a more practical and modern range of studies.[1] The medical school of Mexico stands foremost in the country for excellence, and is, indeed, the only one enjoying a decided reputation.[2] Many prefer to study in France and Germany, in the latter specially in the mining schools; yet they run the risk of meeting on their return with a cold reception, and in any case of having to maintain an unequal struggle with foreign professionals who are more energetic and regarded, as well as more thorough and efficient.
The most popular of the colleges, by reason of the profession taught, is that of jurisprudence. The profession was always favored by teachers and government, and with the wider range of official life opened by the republic, its attractions have increased.[3] The military college, with a fixed membership of 200, is directly under the control of the minister of war. Among other special schools is one for fine arts.[4] Several naval schools have been founded at different times, one at Tepic as early as 1822.[5] The conservatory of music and declamation is sustained by the
- ↑ At Mexico the preparatory school imparts in a course of five years the following branches: Mathematics, physics, chemistry, cosmography, geography, national and general history, natural history, logic, ideology, ethics, drawing, grammar, literature, French, English, Latin, and the Greek roots. This is for law students. Those intending to apply themselves to engineering, mining, or architecture study German in lieu of Latin, and give more attention to drawing. There are also classes for Italian, music, tachygraphy, and gymnastics, and several collections and laboratories. Boys enter here as early as the 8th year. In the study of languages about 40 per cent prefer the dead, 35 per cent French, 1½ per cent English, and a sprinkling the German and Italian. There are also an agricultural and a veterinary college.
- ↑ The several branches to be studied in the five years' course are properly apportioned. The regulations of 1843 required a sixth preparatory year of study in natural history and medicinal chemistry. The veterinary school, connected with the school of agriculture, received some excellent regulations in 1853. Mex., Regl de Euseñ. Méd., 1-24; Soc. Méd. Regla.; Soc. Filoiätrica, Regla, 1-8; Pap. Var., li. pt xviii., cxlvii. pt x.
- ↑ The studies offered for this career are undoubtedly more complete in their way than the others in provincial colleges; yet a large number of students prefer at least a finishing course at Mexico. The full term is six years, two of them attending at the college of advocates, and practical experience in a lawyer's office and before the courts.
- ↑ To teach drawing, engraving, painting, sculpture, architecture, and decorative art. Biennial exhibitions are held, and medals awarded. The library and galleries of the school form a veritable museum of arts. For regulations, see Dublan and Lozano, Legis. Mex., v. 642-66, 681-8.
- ↑ Guat., Gac., 1822, 393.
