I think this sentence is indicative of one of the overarching goals of the university: Progress. In this case, scientific progress is the way to better the lives of humankind. At the University of Virginia, finding ways to advance human society is a critical goal for all members of the community. Furthermore, reverence of the steps of our predecessors is also important, for progress comes from studying the past.

This passage is very significant because it depicts some of what Jefferson would consider his most important values. He begins by citing the Constitution, a document that he has great respect for. Specifically, he refers to the Constitution's guarantee of the freedom of religion, under the Bill of Rights. Jefferson, during the drafting of the Constitution was an intense proponent of the Bill of Rights and saw it as an integral piece of American society. The freedoms in the Bill of Rights are of vast importance to Jefferson, as can be seen through this passage. It is curious to see him reference the idea of equality, seeing as the university was built using slave labor. It seems Jefferson only cared for the equality guaranteed by the Constitution.

I find Jefferson's definition of a medical degree fascinating. He values the study of anatomy on par with the study of vegetable, mineral, and chemical pharmacy. He reasoning is that is allows the medical students to achieve full scope in their field through their studies. Furthermore, Jefferson intends for his medical students to be able to involve themselves in all aspects of human health, as reflected through the requirements of the medical degree.

It is interesting to examine what Jefferson intended pre-university education to require. He desires for students to study writing with high priority with additional focus on science and foreign language. This is indicative of a tradition of liberal arts education at the university. Jefferson seeks a particular student that he believes has the foundation for success within the curriculum at UVa.