Guide to the Department of Engineering Records, 1875-1901
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Department of Engineering: Records, George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, Bowdoin College Library, Brunswick, Maine
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In July 1871 the Trustees and Overseers elected Joshua Chamberlain President of the College and voted to establish a Scientific School. Chamberlain indicated in his 1872 report to the Visiting Committee that this enlargement and reform was one condition of his acceptance of the presidency. As president, Chamberlain promoted applied science and in the 1872 President's Report to the Visiting Committee described engineering as a branch of the scientific course under the direction of George L. Vose. Despite Chamberlain's support, Professor Vose's excellent reputation, and distinguished graduates such as Robert E. Peary, the course in engineering was short-lived. The small number of students enrolled in the department and insufficient endowment to maintain the department and Profesor Vose's salary were cited in the Board of Trustees vote on July 13, 1881 for closure. The course in engineering was no longer offered effective with the 1881-1882 academic year.
This collection consists of a pamphlet published by the College in 1875 describing the engineering program and a volume of geometrical drawings used in class instruction.
Arranged chronologically.
1875, "Bowdoin College, Engineering Department", pamphlet outlining the object of the department, the terms of admission and the course of study (3 copies)
Bowdoin College. Department of Engineering1875-1880, "Bowdoin College, Engineering Department", 36 plates prepared for elementary instruction in geometrical drawing with an explanatory note by Professor George L. Vose dated 1901 Apr 25 on the inside cover