In the discussion brought about by the introduction of a classical optional in the admission requirements at Harvard, the opponents of the change have, almost invariably, cited the educational systems of England and Germany in support of their argument. They bring up the fact that in the English preparatory schools and the German gymnasia classical instruction goes much farther than it does in similar institutions in this country. They claim that until a student attains the English or German standard, a classical education should be prescribed for him. In view of this claim the fact acquires interest that there is a considerable movement in England for making the classics elective in the preparatory schools. Professor Huxley, the noted scientist, and, moreover, one of the governing body of Eton, has said, palpably referring to Latin and Greek, that the subjects which are now put down in the school curriculum as essentials, are, in fact, luxuries. And no less an authority than the London Athenaeum declares that compulsory Greek in the schools is doomed. The argument from the English school system, therefore, is likely to prove a boomerang in the hands of the classicists.