The University of London

Abstract

THOSE who have taken part in the interesting discussion on the University of London, in your columns, have all viewed the subject from the academic standpoint. Would it not be well to consider it also from another point of view, viz. that of the educational needs of London? Prof. Ramsay contends “that a University is primarily a place for the extension of the bounds of knowledge.” It is surely more accurate to say that a University, under the conditions that now exist, has two main functions—the one the extension of the bounds of knowledge by research, and the other the wide diffusion of that knowledge. The purpose of such diffusion should be to afford, as far as possible, to every individual the opportunity of obtaining such a training as would qualify him or her to take part in the development of some branch of knowledge, or at any rate to follow with appreciation and interest the advance made by others.