University of London: Progress since 1900

Abstract

IN his report on the work of the University during the year 1937–38, Dr. H. L. Eason, the recently appointed principal, briefly reviews the progress that it has made since it became a teaching university in 1900 (University of London. Report of the Principal on the Work of the University during the Year 1937–38. Pp. 13. London: University of London). The number of candidates for examination increased sevenfold to 46,000, their fees tenfold to £188,000, the expenditure of the University, exclusiveof grants dispensed to schools, institutions and departmental institutes, tenfold to £247,000. There are now in the schools and institutions of the University 240 professors, 160 readers and 945 recognized teachers ; the roll of internal students reading for degrees and diplomas comprises13,730 names, whilst the registered external students number 10,771. Of the 4,863 candidates for degrees in 1937, 3,074 were internal and 1,789 external. The principal recalls words used by Lord Haldane in 1920: “I tought to be the chief centre of learning in the entire Empire,... Here ought to be concentrated the highest talent, the highest level in thatpassion for excellence of which I have spoken, the highest atmosphere, such as only can come in a great capital at the heart of a great country.” More and more, says the Principal, does the University approach this ideal. Among the notable events of the past session was the inauguration of a Research Fund to which the University Court resolved to appropriatenot more than £5,000 a year, from which grants are to be made for specific projects for research.