HISTORY RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, continued ...
CHAPTER VIII.
PRESENT EQUIPMENT — MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION, continued ...
The Transit, an annual issued under the auspices of the Fraternities by a board of editors selected from members of Division B, has been published for twenty-nine consecutive years.
The first number, dated December, 1865, was issued by the class of 1867.
Beside the roll of members of the classes, fraternities and societies it contains lists of members of the athletic, glee and other clubs and miscellaneous organizations.
The "Selected Papers" of the Rensselaer Society of Engineers are also published at irregular intervals.
These are often of much scientific value.
The first college fraternity to establish a chapter at the Institute was the Theta Delta Chi.
The Delta chapter was chartered in 1853 and remained until 1870.
It was re-established in 1883.
Beside this there are five others existing at present: the Alpha chapter of Theta Xi (1864), Lambda of Delta Phi (1864), Psi Omega of Delta Kappa Epsilon (1867), Theta of Chi Phi (1878) and Upsilon of Delta Tau Delta (1879).
The Pi chapter of Zeta Psi was established in 1865 and withdrawn in 1893.
Several others were chartered at various times but were withdrawn after an existence of one or two years.
The Pi Eta Scientific Society, organized January, 1866, became afterwards the Rensselaer Society of Engineers, which was incorporated by act of legislature in May, 1873.
Papers are read by the student members at the meetings throughout the year and scientific lectures are also delivered at intervals by graduate members of the society and others.
The Zeta chapter of the Sigma Xi Society was established at the Institute May 6, 1887.
This society is modelled to some extent after Phi Beta Kappa, though it is not a secret society.
Its undergraduate members are chosen only from those who have distinguished themselves in scholastic work.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
Re: HISTORY OF RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
HISTORY RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, continued ...
CHAPTER VIII.
PRESENT EQUIPMENT — MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION, continued ...
The Institute has had exhibits at three world's fairs.
It sent some students' drawings to the World's Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition, held at New Orleans in 1884-85, and received a medal and diploma of the "First Order of Merit" for mechanical and free-hand drawing.
It also obtained for its exhibit at the Universal Exposition of the French Republic at Paris, in 1889, the only grand prize awarded to any American scientific school.
At the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893, in Chicago, it exhibited the work of its students and graduates and received awards for each, worded as follows: "Superior instruction in matter and method, through its long continued service."
"Marked attainments of its students in all forms of class work, including topography, railroad maps, mechanical drawing and theses"; and "The magnificent work of its graduates, including (a) the arches of the Liberal Arts building, (b) the Ferris Wheel, (c) the Brooklyn Bridge, (d) the Poughkeepsie Bridge, (e) the models of their inventions, (f) the bibliography of their publications."
It will be inferred from what has been said in preceding chapters that the school cannot be classed among the wealthy institutions of the country.
In its early days a considerable portion of the expense of its maintenance was borne by the founder; during the first eight years he expended more than $22,000 in its support.
Upon the removal to the Van der Heyden mansion, in 1834, he built a laboratory and rooms for study upon the new site, and he continued to assist the institution until his death.
Its equipment at first was not great, though it compared favorably with that used for scientific purposes in the oldest and wealthiest colleges.
In 1828 the collections and library were valued at $3615 and the real estate at $1348.
The total value of its property was $5009.
The complete inventory made in 1846, after the removal to the Infant School lot, showed the total value of real estate, invested funds, library and apparatus to be $15,851 and the debts to amount to $1050.
This value though small was not inconsiderable for schools of science at that period.
At various times the authorities of the school have made appeals for aid to the Legislature of the State.
One such petition, signed by B. Franklin Greene, LeGrand B. Cannon, John B. Tibbits and D. Thomas Vail, was presented shortly after the reorganization, and in the act making appropriations for general purposes, passed July 10, 1851, $3000 was given to the Institute.
To aid in rebuilding after the fire, $10,000 was appropriated April 23, 1863.
Another memorial signed by all of the trustees and by Director Charles Drowne was presented in 1866.
They asked for $50,000.
This was not given, but by an act passed April 23, 1864, the State Paleeontologist was authorized to select from the duplicate fossils belonging to the State, and present to the Institute, a collection as full and complete as could be made.
The fossils were given and an appropriation of $15,000 was also made May 8, 1868.
Again in 1861, by an act passed April 28, $3750 was donated.
These sums, together with the $744 received from the Regents between the years 1846 and 1853, while the Institute was under their visitation as an academy, make the total amount of money received from the State, since the foundation of the school, $32,494.
This is wholly inconsiderable when compared with the sums which have been received from the same source by other institutions.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
CHAPTER VIII.
PRESENT EQUIPMENT — MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION, continued ...
The Institute has had exhibits at three world's fairs.
It sent some students' drawings to the World's Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition, held at New Orleans in 1884-85, and received a medal and diploma of the "First Order of Merit" for mechanical and free-hand drawing.
It also obtained for its exhibit at the Universal Exposition of the French Republic at Paris, in 1889, the only grand prize awarded to any American scientific school.
At the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893, in Chicago, it exhibited the work of its students and graduates and received awards for each, worded as follows: "Superior instruction in matter and method, through its long continued service."
"Marked attainments of its students in all forms of class work, including topography, railroad maps, mechanical drawing and theses"; and "The magnificent work of its graduates, including (a) the arches of the Liberal Arts building, (b) the Ferris Wheel, (c) the Brooklyn Bridge, (d) the Poughkeepsie Bridge, (e) the models of their inventions, (f) the bibliography of their publications."
It will be inferred from what has been said in preceding chapters that the school cannot be classed among the wealthy institutions of the country.
In its early days a considerable portion of the expense of its maintenance was borne by the founder; during the first eight years he expended more than $22,000 in its support.
Upon the removal to the Van der Heyden mansion, in 1834, he built a laboratory and rooms for study upon the new site, and he continued to assist the institution until his death.
Its equipment at first was not great, though it compared favorably with that used for scientific purposes in the oldest and wealthiest colleges.
In 1828 the collections and library were valued at $3615 and the real estate at $1348.
The total value of its property was $5009.
The complete inventory made in 1846, after the removal to the Infant School lot, showed the total value of real estate, invested funds, library and apparatus to be $15,851 and the debts to amount to $1050.
This value though small was not inconsiderable for schools of science at that period.
At various times the authorities of the school have made appeals for aid to the Legislature of the State.
One such petition, signed by B. Franklin Greene, LeGrand B. Cannon, John B. Tibbits and D. Thomas Vail, was presented shortly after the reorganization, and in the act making appropriations for general purposes, passed July 10, 1851, $3000 was given to the Institute.
To aid in rebuilding after the fire, $10,000 was appropriated April 23, 1863.
Another memorial signed by all of the trustees and by Director Charles Drowne was presented in 1866.
They asked for $50,000.
This was not given, but by an act passed April 23, 1864, the State Paleeontologist was authorized to select from the duplicate fossils belonging to the State, and present to the Institute, a collection as full and complete as could be made.
The fossils were given and an appropriation of $15,000 was also made May 8, 1868.
Again in 1861, by an act passed April 28, $3750 was donated.
These sums, together with the $744 received from the Regents between the years 1846 and 1853, while the Institute was under their visitation as an academy, make the total amount of money received from the State, since the foundation of the school, $32,494.
This is wholly inconsiderable when compared with the sums which have been received from the same source by other institutions.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
HISTORY RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, continued ...
CHAPTER VIII.
PRESENT EQUIPMENT — MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION, continued ...
The aggregate amount of money subscribed at intervals since the reorganization by the trustees, alumni and citizens of Troy has been comparatively large.
It would in general be invidious to mention only those who have contributed most largely, though in a few instances, where individual gifts have been made for specific purposes, as in the case of the Proudfit Observatory, Hart Professorship and Macdonald Prize, the names of the donors have been given.
It is gratifying to record the fact that in consequence of such contributions the property owned by the school has been trebled during the past fifteen years.
In the seventy years which have elapsed since the foundation of the Institute, from 1824 to 1894, inclusive, there have been 1126 graduates.
Of these two hundred and sixty-five are known to be dead, which would show that there are 861 living.
This number is probably somewhat too large, as there are doubtless some dead, especially in the early years, who have not been so recorded.
Of these graduates sixty-seven received the degree A.B. (r.s.), seventy-seven that of Bachelor of Natural Science, B.N.S., nine hundred and eighty-two graduated as Civil Engineers, C.E., twenty-three as Mining Engineers, M.E., five as Topographical Engineers, T.E., and the degree of Bachelor of Science, B.S., was conferred upon thirty-
three.
Eleven hundred and eighty-seven degrees have therefore been conferred upon graduates.
Sixty-one of them took two degrees each.
Fifty-four of those who took two degrees were graduated before the reorganization of 1849-50, and obtained both C.E. and B.N.S.
Only four honorary degrees have been conferred: In 1882 the honorary degree of Civil Engineer was conferred upon Charles H. Fisher, Chief Engineer of the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad, who had been a student in the class of 1853, and also upon Luiz da R. Dias, Chief Engineer of the Bahia and Caribaen Railroad, Brazil, who had been graduated in the class of i860 as a Topographical Engineer.
In 1884 the degree of Civil Engineer was also conferred upon William B. Cogswell, formerly of the class of 1852, the Chief Engineer and General Manager of the Solvay Process Company of Syracuse, N. Y.
At the same time the honorary degree of Doctor of Philosophy was given James C. Booth, Director of the United States Mint at Philadelphia, who in 1831 had been a student at the school and an assistant to the Senior Professor.
The total number of students who have attended the Institute is not exactly known, though it closely approximates three thousand.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
CHAPTER VIII.
PRESENT EQUIPMENT — MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION, continued ...
The aggregate amount of money subscribed at intervals since the reorganization by the trustees, alumni and citizens of Troy has been comparatively large.
It would in general be invidious to mention only those who have contributed most largely, though in a few instances, where individual gifts have been made for specific purposes, as in the case of the Proudfit Observatory, Hart Professorship and Macdonald Prize, the names of the donors have been given.
It is gratifying to record the fact that in consequence of such contributions the property owned by the school has been trebled during the past fifteen years.
In the seventy years which have elapsed since the foundation of the Institute, from 1824 to 1894, inclusive, there have been 1126 graduates.
Of these two hundred and sixty-five are known to be dead, which would show that there are 861 living.
This number is probably somewhat too large, as there are doubtless some dead, especially in the early years, who have not been so recorded.
Of these graduates sixty-seven received the degree A.B. (r.s.), seventy-seven that of Bachelor of Natural Science, B.N.S., nine hundred and eighty-two graduated as Civil Engineers, C.E., twenty-three as Mining Engineers, M.E., five as Topographical Engineers, T.E., and the degree of Bachelor of Science, B.S., was conferred upon thirty-
three.
Eleven hundred and eighty-seven degrees have therefore been conferred upon graduates.
Sixty-one of them took two degrees each.
Fifty-four of those who took two degrees were graduated before the reorganization of 1849-50, and obtained both C.E. and B.N.S.
Only four honorary degrees have been conferred: In 1882 the honorary degree of Civil Engineer was conferred upon Charles H. Fisher, Chief Engineer of the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad, who had been a student in the class of 1853, and also upon Luiz da R. Dias, Chief Engineer of the Bahia and Caribaen Railroad, Brazil, who had been graduated in the class of i860 as a Topographical Engineer.
In 1884 the degree of Civil Engineer was also conferred upon William B. Cogswell, formerly of the class of 1852, the Chief Engineer and General Manager of the Solvay Process Company of Syracuse, N. Y.
At the same time the honorary degree of Doctor of Philosophy was given James C. Booth, Director of the United States Mint at Philadelphia, who in 1831 had been a student at the school and an assistant to the Senior Professor.
The total number of students who have attended the Institute is not exactly known, though it closely approximates three thousand.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
HISTORY RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, continued ...
CHAPTER VIII.
PRESENT EQUIPMENT — MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION, continued ...
The reputation of the Institute as a school of engineering is well known.
As the pioneer in any English-speaking country in this branch of education its fame was early established.
Students have come to it from forty-two of the states and territories of the Union and from many foreign countries, including the Bahamas, Brazil, Canada, Chili, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, England, Germany, Honduras, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Peru, Porto Rico, Russia, San Domingo, Sandwich Islands, Spain, United States of Colombia and Venezuela.
Its renown has not been due to its age but to its methods of instruction, its rigid requirements for graduation and the work of its alumni.
Its methods and curriculums of the past have already been set forth in preceding chapters; those of to-day will follow.
Its requirements for graduation may be indicated in a general way by finding the ratio of the graduates in any class to the total number of students who have been members of it.
Such ratios for every decade since the reorganization, beginning with 1860, are as follows: for the class of 1860 the percentage is 45.0, for 1870 it is 31.6, for 1880 it becomes 33.3 and for 1890 it is 27.0.
The highest ratio, 50.0 per cent, is found for the class of 1885.
In the class of 1874 it is 17.5 per cent.
The average ratio for the last forty years is 36.0 per cent.
It is, however, to the work of its graduates that the reputation of the school is largely due.
They have left an imprint in the history of the scientific development, constructive art and material progress of this and other countries which cannot be effaced.
Their success has been marked not only in the profession of engineering and as scientific investigators but in business pursuits.
It has been widespread.
An appendix containing all the known addresses and occupations of the alumni was published, for the first time, in the Register of November, 1860.
This began with the class of 1850.
It has since been published in all Registers and now includes all classes from the beginning.
A "geographical index", giving the place of residence of all the graduates, was added in 1891.
In the Register of 1894 this shows the living ones to be at present at work in forty-five of the states and territories of the Union and in nineteen foreign countries.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
CHAPTER VIII.
PRESENT EQUIPMENT — MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION, continued ...
The reputation of the Institute as a school of engineering is well known.
As the pioneer in any English-speaking country in this branch of education its fame was early established.
Students have come to it from forty-two of the states and territories of the Union and from many foreign countries, including the Bahamas, Brazil, Canada, Chili, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, England, Germany, Honduras, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Peru, Porto Rico, Russia, San Domingo, Sandwich Islands, Spain, United States of Colombia and Venezuela.
Its renown has not been due to its age but to its methods of instruction, its rigid requirements for graduation and the work of its alumni.
Its methods and curriculums of the past have already been set forth in preceding chapters; those of to-day will follow.
Its requirements for graduation may be indicated in a general way by finding the ratio of the graduates in any class to the total number of students who have been members of it.
Such ratios for every decade since the reorganization, beginning with 1860, are as follows: for the class of 1860 the percentage is 45.0, for 1870 it is 31.6, for 1880 it becomes 33.3 and for 1890 it is 27.0.
The highest ratio, 50.0 per cent, is found for the class of 1885.
In the class of 1874 it is 17.5 per cent.
The average ratio for the last forty years is 36.0 per cent.
It is, however, to the work of its graduates that the reputation of the school is largely due.
They have left an imprint in the history of the scientific development, constructive art and material progress of this and other countries which cannot be effaced.
Their success has been marked not only in the profession of engineering and as scientific investigators but in business pursuits.
It has been widespread.
An appendix containing all the known addresses and occupations of the alumni was published, for the first time, in the Register of November, 1860.
This began with the class of 1850.
It has since been published in all Registers and now includes all classes from the beginning.
A "geographical index", giving the place of residence of all the graduates, was added in 1891.
In the Register of 1894 this shows the living ones to be at present at work in forty-five of the states and territories of the Union and in nineteen foreign countries.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
HISTORY RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, continued ...
CHAPTER VIII.
PRESENT EQUIPMENT — MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION, concluded ...
In 1892 a pamphlet entitled "A Partial Record of the Work of Graduates of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute" was compiled from the annual Registers.
Its gives the names and positions of those of the alumni whose pursuits could be easily classified.
Even in this particular it is necessarily incomplete, and no mention is made in it of many who have attained eminence in various diverse callings.
This partial list contains the names of thirty-three presidents, one hundred and twenty-one vice-presidents, managers and superintendents, and sixty-nine chief engineers of railroad companies, steel and iron works, bridge companies, water works, electric companies, mining companies, sewerage systems, canals, etc.
It shows that they have helped to build and operate more than one hundred and nine thousand (109,000) miles of the railroad system of North America alone and that they have been connected as designers and constructors with all the important bridge companies and nearly all the great bridges of the country.
There is given also a list of fifty-six who have become professors in our leading universities, colleges and schools of science.
More than two hundred have been connected with the American Society of Civil Engineers in its various grades of membership.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
CHAPTER VIII.
PRESENT EQUIPMENT — MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION, concluded ...
In 1892 a pamphlet entitled "A Partial Record of the Work of Graduates of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute" was compiled from the annual Registers.
Its gives the names and positions of those of the alumni whose pursuits could be easily classified.
Even in this particular it is necessarily incomplete, and no mention is made in it of many who have attained eminence in various diverse callings.
This partial list contains the names of thirty-three presidents, one hundred and twenty-one vice-presidents, managers and superintendents, and sixty-nine chief engineers of railroad companies, steel and iron works, bridge companies, water works, electric companies, mining companies, sewerage systems, canals, etc.
It shows that they have helped to build and operate more than one hundred and nine thousand (109,000) miles of the railroad system of North America alone and that they have been connected as designers and constructors with all the important bridge companies and nearly all the great bridges of the country.
There is given also a list of fifty-six who have become professors in our leading universities, colleges and schools of science.
More than two hundred have been connected with the American Society of Civil Engineers in its various grades of membership.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
HISTORY RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, continued ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES.
The Institute has at present six buildings in use for purposes of instruction: the Main Building, the Winslow Laboratory, the Ranken House, the Williams Proudfit Astronomical Observatory, the Gymnasium and the Alumni Building.
The Main Building contains lecture and recitation rooms, drawing-rooms and the laboratories of the department of Physics.
The main hall of the institution, where the reading of theses and other general exercises takes place, is also in this building.
The Winslow Laboratory is devoted entirely to the department of Chemistry.
The first story contains rooms for quantitative analysis and special investigations, and also the furnaces for assaying.
The general laboratory for qualitative analysis and rooms for chemical balances and for the instructor in charge are on the second floor.
The third story contains the general lecture-hall, a recitation-room, a room for the apparatus used in the lectures on general chemistry and an office for the use of the instructors in the department.
In this room there is a carefully selected special chemical library.
The Williams Proudfit Observatory is well equipped with instruments for use in engineering instruction, containing a transit instrument, chronometer, chronograph, clocks and sextant.
There is a special astronomical library in the computing-room.
The Ranken House contains the machines used for testing wood, stone, cement and metals, and also a recitation-room for the department of mechanics.
The gymnasium and Alumni Building have already been sufficiently described.
The methods of instruction are similar to those in vogue shortly after the reorganization.
Text-books are largely used, though these are almost invariably supplemented by lectures.
The classes are divided into small sections and each student is required to recite every day in all the subjects taught.
Sometimes the recitations consist of interrogation only, but generally both interrogation and blackboard work are required every day.
The scholastic year is divided into two terms — the first beginning about the middle of September and the second about the first of February.
For divisions D and A these are each about nineteen weeks in duration, and for divisions C and B the first term is about nineteen weeks and the second two weeks longer.
This is because the latter two divisions spend the month of June in the field, surveying, whereas the former end the work of the second term about the middle of June.
Each term is divided into three periods, the advance, the review and the examination.
The advance, during which the student takes up a subject for the first time, lasts about fifteen weeks, the review about three, and the examination period is about one week in duration.
In the review no new subject is studied, but those taken during the advance are repeated.
During both the advance and review, when a subject is once taken up it is continued until it is finished.
Recitations are held on consecutive days until the course is ended.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES.
The Institute has at present six buildings in use for purposes of instruction: the Main Building, the Winslow Laboratory, the Ranken House, the Williams Proudfit Astronomical Observatory, the Gymnasium and the Alumni Building.
The Main Building contains lecture and recitation rooms, drawing-rooms and the laboratories of the department of Physics.
The main hall of the institution, where the reading of theses and other general exercises takes place, is also in this building.
The Winslow Laboratory is devoted entirely to the department of Chemistry.
The first story contains rooms for quantitative analysis and special investigations, and also the furnaces for assaying.
The general laboratory for qualitative analysis and rooms for chemical balances and for the instructor in charge are on the second floor.
The third story contains the general lecture-hall, a recitation-room, a room for the apparatus used in the lectures on general chemistry and an office for the use of the instructors in the department.
In this room there is a carefully selected special chemical library.
The Williams Proudfit Observatory is well equipped with instruments for use in engineering instruction, containing a transit instrument, chronometer, chronograph, clocks and sextant.
There is a special astronomical library in the computing-room.
The Ranken House contains the machines used for testing wood, stone, cement and metals, and also a recitation-room for the department of mechanics.
The gymnasium and Alumni Building have already been sufficiently described.
The methods of instruction are similar to those in vogue shortly after the reorganization.
Text-books are largely used, though these are almost invariably supplemented by lectures.
The classes are divided into small sections and each student is required to recite every day in all the subjects taught.
Sometimes the recitations consist of interrogation only, but generally both interrogation and blackboard work are required every day.
The scholastic year is divided into two terms — the first beginning about the middle of September and the second about the first of February.
For divisions D and A these are each about nineteen weeks in duration, and for divisions C and B the first term is about nineteen weeks and the second two weeks longer.
This is because the latter two divisions spend the month of June in the field, surveying, whereas the former end the work of the second term about the middle of June.
Each term is divided into three periods, the advance, the review and the examination.
The advance, during which the student takes up a subject for the first time, lasts about fifteen weeks, the review about three, and the examination period is about one week in duration.
In the review no new subject is studied, but those taken during the advance are repeated.
During both the advance and review, when a subject is once taken up it is continued until it is finished.
Recitations are held on consecutive days until the course is ended.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
HISTORY RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, continued ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
The principal course of instruction given is that of Civil Engineering, for which the degree conferred is Civil Engineer (C.E.).
The instruction, however, is not narrowed to any special branch of civil engineering.
The design of steam-engines, as well as that of bridges, sewerage systems, water-works,, etc. is taught and the student receives instruction as well in the principles of electrical engineering as in the location and construction of roads and railroads.
A course in Natural Science is also given, upon the satisfactory completion of which the degree of Bachelor of Science (B.S.), is conferred.
Special courses are given in Chemistry and special students are taken in any department for which they are qualified.
General schedules for the two courses will first be outlined, and afterwards detailed descriptions of the methods pursued in each department will be given.
Schedule of the Course in Civil Engineering, first year.
FIRST TERM.
Solid Geometry.
Algebra.
French.
Projections, Theory.
Projections, Drawing.
Free-hand Drawing.
Plane Problems.
Elements of Drawing.
Pen Topography.
SECOND TERM.
Trigonometry.
Physics.
French.
Surveying, Theory.
Surveying, Practice.
Colored Topography.
Bridge Drawing.
A Thesis must be written during the Summer vacation.
SECOND YEAR.
FIRST TERM.
Physics.
Logic.
Descriptive Geometry, Theory.
Descriptive Geometry, Drawing.
Analytical Geometry.
Surveying, Theory.
Surveying, Practice.
Physical Experiments
SECOND TERM.
Chemistry, Theory.
Chemistry, Lectures.
Differential Calculus.
Surveying, Theory.
Shades and Shadows, Theory.
Shades and Shadows, Drawing,
Perspective, Theory.
Perspective, Drawing.
Free-hand Drawing, Lettering.
A Thesis must be written during the Summer vacation.
A four weeks' course in Surveying during the month of June is required.
THIRD YEAR.
FIRST TERM
Integral Calculus.
Rational Mechanics.
Geodesy.
Highway Engineering.
Chemistry, Qualitative Analysis.
Mineralogy.
Electricity and Magnetism.
Map Drawing.
SECOND TERM
Rational Mechanics.
Structures, Railroad Engineering, Theory.
Astronomy.
Machine Construction, Theory.
Machine Construction, Plates.
Chemistry; Blowpipe Analysis;
Assaying.
A Thesis must be written during the Summer vacation.
A four weeks' course in Railroad' Engineering during the month of June is required.
FOURTH YEAR.
FIRST TERM.
Machines.
Resistance of Materials.
Hydraulics.
Sewerage.
Bridges and Roofs.
Economic Theory of Railroad Location.
Practical Astronomy, Theory.
Practical Astronomy, Observations.
Metallurgy.
Physical Laboratory Work.
SECOND TERM.
Bridge Design.
Hydraulics.
Hydraulic Motors.
Thermodynamics.
Steam Engineering.
Stone Cutting, Theory.
Stone Cutting, Plates.
Electrical Engineering.
Physical Laboratory Work.
Geology.
Law of Contracts.
A Graduating Thesis must be presented.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
The principal course of instruction given is that of Civil Engineering, for which the degree conferred is Civil Engineer (C.E.).
The instruction, however, is not narrowed to any special branch of civil engineering.
The design of steam-engines, as well as that of bridges, sewerage systems, water-works,, etc. is taught and the student receives instruction as well in the principles of electrical engineering as in the location and construction of roads and railroads.
A course in Natural Science is also given, upon the satisfactory completion of which the degree of Bachelor of Science (B.S.), is conferred.
Special courses are given in Chemistry and special students are taken in any department for which they are qualified.
General schedules for the two courses will first be outlined, and afterwards detailed descriptions of the methods pursued in each department will be given.
Schedule of the Course in Civil Engineering, first year.
FIRST TERM.
Solid Geometry.
Algebra.
French.
Projections, Theory.
Projections, Drawing.
Free-hand Drawing.
Plane Problems.
Elements of Drawing.
Pen Topography.
SECOND TERM.
Trigonometry.
Physics.
French.
Surveying, Theory.
Surveying, Practice.
Colored Topography.
Bridge Drawing.
A Thesis must be written during the Summer vacation.
SECOND YEAR.
FIRST TERM.
Physics.
Logic.
Descriptive Geometry, Theory.
Descriptive Geometry, Drawing.
Analytical Geometry.
Surveying, Theory.
Surveying, Practice.
Physical Experiments
SECOND TERM.
Chemistry, Theory.
Chemistry, Lectures.
Differential Calculus.
Surveying, Theory.
Shades and Shadows, Theory.
Shades and Shadows, Drawing,
Perspective, Theory.
Perspective, Drawing.
Free-hand Drawing, Lettering.
A Thesis must be written during the Summer vacation.
A four weeks' course in Surveying during the month of June is required.
THIRD YEAR.
FIRST TERM
Integral Calculus.
Rational Mechanics.
Geodesy.
Highway Engineering.
Chemistry, Qualitative Analysis.
Mineralogy.
Electricity and Magnetism.
Map Drawing.
SECOND TERM
Rational Mechanics.
Structures, Railroad Engineering, Theory.
Astronomy.
Machine Construction, Theory.
Machine Construction, Plates.
Chemistry; Blowpipe Analysis;
Assaying.
A Thesis must be written during the Summer vacation.
A four weeks' course in Railroad' Engineering during the month of June is required.
FOURTH YEAR.
FIRST TERM.
Machines.
Resistance of Materials.
Hydraulics.
Sewerage.
Bridges and Roofs.
Economic Theory of Railroad Location.
Practical Astronomy, Theory.
Practical Astronomy, Observations.
Metallurgy.
Physical Laboratory Work.
SECOND TERM.
Bridge Design.
Hydraulics.
Hydraulic Motors.
Thermodynamics.
Steam Engineering.
Stone Cutting, Theory.
Stone Cutting, Plates.
Electrical Engineering.
Physical Laboratory Work.
Geology.
Law of Contracts.
A Graduating Thesis must be presented.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
HISTORY RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, continued ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
Schedule of the Course in Natural Science.
The studies of the course in Natural Science are identical with those in Civil Engineering during the first two years.
THIRD YEAR
FIRST TERM.
Calculus.
Electricity and Magnetism.
Mineralogy, Petrography.
Map Drawing.
Chemistry—Qualitative Analysis; Elementary Quantitative Analysis.
SECOND TERM.
Astronomy.
Geology, Lithology.
Histology.
Chemistry, Organic; Blowpipe Analysis, Assaying.
A Thesis must be written during the Summer vacation.
FOURTH YEAR.
FIRST TERM.
Metallurgy—General Metallurgy, Iron Metallurgy.
Chemistry—Quantitative Analysis; Analysis of Commercial and Industrial Products.
Physical Laboratory Work.
SECOND TERM.
Physical Laboratory Work.
Paleontology.
Mineralogy, Determinative.
Petrography.
Chemistry — Quantitative Analysis; Volumetric and Gravimetic Analysis.
Law of Contracts.
A Graduating Thesis must be presented.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
Schedule of the Course in Natural Science.
The studies of the course in Natural Science are identical with those in Civil Engineering during the first two years.
THIRD YEAR
FIRST TERM.
Calculus.
Electricity and Magnetism.
Mineralogy, Petrography.
Map Drawing.
Chemistry—Qualitative Analysis; Elementary Quantitative Analysis.
SECOND TERM.
Astronomy.
Geology, Lithology.
Histology.
Chemistry, Organic; Blowpipe Analysis, Assaying.
A Thesis must be written during the Summer vacation.
FOURTH YEAR.
FIRST TERM.
Metallurgy—General Metallurgy, Iron Metallurgy.
Chemistry—Quantitative Analysis; Analysis of Commercial and Industrial Products.
Physical Laboratory Work.
SECOND TERM.
Physical Laboratory Work.
Paleontology.
Mineralogy, Determinative.
Petrography.
Chemistry — Quantitative Analysis; Volumetric and Gravimetic Analysis.
Law of Contracts.
A Graduating Thesis must be presented.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
HISTORY RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, continued ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
Mathematics and Astronomy.
The subjects in this department are taught partly by interrogation and explanation and partly by exercises at the blackboard.
The classes are divided into small sections so that each student recites every day and receives the constant personal attention of the instructor.
A careful record is kept of his daily work.
During the first year thorough instruction is given in solid geometry, higher algebra and trigonometry.
These are followed by analytical geometry and differential calculus in the second year, and by integral calculus in the third.
Lectures on the theory and various forms of the slide-rule are also delivered.
In all these subjects examples of a practical nature are constantly given.
The text-books used are supplemented by notes prepared by the instructors.
The course in descriptive astronomy is given in the third year, and that in spherical and practical astronomy in the fourth.
In the latter are considered the adjustment and use of portable instruments, correction of observations, determination of time, latitude, longitude and the meridian, the methods of least squares and similar subjects.
The theory is supplemented by work in the observatory, where the use of the sextant, chronograph, transit instrument, etc., is taught.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
Mathematics and Astronomy.
The subjects in this department are taught partly by interrogation and explanation and partly by exercises at the blackboard.
The classes are divided into small sections so that each student recites every day and receives the constant personal attention of the instructor.
A careful record is kept of his daily work.
During the first year thorough instruction is given in solid geometry, higher algebra and trigonometry.
These are followed by analytical geometry and differential calculus in the second year, and by integral calculus in the third.
Lectures on the theory and various forms of the slide-rule are also delivered.
In all these subjects examples of a practical nature are constantly given.
The text-books used are supplemented by notes prepared by the instructors.
The course in descriptive astronomy is given in the third year, and that in spherical and practical astronomy in the fourth.
In the latter are considered the adjustment and use of portable instruments, correction of observations, determination of time, latitude, longitude and the meridian, the methods of least squares and similar subjects.
The theory is supplemented by work in the observatory, where the use of the sextant, chronograph, transit instrument, etc., is taught.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
HISTORY RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, continued ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
Descriptive Geometry and Stereotomy.
In this department careful and thorough instruction is given in free-hand drawing, lettering, the use of drawing instruments, tinting, shading, isometric and orthographic projections, tracing and making blue-prints, the theory and practice of shades, shadows and perspective, machine construction and drawing, including gearing and the slide-valve, and stone cutting.
In all these subjects a great amount of time is spent in the drawing-room under the immediate supervision of the instructor, and original work sufficient to fix the principles is required.
In descriptive geometry, for instance, although a lesson is assigned for each day from the text-book the student is seldom given a problem found there, but is required to prove an original one illustrating the same principles.
Besides the drawing required in the course in stone cutting, plaster of paris models of arches, stairways, etc., are constructed by the students.
The drawing-rooms are commodious and well equipped with all that is necessary for the student.
A large number of models of joints in wood, the projections and intersections of solids; groined, cloistered and other arches, by Schroder, and others of the different solids and warped surfaces, as cylinders, cones, conoids, hyperboloids, hyperbolic paraboloids, etc., with their intersections and tangents, after those of Olivier, are in possession of the department.
These, with valves, machines and parts of machines furnish sufficient material for illustration and use.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
Descriptive Geometry and Stereotomy.
In this department careful and thorough instruction is given in free-hand drawing, lettering, the use of drawing instruments, tinting, shading, isometric and orthographic projections, tracing and making blue-prints, the theory and practice of shades, shadows and perspective, machine construction and drawing, including gearing and the slide-valve, and stone cutting.
In all these subjects a great amount of time is spent in the drawing-room under the immediate supervision of the instructor, and original work sufficient to fix the principles is required.
In descriptive geometry, for instance, although a lesson is assigned for each day from the text-book the student is seldom given a problem found there, but is required to prove an original one illustrating the same principles.
Besides the drawing required in the course in stone cutting, plaster of paris models of arches, stairways, etc., are constructed by the students.
The drawing-rooms are commodious and well equipped with all that is necessary for the student.
A large number of models of joints in wood, the projections and intersections of solids; groined, cloistered and other arches, by Schroder, and others of the different solids and warped surfaces, as cylinders, cones, conoids, hyperboloids, hyperbolic paraboloids, etc., with their intersections and tangents, after those of Olivier, are in possession of the department.
These, with valves, machines and parts of machines furnish sufficient material for illustration and use.
TO BE CONTINUED ...