Page:A Catalogue of Graduates who have Proceeded to Degrees in the University of Dublin, vol. 2.djvu/31

 INTEODUCTION. xxv is testified by the Bachelor's Degree ; and, generally speaking, this represents a reality. As to the higher Degrees, in some instances, the case is different, but it ought not to be so in any. The eminent Grerman Professor, to whose learned work I have before referred, has not failed to observe that " many Faculties have at times contributed to destroy the credit, and therewith the value of academical honours, even those of the Doctorate, by squandering them on candidates who were not worthy of such distinction." It is by making the tests of fitness for the higher Degrees efficient for the purpose, that the distinct status and functions of the University will not only be more clearly apprehended, but more generally appreciated. The opportunity and course of instruction in the different schools and lectures may be collected from the clear and full explanation of the whole curriculum of College and University education to be found in the University Calendar. It exhibits the important and distinctive functions of the University (properly so called), and the relation in which it is intended to stand to the College. It has been supposed by some that a University with but one College is an anomaly. On the contrary, a University with several Colleges is more unusual. There are Universities in Scotland and elsewhere with each of which only one College is connected. It appears from the Report of the Commissioners of 1863 under the Universities (Scotland) Act, that, after the most mature deliberation, they came to the conclusion that it would be impolitic and inexpedient to merge these Universities into one, having a central examining board. " The greatest apprehensions," they say, " were manifested of any steps being taken to deprive the Universities of the exercise of their ancient privilege, not merely of conferring Degrees, but of conducting the examinations for them. They were unable to see" (they add) " that any corresponding advantage is likely to be derived from so serious a step, as is implied in reducing the ancient Universities of Scotland from the position of Universities, and converting them into Colleges of a new National Uni-