Page:A Catalogue of Graduates who have Proceeded to Degrees in the University of Dublin, vol. 1.djvu/44

 XXXviii INTRODUCTION, sential forms were observed, taken from the usages of Cambridge, in conferring Degrees. The ceremonies, properly so called, prescribed by these Statutes, are but few. There was, however, a public and solemn Meeting of the University held annually on the Monday and Tuesday next following the last day of Trinity Term, at which ceremonies were appointed after the model of the Great Commencements held at St. Patrick's Cathedral, Aug. 17 and 18, i6if, when James Ussher took his D. D. Degree. On these occasions the Commencements occupied four hours each day, from 8 to 10, A. M., and from 2 to 4, P. M. On the forenoon, of the first day {cap. xi.), the ceremonies began by a sermon ad clerum. Then the Proctor delivered an address explaining the reasons of the present assembly, the usefulness of Letters? and an exhortation to cultivate them, and to maintain the dig- nity of the University. A philosophical disputation, conducted by Masters in Arts, followed the Proctor's address, and the meeting was dismissed. On the afternoon of the same day, the Proctor opened the proceedings by a speech ; a philosophical disputation of Bachelors followed, and the acts of the day were concluded by a speech from some Bachelor of Arts distinguished for his elo- quence. A performance of Music followed. On the morning of the second day, the Yice-Chancellor, if he should think fit, de- livered an address ; or this was delivered by the Doctor Cathedrce, or Moderator of the Theological disputations, if the Vice-Chancel- lor should not do it himself. The Doctor Cathedrce first offered prayer; then addressed the meeting ; then turning to his " sons,." the Candidates for degrees in Theology, he commended them to those present, and proceeded to create them Doctors. If there were no Candidate Doctors, he addressed his senior "son"^ andrequired him to give proof of his progress in Theology by a disputation on some Theological question. The Moderator then proceeds to the " determination", which was followed by Music, " Deter- minationem excipiat Musica ad reficiendum auditorum mentes." Candidate for the degree of Bache- faculties, still call them " hosce meos- lor in Theology. The Professors, in filios."
 * That is, as I suppose, the Senior presenting'Canclidates in their several