Francis H. Smith

“ The particular branches of instruction to be embraced in the special schools might be arranged by the Academic Board, but for the efficient development of the schools, I consider it indispensable that some division be made of the present chairs of the institution, and, in addition, two or three new chairs organized, embracing branches of study not now taught. ”

“ In looking forward, and preparing for that future expansion which circumstances appear so clearly to indicate will be forced upon the Institute, the Board of Visitors, as well as the Superintendent, have proceeded with the utmost caution and deliberation, rather following up marked and sure indications of public wants and wishes, than venturing to anticipate them, and are resolved to apply to each advancing step, before another is taken, the sure test of demonstration or experiment. ”

“ Virginia, too, has at this time one or two young artists, who are making for themselves national reputation, and it has occurred to me that perhaps the services of one of these might be secured at once, and without present compensation for the advantages which the institution might afford for the prosecution of professional studies. ”

“ So much of the course of Mechanics as now taught might be legitimately embraced in the Department of Natural Philosophy, and, constituting what might be called the Mechanics of Engineering, would be embraced in the new chair proposed to be arranged. ”

“ I propose also the erection of a Model and Drawing Room for the Department of Civil Engineering, and the introduction of suitable models, etc., as shall make the course eminently practical, as well as thoroughly scientific. The models procured by me while in Europe, which I have selected with great care, will exhibit, in part, some of the advantages likely to result from these special arrangements. ”

“ With this single additional chair, and these facilities supplied, the School of Civil Engineering will be organized upon a basis which will tend to elevate the grade of engineers who will leave it, and must tend to increase the reputation of this department of the institution, already reflecting high credit upon it.
“For the School of Fine Arts I propose the appointment of a professor of Fine Arts, embracing Human and Landscape Drawing, Modeling and Architecture. ”

“ To these views I might add, that this Institution now has distinguished graduates in at least four of the departments which it is proposed to organize. Young men of talent and cultivation may now be secured, who would at once commence a special preparation for the sphere of usefulness to which they might be assigned, in their own alma mater, and hold themselves in readiness to enter upon their duties whenever their services should be demanded. ”

“ If the Board shall approve these recommendations, in whole or in part, I then propose that they at once proceed to elect the new professors required to fill the new departments they may organize, the appointments to go into effect as soon as the means shall have been provided for their support. ”

“ The other members of the Academic Board have also been consulted in regard to the proposed course of instruction, and finally the Superintendent has recommended a definite plan for the ‘Organization of the Institute as a General Scientific School, with three schools of application: 1. Agriculture. ”