So far we have pursued the history of the Academy, as it progressed from a germinal idea to actual being and life. It is now necessary to trace that system of scientific culture which is its essential element and peculiar character. In this the student of education may be more interested, and as we trace it still further, in its fruits, the education and services of more than two thousand young men, who have held the most important positions in all the departments of life, we shall be better able to pronounce a just judgment upon its merits and services.
Mr. Crawford, one of the most enlightened men who have appeared in public affairs, was, we believe, the first to understand and attempt to remedy the defects and irregularities which Professors Mansfield and Ellicott had pointed out.[6] In March, 1816, “Rules and Regulations” were drawn up by Mr. Crawford. The main points in them were—
1. There shall be a Board of Visitors, to consist of five suitable gentlemen, who shall attend each annual examination.
2. There shall be a General Examination twice in each year; in July and December, and an annual vacation in July and August.
3. Cadets shall be admitted in September, and examined in spelling, reading, writing, and arithmetic.
4. A course of studies, embracing definitely all branches of science and instruction to be procured, and rules for classification shall be drawn up, and comprise a complete course of education at the institution.
According to the last regulation, a course of studies was drawn up by the Academic Faculty, and approved by Mr. Crawford, in July, 1816. This course comprised four years, and was substantially the same (although largely increased,) which has been pursued since.
The first year studies were English Grammar, French, Algebra, Geometry, and Logarithms.
The second year comprised French, Geometrical Construction, Application of Algebra, Mensuration, Plain and Spheric Trigonometry, the Conic Sections, and Drawing.
The third year, Natural and Experimental Philosophy, Astronomy, and Drawing.