HISTORY RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, continued ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
Chemistry.
The course in chemistry, which is obligatory for all students, consists of daily lectures, during the last part of the second year, upon general inorganic chemistry.
These are accompanied by daily recitations, including the solution of chemical problems.
Each student must recite every day.
In preparing for this recitation in general chemistry the student is expected to make use of the chemical cabinet, in order that he may be familiar with the appearance and some of the simpler properties of the materials referred to in the class-room.
From time to time students are called upon to prepare and deliver short lectures upon assigned subjects of technical interest.
The course in qualitative analysis extends over the first half of the third year, with laboratory work five days in each week.
During this course the student acquires ability to analytically examine all the ordinary materials likely to be presented to his attention during his professional engineering practice.
He is, as far as possible, given charge of outside questions which come to the laboratory for solution.
Blowpipe analysis and assaying extend over part of the second term of the third year, particular attention being given to the assay of gold and silver and to the recognition of such ores of the heavy metals as may be met with in the mining regions of this country.
Quantitative analysis and organic chemistry are not given to candidates for the degree of Civil Engineer.
Courses in these subjects are given to candidates for the degree of Bachelor of Science, to post-graduates and to special students.
Very complete arrangements make these courses especially thorough.
The examination of water for public and domestic supply, for boiler purposes and for use in manufactures is made a specialty in this department.
The laboratory is well equipped with material and apparatus for the course in general and analytical chemistry outlined above.
Fine analytical and assay balances, filtering apparatus, large and small gasometers, microscopes, spectroscopes, thermometers, areometers, batteries, etc., are in constant use.
The fire-rooms for assaying are provided with pot-furnaces for the crucible assay of the base metals and with muffles for the assay of gold and silver.
Abundant specimens for illustrating the lectures on technical chemistry are also to be found, the chemical cabinet containing a valuable collection of glass, earthenware, porcelain, gunpowder, paper, coal-tar products, etc.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
Re: HISTORY OF RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
HISTORY RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, continued ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
Mineralogy, Geology and Metallurgy.
These subjects are given by text-books, lectures and interrogations.
They are well illustrated by the very large collection of specimens, maps and charts in the possession of the Institution.
The metallurgical collection contains a very large number of ores and their products.
Steel and iron works in the neighborhood are inspected during the period of instruction.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
Mineralogy, Geology and Metallurgy.
These subjects are given by text-books, lectures and interrogations.
They are well illustrated by the very large collection of specimens, maps and charts in the possession of the Institution.
The metallurgical collection contains a very large number of ores and their products.
Steel and iron works in the neighborhood are inspected during the period of instruction.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
HISTORY RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, continued ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
Physics.
The work of this department begins in the last term of the first year with the mechanics of solids, liquids and gases, and acoustics.
Optics and heat are studied during the first term of the second year, and electricity and magnetism during the first term of the third year.
These subjects are developed by daily lectures.
The student uses a text-book, and is held strictly accountable for an exact knowledge of its contents, but much instruction is given additionally in the lectures, accompanied with full experimental illustrations.
He is required to take notes during the course of the lectures and to copy others which have been put upon the blackboards.
In the course of daily recitations problems are frequently assigned, and upon these, as well as on demonstrations of theory, the student is required to give both oral and written explanations.
During the first term of the second year a course of laboratory work is conducted in which the student is introduced to the methods of quantitative measurement, and he thus acquires some familiarity with the use of physical instruments.
For each exercise due preparation is made by appropriate reading and a report is written which is examined by the instructor.
During the first and second terms of the fourth year laboratory practice is continued, prominence being given to methods in electrical and magnetic measurement.
During the second term of the fourth year a course in thermodynamics is given, and this is followed by lectures on the elements of electrical engineering as an accompaniment to the laboratory work in electrical measurement.
The equipment of the lecture-room and laboratory includes such apparatus as Koenig's tuning-forks, siren, organ-pipes, vibratory plates, rods, sonometer; large air-pump with accessories; Atwood's machine; compound microscope with accessories; cathetometer; Bunsen photometer; Morton projecting lantern with accessories, including four hundred slides illustrating various subjects in physics, etc.; diffraction gratings; prisms, lenses, etc.; large Hilger spectrometer; Nicol's prism, two-and-a-half-inch aperture; electric batteries of various types; thermopile; Thomson's galvanometer, four thousand ohms; D'Arsonval galvanometer; condenser, one-third microfarad; Mascart electrometer; Weston voltmeter, Weston ammeter and milliammeter; large induction coil; Ruhmkorff electromagnet; Toepler electric influence machine; Carhart-Clark standard cell; Elliott resistance coils and Wheatstone bridge; etc.
A gas-engine and dynamo supply the electricity required, and the laboratory is also provided with a battery of storage-cells.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
Physics.
The work of this department begins in the last term of the first year with the mechanics of solids, liquids and gases, and acoustics.
Optics and heat are studied during the first term of the second year, and electricity and magnetism during the first term of the third year.
These subjects are developed by daily lectures.
The student uses a text-book, and is held strictly accountable for an exact knowledge of its contents, but much instruction is given additionally in the lectures, accompanied with full experimental illustrations.
He is required to take notes during the course of the lectures and to copy others which have been put upon the blackboards.
In the course of daily recitations problems are frequently assigned, and upon these, as well as on demonstrations of theory, the student is required to give both oral and written explanations.
During the first term of the second year a course of laboratory work is conducted in which the student is introduced to the methods of quantitative measurement, and he thus acquires some familiarity with the use of physical instruments.
For each exercise due preparation is made by appropriate reading and a report is written which is examined by the instructor.
During the first and second terms of the fourth year laboratory practice is continued, prominence being given to methods in electrical and magnetic measurement.
During the second term of the fourth year a course in thermodynamics is given, and this is followed by lectures on the elements of electrical engineering as an accompaniment to the laboratory work in electrical measurement.
The equipment of the lecture-room and laboratory includes such apparatus as Koenig's tuning-forks, siren, organ-pipes, vibratory plates, rods, sonometer; large air-pump with accessories; Atwood's machine; compound microscope with accessories; cathetometer; Bunsen photometer; Morton projecting lantern with accessories, including four hundred slides illustrating various subjects in physics, etc.; diffraction gratings; prisms, lenses, etc.; large Hilger spectrometer; Nicol's prism, two-and-a-half-inch aperture; electric batteries of various types; thermopile; Thomson's galvanometer, four thousand ohms; D'Arsonval galvanometer; condenser, one-third microfarad; Mascart electrometer; Weston voltmeter, Weston ammeter and milliammeter; large induction coil; Ruhmkorff electromagnet; Toepler electric influence machine; Carhart-Clark standard cell; Elliott resistance coils and Wheatstone bridge; etc.
A gas-engine and dynamo supply the electricity required, and the laboratory is also provided with a battery of storage-cells.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
HISTORY RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, continued ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
Surveying.
The student begins the work in surveying during his first year at the Institute.
In the second term of this year he is taught the use of the chain, tape and compass.
He also makes a compass survey of a small piece of land which is mapped and the area computed.
In the second year the construction and use of all modern surveying instruments, including transit, level, solar compass and attachment, clinometer, hand-level, aneroid barometer, planimeter, etc., are taught in the class-room, as are also the various methods in modern use of making land, topographical, hydrographical, mine and city surveys.
In topographical surveying, while all methods are taught and the conditions rendering; one method more suitable than another, particular attention is paid to the transit and stadia, and the students become thoroughly familiar with this most generally suitable method.
During the first term daily practice in the adjustment and use of the various instruments before enumerated is given.
Surveys of limited extent are executed, a meridian is established with the solar compass, checked by stellar observations, and the magnetic declination of the needle determined.
At the close of the year the class is taken into the field for four weeks, and makes a complete topographical survey of an area selected with reference to the diversity of problems it presents.
This survey is also made to include hydrographic work, as the portion of the stream within the area chosen for work is mapped from soundings and its flow determined.
For this work the Institute has a large equipment, including compasses, transits, levels, solar compass, plane-table, rods, hand-levels, clinometers, barometers, etc.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
Surveying.
The student begins the work in surveying during his first year at the Institute.
In the second term of this year he is taught the use of the chain, tape and compass.
He also makes a compass survey of a small piece of land which is mapped and the area computed.
In the second year the construction and use of all modern surveying instruments, including transit, level, solar compass and attachment, clinometer, hand-level, aneroid barometer, planimeter, etc., are taught in the class-room, as are also the various methods in modern use of making land, topographical, hydrographical, mine and city surveys.
In topographical surveying, while all methods are taught and the conditions rendering; one method more suitable than another, particular attention is paid to the transit and stadia, and the students become thoroughly familiar with this most generally suitable method.
During the first term daily practice in the adjustment and use of the various instruments before enumerated is given.
Surveys of limited extent are executed, a meridian is established with the solar compass, checked by stellar observations, and the magnetic declination of the needle determined.
At the close of the year the class is taken into the field for four weeks, and makes a complete topographical survey of an area selected with reference to the diversity of problems it presents.
This survey is also made to include hydrographic work, as the portion of the stream within the area chosen for work is mapped from soundings and its flow determined.
For this work the Institute has a large equipment, including compasses, transits, levels, solar compass, plane-table, rods, hand-levels, clinometers, barometers, etc.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
HISTORY RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, continued ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
Geodesy.
Besides the course in astronomy, in which the students are taught to determine latitude, longitude, time, etc., from observations on the heavenly bodies, a brief course in geodetic surveying is given in the third year.
The work includes the methods of measuring base lines, field-work of triangulation, adjustment of triangles and quadrilaterals and a discussion of the figure of the earth.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
Geodesy.
Besides the course in astronomy, in which the students are taught to determine latitude, longitude, time, etc., from observations on the heavenly bodies, a brief course in geodetic surveying is given in the third year.
The work includes the methods of measuring base lines, field-work of triangulation, adjustment of triangles and quadrilaterals and a discussion of the figure of the earth.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
HISTORY RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, continued ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
Highway Engineering.
During the third year there is given a course in highway engineering, in which is discussed the location, construction and maintenance of country roads and city streets, the advantages and disadvantages of the various paving materials and specifications for each, and a study is made of the various road laws in force and their adequacy.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
Highway Engineering.
During the third year there is given a course in highway engineering, in which is discussed the location, construction and maintenance of country roads and city streets, the advantages and disadvantages of the various paving materials and specifications for each, and a study is made of the various road laws in force and their adequacy.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
HISTORY RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, continued ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
Railroad Engineering.
The subject of railroad engineering is begun in the third year with a theoretical course in railroad curves, turnouts and minor structures, and the staking out and computation of railway earthwork.
The course also includes a discussion of the method of making railway location surveys, and a contour map is furnished the student on which he projects a location line and makes an estimate of materials and cost.
This theoretical course is followed at the close of the year by four weeks of field practice in railroad surveying, during which a preliminary survey is made and mapped, a location projected and run in, the work staked out, quantities computed and cost estimated.
A line from three to eight miles in length is usually located, and through the courtesy of railroad officials interested in the Institute the classes not infrequently have an actually contemplated line to examine, which secures an interest and faithfulness not always obtained on a mere "practice" line.
In the fourth year the subject generally known as Economic Theory of Railroad Location, embracing the items of train resistance and the effect of grades, curves and length of line on operation, is thoroughly studied, together with the correlative subjects of economic construction, maintenance of way, etc.
Numerous problems are given to illustrate the subject and a short thesis comparing two or more possible locations for a line, the data for which are given, is written.
The students also discuss in the light of the new knowledge the location made the previous year.
In addition to the above there is given in the fourth year a comprehensive series of lectures on railway signals, embracing the construction and operation of block signals and interlocking signals for yards, crossings, etc.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
Railroad Engineering.
The subject of railroad engineering is begun in the third year with a theoretical course in railroad curves, turnouts and minor structures, and the staking out and computation of railway earthwork.
The course also includes a discussion of the method of making railway location surveys, and a contour map is furnished the student on which he projects a location line and makes an estimate of materials and cost.
This theoretical course is followed at the close of the year by four weeks of field practice in railroad surveying, during which a preliminary survey is made and mapped, a location projected and run in, the work staked out, quantities computed and cost estimated.
A line from three to eight miles in length is usually located, and through the courtesy of railroad officials interested in the Institute the classes not infrequently have an actually contemplated line to examine, which secures an interest and faithfulness not always obtained on a mere "practice" line.
In the fourth year the subject generally known as Economic Theory of Railroad Location, embracing the items of train resistance and the effect of grades, curves and length of line on operation, is thoroughly studied, together with the correlative subjects of economic construction, maintenance of way, etc.
Numerous problems are given to illustrate the subject and a short thesis comparing two or more possible locations for a line, the data for which are given, is written.
The students also discuss in the light of the new knowledge the location made the previous year.
In addition to the above there is given in the fourth year a comprehensive series of lectures on railway signals, embracing the construction and operation of block signals and interlocking signals for yards, crossings, etc.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
HISTORY RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, continued ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
Summer Courses.
The summer courses in surveying in the second and third years are particularly valuable, on account of the continuous and practical character of the work.
The student is employed all day for six days in the week, and the methods used both in the topographical and railroad surveys embody the latest modern practice.
The work is usually located in the Adirondack foot-hills, and forms the most enjoyable and heathful, as well as valuable, portion of the surveying instruction.
These courses are open to a limited number of special students who show themselves competent to perform the work.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
Summer Courses.
The summer courses in surveying in the second and third years are particularly valuable, on account of the continuous and practical character of the work.
The student is employed all day for six days in the week, and the methods used both in the topographical and railroad surveys embody the latest modern practice.
The work is usually located in the Adirondack foot-hills, and forms the most enjoyable and heathful, as well as valuable, portion of the surveying instruction.
These courses are open to a limited number of special students who show themselves competent to perform the work.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
HISTORY RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, continued ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
Topographical Drawing.
This subject is taught in the first, second and third years, of the course.
In the first year the student learns to make the various topographic symbols, both in pen and ink and in color.
In the second year, in connection with the course in surveying, he maps small areas from notes furnished him, measures and computes the areas and draws contours, projects grades and computes volumes of earthwork involved in surface grading.
He also makes the skeleton map of the summer survey.
In the third year he completes this map and also makes, in the field, the map of the railroad survey.
The use of the planimeter and the various diagrams for estimating areas and earthwork are taught.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
Topographical Drawing.
This subject is taught in the first, second and third years, of the course.
In the first year the student learns to make the various topographic symbols, both in pen and ink and in color.
In the second year, in connection with the course in surveying, he maps small areas from notes furnished him, measures and computes the areas and draws contours, projects grades and computes volumes of earthwork involved in surface grading.
He also makes the skeleton map of the summer survey.
In the third year he completes this map and also makes, in the field, the map of the railroad survey.
The use of the planimeter and the various diagrams for estimating areas and earthwork are taught.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
HISTORY RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, continued ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
Rational Mechanics
At the conclusion of the course in integral calculus during the first term of the third year, instruction in rational mechanics begins.
In this course, which extends over a part of two terms, with recitations and lectures every day, the fundamental theoretic principles of statics, cinematics and dynamics, which underlie and form the foundation of all branches of engineering, are taught.
These include the resolution and composition of forces, the determination of the centre of gravity and moment of inertia of various bodies and cross-sections in constant use in practical work, the principles of internal stress, translation and rotation, momentum, impulse, energy, work, impact, oscillation, fluid pressure, etc.
The higher treatises and text-books, supplemented by notes, are used.
The method of instruction, which applies as well to the technical subjects in the department of mechanics as to the rational, is as follows: The class is divided into sections and each section, after a combined lecture and thorough interrogation by the Professor in charge goes to the Assistant for a recitation on certain selected parts of the subject.
The Assistant requires each student each day to put one of these articles on the blackboard and explain it.
During this explanation he is interrogated upon the principles involved.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
Rational Mechanics
At the conclusion of the course in integral calculus during the first term of the third year, instruction in rational mechanics begins.
In this course, which extends over a part of two terms, with recitations and lectures every day, the fundamental theoretic principles of statics, cinematics and dynamics, which underlie and form the foundation of all branches of engineering, are taught.
These include the resolution and composition of forces, the determination of the centre of gravity and moment of inertia of various bodies and cross-sections in constant use in practical work, the principles of internal stress, translation and rotation, momentum, impulse, energy, work, impact, oscillation, fluid pressure, etc.
The higher treatises and text-books, supplemented by notes, are used.
The method of instruction, which applies as well to the technical subjects in the department of mechanics as to the rational, is as follows: The class is divided into sections and each section, after a combined lecture and thorough interrogation by the Professor in charge goes to the Assistant for a recitation on certain selected parts of the subject.
The Assistant requires each student each day to put one of these articles on the blackboard and explain it.
During this explanation he is interrogated upon the principles involved.
TO BE CONTINUED ...