- Nov 2017
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engagements2017-18.as.virginia.edu engagements2017-18.as.virginia.edu
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Statics, respect matter generally, in a state of rest, and include Hydrostatics, or the Laws of fluids particularly, at rest or in equilibrio Dynamics, used as a general term include Dynamics proper, or the Laws of solids in Motion and Hydrodynamics, or Hydraulics, those of fluids in Motion Pneumatics teach the theory of air, its Weight, Motion, condensation, rarifaction &c Acoustics or Phonics, the theory of sound Optics the Laws of Light & vision Physics or Physiology in a general sense, mean the doctrine of the Physical objects of our senses
The branches of physics listed here are indicative of the relatively limited world of science at the university's founding. While there is a wide range of physical subjects in this list, it is nothing like the huge branch of highly specialized areas of physics like we find today. This collection of physical study is also indicative of the importance of the holistic education desired for students at the University of Virginia.
-Andrew Henry
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Chemistry, is meant, with its other usual branches, to comprehend the theory of Agriculture
This is yet another reminder of the importance placed on agriculture in the founding of the University of Virginia. Also, the word "theory" is important. It indicates that agriculture is considered a field worthy of studying and comprehending through thought, not just through blind experimentation in the field (pun intended)
-Andrew Henry
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This would generally be about the 15th year of their age when they might go with more safety and contentment to that distance from their parents.
Entering college at the age of 15 is almost unheard of in the United States today, but this would not have been as surprising in the early 19th century. People at that time lived shorter lives, so they experienced major life changes much earlier than would be considered proper or even legal today. Even with this in mind, it is hard to understand a 19th century student graduating from the University of Virginia at the same age at which I will complete my first year.
-Andrew Henry
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- Oct 2017
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engagements2017-18.as.virginia.edu engagements2017-18.as.virginia.edu
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It is too of common descent with the language of our own Country, a branch of the same Original Gothic Stock, and furnishes Valuable illustrations for us.
Today, English, a Germanic language, is America's unofficial official language. English's role as the unofficial state language was even greater two centuries ago; this position among languages spoken in the U.S. is made evident when it is labelled "the language of our own Country".
- Andrew Henry
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Fluxions
"Fluxions", coined by Isaac Newton in 1665, are known as "derivatives" today. Newton defined a "fluxion" as "the instantaneous rate of change of a varying (flowing) quantity". These "fluxions" are integral (pun intended) to Newtonian calculus.
- Andrew Henry
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