graphic methods of research give, they should undoubtedly be extensively employed, but it may be hoped that visual observations by skilled observers will not be neglected. There is a tendency in certain directions to regard solar eclipses as of less importance than formerly. This may be due, in part, to the fact that investigations, which in the past could only be carried on at times of total eclipse, can now be studied throughout the year, and, in part, to the very large number of observations which have already been made. Eclipse expeditions, also are very expensive, and often end in total failure, owing to clouds. Photography has multiplied the results many times in recent years, but for the solution of many problems in solar physics, as complete records as possible for a long time are necessary. In spectroscopic lines it seems hardly possible to obtain too much material for some time to come. Perhaps more of mystery and interest attaches to the corona than to any other feature, and the present eclipse gives an excellent opportunity for several lines of investigation, in addition to photographs showing its structure and extent. An attempt will again be made to investigate the rotations of the corona, by photographs of its spectrum, which must be sufficiently good to show the slight displacement of the lines caused by the motion of rotation. It is to be hoped, also, that further bolometric observations will be made on the heat radiations of the corona, as well as a study of the polarization of the coronal light. Aside from the sun itself, the existence or non-existence of an intra-mercurial planet has not been clearly demonstrated, since investigations in that line up to the present time have not been conclusive. Certainly no amount of time and labor can be regarded too great, which may be necessary to give us as complete a mastery as possible of the problems which relate to our great parent, the sun.
Yale and Princeton, the two most conservative of our larger universities, have recently taken action that will bring their college courses more into harmony with those of other leading institutions, by giving greater opportunity to elect scientific in the place of classical studies. At Yale, Greek and Latin are still required through the freshman year, but later these studies are elective. In the sophomore year five or six courses must be elected from twelve that are offered, making it possible for a student to specialize in science. In the junior and senior years, the chief work of the student may also lie in the sciences, unhampered by restrictions other than that he must take two courses in languages and literature and two courses in philosophy, history and social science. Courses can also be elected, as at Columbia and Pennsylvania, which count as part of the medical course. At Princeton, President Patton has made somewhat similar proposals looking towards offering courses in physiology and human anatomy, so that students may begin their medical education in the senior year. He, at the same time, suggested adding to the electives in the sophomore year. At present Princeton University requires Latin, Greek and the Bible through the freshman and sophomore years, while about one-third of the student's time is occupied with required studies in the junior year.
Cornell now admits students to its B. A. course without Latin, and Harvard requires no Latin at the University, but still maintains an entrance examination. Columbia requires Latin in the freshman year, but has recently made it possible for a student to enter without Latin, though he cannot graduate until he has studied this language. The great universities of the Middle and Western States have in most cases established three degrees—A. B. for those who pass entrance examinations in Latin and Greek and study these languages to a greater or less degree in their college course; B. Ph. for those
