A special Seminar-Library contains the leading literary and philological periodicals on modern European Languages, the books prescribed for the Honour School of Modern Languages, and a selection of dictionaries, grammars, and works of reference connected with the study of modern languages.’
Natural Science.
There are also abundant opportunities for research and for special work in Natural Science. The laboratories in the University Museum, at Christ Church, Magdalen, Balliol, and Trinity are well equipped. At the Oxford Museum are laboratories equipped for special study leading to research work in Physics, Electricity, Chemistry, Comparative Anatomy, Mineralogy, Geology, Physiology, Human Anatomy, Pathology and Bacteriology, each under the direct charge of the Professor of the subject. The teaching in Pathology, Comparative Anatomy, and Physiology is adapted to the needs of those preparing for Medicine. Special rooms have been set apart for original research work in experimental Pathology and Bacteriology, in Pathological Chemistry and Histology.
Diplomas.
Special work may also be done along certain lines for which diplomas are granted by the University. These have been only recently introduced. ‘At present they are given for a course of work extending over a year or more in such subjects as Education, Geography, Economics, Engineering and Mining, Anthropology, and Forestry, the object being to supplement the ordinary curriculum for the B.A. degree by providing for more special lines of study.’ There are seminar-classes in Geography and Economics.
B.C.L.
The advanced work in Law is of a very special character. Most of the lectures in Law are intended for those reading for the Jurisprudence School, so that the candidate for the B.C.L. is thrown largely upon his own resources. Prof. Vinogradoff lectures on the History of Law and Comparative Jurisprudence, and also holds a seminar-class along these lines. But the bulk of the work for the degree must be done in private under the direction and supervision of the College Tutor. The examination for the B.C.L. is one of the most difficult University examinations. It covers a very wide field and the standard required is very high. Candidates must possess a fair knowledge of Latin, as certain special subjects in Roman Law are studied in the original. The subjects studied are concerned in the main with the theoretical side of legal study, with the general principles and the history of Law.
Students from the Colonies who are intending to enter at one of the Inns of Court will find no difficulty in keeping their Terms during their residence at Oxford. The residence requirements at the Inns of Court merely consist in eating three dinners during each Term.
The library of All Souls—the Codrington Library—contains a very complete collection of works on Law and the history of Law—Roman, English, and foreign. The English Law Reports of all periods, as also the principal American and Colonial Reports, are to be found here.
Several Scholarships are offered by the University for proficiency in legal studies.