Geometry elemental is that of straight lines and of the circle Transcendental, is that of all other curves; it includes of course
I am amazed they didn't include triangles in their description of geometry. I wonder if geometry was easier in those days because triangles were the worst part of geometry. I imagine basic math was more simple in those days because there would be less demand for higher level math due to the limited technology of the time. JD Buchholz
, arranged at proper distances on each side of a lawn of a proper breadth, & of indefinite extent in one direction at least, in each of which should be a lecturing room with from two to four apartments for the accommodation of a professor and his family: that these pavilions should be united by a range of Dormitories, sufficient each for the accommodation of two students only, this provision being deemed advantageous to morals, to order, & to uninterrupted study
I like how strict the instructions are for the lawn housing in this passage. It is interesting to see that Jefferson believed in the power of proper architecture and assignment of rooms in order for students to achieve maximum study habits and proper behavior. I also appreciate how important architectural aesthetic was to Thomas like in his approach to convocation facing the rotunda and graduation facing away from the rotunda. -JD Buchholz
It is supposed probable that a building of somewhat more size in the middle of the grounds may be called for in time, in which may be rooms for religious worship under such impartial regulations as the visitors shall prescribe, for public examinations, for a Library, for the schools of music, drawing, and other associated purposes.
It is amazing how many services they wanted to cram into one building but I guess back then it would have been seen as more efficient to put the examination room in the same multipurpose building. I also appreciate the freedom of religion aspect of the worship clause and how there is absolutely no bias towards the worship of any particular religion or sect of Christianity which was probably common at other universities of the time.
To enable him to calculate for himself, and to express & preserve his ideas, his contracts & accounts in writing.
It makes sense how important Jefferson believed writing was as he was a part of the team who wrote the first draft of the deceleration or independence and experienced the writing of the constitution first hand. He saw that writing was a key part in forming a country and knew it was essential that his students learn the skill in order to change the world.