Page:History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella the Catholic Vol. III.djvu/344

318 318 AFRICAN EXPEDITION OF XIMENES. PART powers of the student into action, and not to leave '- — him a mere passive recipient in the hands of his i teachers. Besides daily recitations and lectures, he was required to take part in public examinations and discussions, so conducted as to prove effectually his talent and acquisitions. In these gladiatorial displays, Ximenes took the deepest interest, and often encouraged the generous emulation of the scholar by attending in person. Two provisions may be noticed as characteristic of the man. One, that the salary of a professor should be regulated by the number of his disciples. Another, that every professor should be reeligible at the expiration of every four years. It was impos- sible, that any servant of Ximenes should sleep on his post.^^ Liberal foundations were made for indigent stu- dents, especially in divinity. Indeed, theological studies, or rather such a general course of study as should properly enter into the education of a Chris- tian minister, was the avowed object of the insti- tution. For the Spanish clergy up to this period, as before noticed, were too often deficient in the most common elements of learning. But in this preparatory discipline, the comprehensive mind of Ximenes embraced nearly the whole circle of sci- ences taught in other universities. Out of the forty-two chairs, indeed, twelve only were dedica- ted to divinity and the canon law ; while fourteen were appropriated to grammar, rhetoric, and the 28 Gomez, De Rebus Gcsiis, fol. 82-84.