Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Gymnasium

GYMNASIUM, a public place or building where the Greek youths exercised themselves, fitted up with running and wrestling grounds, baths, and rooms or halls for conversation and discussion. These were the favorite resorts of youth, and for this reason were frequented by teachers, especially philosophers. The three great gymnasia of Athens were the Academy, where Plato taught; the Lyceum, where Aristotle labored; and the Cynosarges. In this connection it is easy to understand the transference of the name to educational institutions. The German gymnasium is an upper school where instruction is carried on largely by means of the classical tongues, preparing its pupils for the university, and corresponding roughly to the grammar and public schools of England and the grammar and high schools of Scotland.