Illinois College - Rig Yearbook (Jacksonville, IL)

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vgglwfga mathematics -vm it The philosopher may be delighted with the extent of his views, the arti- ry ficer with the readiness of his hands, but let one remember that Without ' mechanical performance, refined speculation is an empty dream, and the other that without theoretical reasoning, dexterity is little more than brute instinct. 1 -Dr. Johnson. Mathematics is the oldest of sciences. It is reasonable to suppose that Geometry was known in the iirst stages of civilization and the text books used today are not very dissimilar from the elements of .Euclid used about 300 B. C. The development of this science has been wonderful and even in recent years the continued advancement in the methods of mathematical calculation is remarkable. V The department of mathematics is certainly one of the most important departments in the college curriculum. Four full years of work are offered and aside from the regular courses in Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry and ' Calculus, instruction is given in Surveying and Astronomy, for which the col- . lege is fairly well equipped. Perhaps a testimony to the strength of this de- partment is the small enrollment in the l1igl1er classes. Prof. William Otis Beal, the instructor, received a Bachelor degree from Earlham College, Indiana, in 1896, and in 1902 was given a Master degree by the University of Chicago. He was an instructor in Michigan Agricultural College from 1897-1900g instructor in Chicago Manual Training School 1902-1903, and-assistant in Astronomy at the University of Chicago during the summer of 1903. Since that time he has been successfully performing his duties as Professor of Mathematics at Illinois College' A square deal and a fair chance , is the motto of our friend, Billy , for which he is much admired by the student body. PROF. NVM. 0. REAL

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-pm no 'English 5'5?,.fi? Literature, says Disraeli, is an avenue to glory. It throws wide tl1e i doors which lead to tl1e abodes of the greatest minds and he who enters there may come into close acquaintanceship with all ages, all subjects, and all languages. I The ocean of literature is without limitf' Itis, wholly, beyond the realm of a college or university to give a complete course in English classics, but the taste for pure English in thought, composition and expression can be culti- vated. It is tl1e purpose in this department at Illinois to give to the student . not a superiicial but a general knowledge of English literature -its cliaracter istics, its exponents, its history and its influences. constant drill in written expression and the criticisms in tl1e class room are of inestimable value. Language most shows a mang speak that I may see theef' is credited to the pen of Ben Johnson. Dr. Ames is a strong believer in l this bit of verse and l1is highest aim is to acquaint his students with the cor- rect use of English and to have them practice it. One of the preliminary courses consists of a general survey of the history of English literature from its beginning to the present day. Later more definite and more minute study is . bestowed upon courses that center on the most significant periods. Dr. John Grifiith Ames, the instructor, received his Bachelor degree in Literature from Oxford University 1899. He graduated with A. B. from John Hopkins Universiry in '94 and is also a graduate student of Harvard. Dr. Ames has been Professor of English at ,Illinois College since 1896 and the year previous filled the same position at Kenyon College, Gambrin, O- HJOl1l1l1l6,,lS popular with all students excepting Freshmen, wh0 consider his course too stifll' and his Hunks too general. IPR. J. fi. AMES Nine specific courses are offered. Practical work is first given in the study . of Rhetoric by the application of its principles to the writing of themes. The 1

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-me Tlfistory cmb 'Ilolitical Science 231.2564 'fHistory, says Carlyle, is philosophy teaching by example. As it lies - at the root of all science it is also the first distinct product of manls spiritual l nature--his earliest expression of what can be called Thoughtf' It is the T essence of immense biographies and in the Words of Sir Walter Raleigh, by the comparison and application of other men's fore-passed miseries with our own like errors and ill deservings, we may gather out of history a policy no less wise than eternalf' We can better understand the national problems if we have gained a knowledge of the nation's past history and have become familiar with the manner in which it overcame the difficulties and obstacles and grasped the opportunities wl1icl1 lay to its choice. The courses in historyinclude a general study of the important nations and their political changes, covering in point of time from the fifth century to ' the present day. In tl1e history of the important countries of Europe, particu- lar reference is made to the Revolution in France and to the rise and over- throw of the Napoleonic Kingdom. In the study of our own nation, the various periods are taken up and given thorough consideration by means of lectures, recitations, topical reports and studies in select documents. The history courses are all exceedingly thorough and the student who has received credit from t11is department feels that he has secured something permanent and valuable. The course in Political Science is indirectly connected with the History d.epartment. It is the most im- portant elective course offered and the instruction derived therefrom will be of extreme value to the graduate in his relations with the World. The course is so arranged as to deal with the practical questions of our coun- try at the present time. Attention is also given to tl1e economic problems presented in the earlier and con- temporary history of the United States and a comparison is made with the problems of the various foreign countries. The governments of the importa.nt European countries are studied and compared with one another and with our own political system. Aside from political institutions, money credit and banking come in for UR. U. lfl. UAR'l7Elt