DUBLIN, UNIVERSITY OF. The first university of Dublin was established in connec tion with St. Patrick's cathedral in 1320; but for want of proper endowments, it never prospered, and dragged out a miserable existence till, probably, the dissolution of the cathedral by Henry VIII.
Foundation.—The existing university was founded in 1591-92, and stands in the position of being a college with university powers. Trinity college, indeed, was intended merely as the nucleus of a university, but as no colleges have since been added, it remains in undisputed possession of all university privileges. Queen Elizabeth pro vided the charter, the corporation of Dublin bestowed the ground and ruins of the suppressed monastary of All-Hallows, and the Irish gentry supplied by subscription the funds necessary for the erection of the buildings. The income ' of the college was very limited and very precarious, till James I. endowed it with certain estates in the province of Ulster, and a yearly pension of £388 158., English money, from the public purse.
Constitution.—By queen Elizabeth's charter, the corporation was to consist of a pro vost, three fellows, and three scholars, in the name of more, with the power of purchasing, taking, and possessing any manors, tenements, etc., from the sovereign, or from any other person. On a vacancy in the'provostship, the fellows were entitled to elect a fit successor, and the election of fellows and scholars lay with the provost and fellows. The provost and fellows had full powers to enact statutes, confer degrees, and prescribe the necessary exercises for graduation, and to do all the work of tuition. Defects soon began to show themselves in this constitution, but they were remedied by the- new statutes of archbishop Laud, which were definitely published in 1637, and which are in the main still in force. By these the election of provost was given to the crown.
Parliamentary 1613, James I. conferred on the university the right of sending two members to the Irish parliament. One of these was taken away at the union in 1800, but was again restored by the reform bill of 1832. The electors
were formerly the provost, fellows, and scholars; but, in 1832, the privilege was extended to masters of arts, and those of higher degree.
provost and senior fellows form the board of management of the college. They meet every Saturday, and transact all the financial and other business.
douncil.—By letters-patent of 1874, a council was established to co-operate with the board in the regulation of the studies of the university, and in the appointment and regulation of the tenure of office and duties of professors. This council consists of 17 members—namely, the provost of Trinity College, 4 members elected by the senior fellows, 4 elected by the junior fellows, 4 by the professors, and 4 by the senate of the university.
government and working of the university are intrusted to the follow ing officers: the chancellor, vice-chancellor, provost, two proctors (one chosen from the senior, and one from the junior fellows), a senior 'lecturer (who regulates the public examinations), two deans, and, aensor, a librarian, registrars, an auditOr, professors, and examiners. aniii Laiii• utailized Atuerosott (RI chancellor (or, in his absence, the vice-chancellor or pro vice-chancellor), all masters of arts, and doctors of the three faculties, whose names are on the college books, form the senate of the university. The senate elects the chancellor, and confers degrees.
Caput —The caput of the senate consists of the chancellor, vice-chancellor, provost (or vice-provost), and senior master who is chosen by the senate. Every grace (for the bestowal of a degree) must first receive the sanction of the provost and senior fellows, be afterwards approved of by the caput (each member of which has a negative vote), and finally be confirmed by the senate in public congregation.
provost, who is appointed by the crown, may be a layman, of any religious denomination. He enjoys an income of about £3,000 a year.