Item 108 - Printed single sheet/circular: 'On Degrees in Science', by Henry Sidgwick

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Argues that the grounds on which opposition to the appointment of a Syndicate to consider Degrees in Science are based 'are in each case untenable.' States that the Master of Downing [Alexander Hill] and three other resident members of the Senate base their opposition 'on a narrow interpretation of the term "Science", which they understand to mean "Natural Science" only to the exclusion of Mathematics.' Claims that this is an 'unwarranted interpretation'.

Refers also to the assertion by the Master of Clare [Edward Atkinson] and eleven other resident members of the Senate that the matter in hand raises again the issue decided in the previous October. Refers to five of these eleven men - Swete, Mayor, Mollison, Neil and Bateson - who also signed the circular issued at that time by the Committee formed to oppose the proposal to remove the obligation to study both classical languages as a prerequisite for sitting the Previous Examination. Argues that the matter decided at that time was relevant to Degrees in Arts only. Adds that Professor Browne, who signed the above-mentioned circular, authorises Sidgwick to state that he always understood that the question of Degrees in Science was left open. Concludes that it is 'unreasonable to contend that the issue now raised is one on which the opinion of the Senate has been already given.'