Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/657

Rh a more practical and modern range of studies. The medical school of Mexico stands foremost in the country for excellence, and is, indeed, the only one enjoying a decided reputation. Many prefer to study in France and Germany, in the latter specially in the mining schools; yet they run the risk of meeting on their return with a cold reception, and in any case of having to maintain an unequal struggle with foreign professionals who are more energetic and regarded, as well as more thorough and efficient.

The most popular of the colleges, by reason of the profession taught, is that of jurisprudence. The profession was always favored by teachers and government, and with the wider range of official life opened by the republic, its attractions have increased. The military college, with a fixed membership of 200, is directly under the control of the minister of war. Among other special schools is one for fine arts. Several naval schools have been founded at different times, one at Tepic as early as 1822. The conservatory of music and declamation is sustained by the