The Hopkins University, U.S

Abstract

THE munificent bequests made by wealthy Americans for the promotion of education in the United States frequently excite our astonishment, for they are unparalleled in Europe at the present time. One of the most unique and well-devised of these bequests has lately occurred. Last year there died a Mr. Jonas Hopkins, a rich citizen of Baltimore, who, after providing for his relatives and leaving various minor benefactions, bestowed the chief part of his estate to found a university with an affiliated:medical school and hospital. Both the university and the hospital receive separate landed and other property of such a substantial character that the value of the total amount is over three millions of dollars. Each institution is to be controlled by a kboard of nine trustees, and the same persons are to be on both boards. The university will have no ecclesiastical or political character or supervision, and will be modelled as far as possible after all that is best in similar American and European institutions. It is intended to give the highest instruction that can be obtained, and the trustees are to act in accordance with the most enlightened experience of the day. The scientific and literary departments will first be organised, and then will follow the departments of Medicine and Law.