Experiments on mirrors, plane or curved.
Experiments on lenses. Experiments on the decomposition of light by the prism—by absorption. Measures of the indices of the refraction of solids. Use of the magnifying glass and microscope; measure of the magnifying power. Use of different telescopes, with and without corrections. Measure of the magnifying power. Experiments on double refraction and polarization. Experiments on interferences and colored rings.
ORGANIZATION AND CONDITION IN 1869.
The organization of the school, which is fixed by a Decree dated Nov. 30th, 1863, is of a military character. There is a staff of military officers in addition to, and quite separate from, the staff employed in the duties of instruction. The pupils wear uniform, which, however, is more civil than military in appearance. They are formed into four companies which together constitute a battalion; and, although they are not actually subject to the penal code of the army, the discipline maintained and the punishments inflicted are entirety military in character.
The military establishment remains exactly as it was in 1856, and consists of:
The Commandant, a General Officer, usually of the Artillery or the Engineers, at present a General of Artillery.
A Second Commandant, a colonel or lieutenant-colonel, chosen from among the former pupils of the school; at present a colonel of Engineers.
Three captains of Artillery and three captains of Engineers, as inspectors of studies, chosen also from former pupils of the school.
Six adjutants (adjudants), non-commissioned officers, usually such as have been recommended for promotion.