manchester Grammar. | 1592 | Stonyhurst. |
| 1538 | Royal High School, Edin. | 1611 | Charterhouse. |
| 1541 | Durham Grammar. | 1619 | Dulwich. |
| 1550 | Sherborne. | 1830 | Loretto. |
| 1551 | Shrewsbury. | 1841 | Cheltenham. |
| 1552 | Christ’s Hospital. | 1843 | Marlborough. |
| 1552 | King Edward’s. | 1848 | Lancing. |
| 1553 | Tonbridge. | 1859 | Wellington. |
| 1560 | Westminster. | 1875 | The Leys. |
| Also the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, Aberdeen, Dublin, &c. | |||
How far I have been successful in my task I leave others to judge. I must confess, however, that the extent and wealth of this special field of inquiry has somewhat astonished me: yet I fear my lists are, in some cases, still incomplete. But, even so, this contribution towards a more perfect glossary will, I think, be a revelation to many.
No wonder our Mother-tongue is so vigorous, adaptable, and expansive—reaching out in its creative energy to all the forms and necessities of modern life—when even Young England shows such aptitude in coining new expressions, and adapting older forms to its ever-changing (and, shall I say, ever-increasing) needs. Studied comparatively, there will be found much significance, not alone in the survivals from past generations, but also in the relatively newer phraseology. Many an interesting side-light, too, is thrown on ancient school customs and usages.
Though primarily addressing myself to past schoolmen, it is not without a hope that the general student and scholar, as well as those still in statu pupillari, will find something of use and to interest.
Finally, I desire, though holding myself alone responsible for aught that is solecismal in these pages, to acknowledge my indebtedness to those who have afforded me such unstinted aid in compiling this work. Especially are my thanks due to Mr. P. K. Tollit (Derby); Mr. W. Durnford (Eton); Mr. R. D. Hodgson (Manchester Grammar); Mr. C. A. Ross (Royal High School, Edin.); Rev. A. E. Hillard (Durham); Mr. W. B. Wildman (Sherborne); Rev. J. F. Cornish (Christ’s Hospital); Rev. E. W. Badger (King Edward’s, Birm.); Mr. C. H. Crofts (Tonbridge); Rev. E. Gepp (Felsted); Mr. G. Townsend Warner (Harrow); the Rev. Fathers Gerard and Browne and Rev. A. Goodier (Stonyhurst); Dr. H. H. Almond (Loretto); Mr. J. F. L. Hardy (Marlborough); Mr. J. C. Isard (The Leys).
SPECIAL NOTICE
While the “Public School Word-Book” was passing through the press a certain amount of additional matter came to hand. Rather than omit altogether I have included it in an Appendix.
May I also say that I shall welcome any suggestions, additions, or corrections that may be forwarded to me?
Communications may be addressed to John S. Farmer, c/o Messrs. Hirschfeld Bros., 13 Furnival Street, London, E.C.