The plan for the organization of Chicago University would afford more perfect division of branches of instruction and a greater extension of the functions of a university than exists in any. American institution. Some of the greatest departures from the ordinary methods appear to be based on German notions. Such are the provisions that no specific course, time, or residence shall be required for a degree. The theory of giving the students the greatest possible scope for individual work will also be followed in the adoption of the seminary system of lecture rooms. The provision for publishing the results of research will be ample. The plan of forming a special department for this work ought to encourage students and make publications more adequate than they would be with divided responsibility. The extension work as mapped out is also something broader and more systematic than has yet been undertaken.

But after all it is not apparent that Chicago University is going to be so far ahead of all others as the plans indicate. It is noticeable that the university intends to "operate a system of preparatory branch schools," This is what most of these highly enlightened universities come down to after trying their theories for a year or two. Johns Hopkins is strongest in its undergraduate department. Others are likely to have a similar experience and fall into much the same ruts as those followed by Harvard and Yale and most of our old universities. In fact there is little in the most advanced of the plans for Chicago University not already foreshadowed at Harvard. It is encouraging to find the best features copied and enlarged upon, and we hope to see the plans successfully carried into execution.