SORBONNE, seir'bon , Paris, France, a celebrated college of Paris, founded in the 13th century at the instigation of Robert de Sorbon (q.v.). The school was erected near the Palais des Thermes, in what is now the Quartier Latin. The name was originally "La Communaute des pauvres maitres etudiant en theologies but by popular usage "La Sorbonne)) was substituted. The ancient college was not a place of classes and lectures, but rather a residence hall for students of theology. There were several grades of students: beneficiaries, residents and associates. The administration was entrusted to a principal, a prior, a procurer and a li brarian, all elected at a general assembly. Stu dents of all countries were admitted until the 15th century, when it was opened only to French students. The library grew to such large proportions that in 1841 a separate build ing was erected. The influence of the Renais sance brought about the founding of several chairs in the humanities, particularly in Greek philosophy.
The most important event in the history of the Sorbonne in the 17th century was the recon struction of the buildings by Richelieu, the "second founder.* Enlarged and well estab lished now, the college became more than ever before the centre of intellectual activity. It was hostile toward the Reformation and toward the new spirit of scientific inquiry which ani mated the Cartesian school. In its religious doctrine, it remained Jansenistic and conserva tive.
In 1792 the entire school was abolished by decree. It was not revived until 1821, when it was re-established with the three faculties of theology, science and letters. In 1852 the Sorbonne was given to the city of Paris and became incorporated in the university; the Ecole pratique des Hautes Etudes was added in 1868. Some 20 years later, the faculty of
religion was dispersed and the Sorbonne, which had led the intellectual religious thought of France for several centuries, became purely secular and scientific in its courses.
The new building was erected in 1889 from the plans of M. Nenot, winner of a "Grand Prix de Rome,* the front of which, on the side of its official entrance, extends 274 feet along the Rue des Ecoles; then in an irregular oblong of from 700 to more than 800 feet, the building climbs the hill along the Rue Saint Jacques. Incorpo rated in the building is the 17th century church containing the tomb of Cardinal Richelieu. The building has hundreds of lecture-rooms, well fitted for their purpose, and many excellent laboratories.
It serves for the two faculties of letters and sciences of the university. It includes none of the professional scientific schools, which are located in the vicinity. The new Sorbonne also contains the Ecole Nationale des Chartes which has a remarkable library of archives. The professors number more than 100 and the students some 10,000. There are also numerous assistants. Consult Franklin, A. L. A., 'La Sorbonne, ses origines, sa biblio theque, etc.' (Paris 1875) ; Greard, 0., 'Nos adieux a la vieille Sorbonne' (Paris 1893) ; Rashdall, H., 'Universities of Europe in the Middle Ages) (Oxford 1895) ; Agathon, de la nouvelle Sorbonne). (3d ed., 1911).