Page:Samuel F. Batchelder - Bits of Harvard History (1924).pdf/410

 The prospectus of the School for 1870–1871 contained for the first time the strangely disquieting announcement that “examinations, of a thorough and searching character,” would be held at the close of that year. “Each instructor,” further said the prospectus, “will adopt such mode of teaching the subjects of which he has charge as in his judgment will best advance the pupil in his course.” Thus was the new system officially baptized and received into the University fold.

The day came for its first trial. The class gathered in the old amphitheatre of Dane Hall—the one lecture-room of the School—and opened their strange new pamphlets, reports bereft of their only useful part, the head-notes! The lecturer opened his.

“Mr. Fox, will you state the facts in the case of Payne vs. Cave?”

Mr. Fox did his best with the facts of the case.

“Mr. Rawle, will you give the plaintiff’s argument?”

Mr. Rawle gave what he could of the plaintiffs argument.

“Mr. Adams, do you agree with that?”