Page:History of the University of Pennsylvania - Montgomery (1900).djvu/479

Rh the Academy classes with efficient and experienced teachers, in order to attract from the community the lads of the rising gene- rations. But the results as shown by the number in the gradu- ating classes does not evidence any growing influence of the College on the townsfolk; though the stimulus of the Commence- ment of 1766, with its Sargent Medal, for which even a Prince- tonian had competed, may have influenced the material which made up the large classes of 1770 and 1771, each of which however graduated but fourteen. In addition to his regular lectures, the Provost had at the close of 1766 opened a course of Lectures on Natural and Experimental Philosophy for the benefit of the Medical Students, and this he proposed in the following season to continue on an extensive plan, at the request of the Medical Trustees and Professors. 2 * * * As these lectures are instituted and given gratis with the view to encourage the medical schools lately opened, and to extend the usefulness and reputation of the College, any gentlemen who have formerly been educated in this Seminary, and are desirous of renew- ing their acquaintance with the above mentioned branches of Knowledge, will be welcome to attend the course. But this notice was anticipated by the announcement a week before by Mr. Ewing and Dr. Williamson of their intro- ductory Lecture to a course of Natural and Experimental Philosophy to be given on n December "at the Lodge." This had been the subject of some correspondence by these gentlemen with the Trustees. They had written to the latter on 26 October : Many young gentlemen in this Place being desirous of making some progress in the Study of Natural Philosophy, but from their want of Mathe- matics and the necessary avocations of Business, not being able to attend the Lectures given in the College by your Provost, have repeatedly solicited us to institute a private Lecture this Season, on such a Plan, and at such hours, as might be most convenient and best suited to them. 2 Pennsylvania Gazette, 17, 31, December, 1767. The advertisement has a " N. B. An evening Lecture in some branches of Mathematics, preparatory to the Philosophical course is opened at the College." The notice included the following inducement : " To the standing use of the large apparatus belonging to the College, Mr. Kinnersley has engaged to add the use of his electrical apparatus which is fixed there, and to deliver the lectures on electricity himself, as well as to give his occa- sional assistance in other branches."