PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION. The train ing that tits men for the special vocations in which science is applied to the practical purposes of life. It supposes as its basis the knowledge and discipline which general culture affords. The leading professional schools in the United States, following the example set by European universi ties. require a liberal education as a prerequisite for matriculation.
Professional education in Europe conforms to two general types: the centralized systems of France and Germany, and the more independent institutions of the British Isles. The French system since the Bevolution has displayed at cer tain periods an extensive governmental control. This was confirmed by the Ferry legislation of 1S79 and 1SSO dealing with secondary and higher inst ruction, and relaxed somewhat by the act of 1896, which enlarges the powers of the universi ties and the responsibility of the in which they are situated. The bachelor's degree is now required for entrance to State professional courses. Preparation for the professions is af forded by the faculties and schools of the State universities, and by the free (independent) facul ties whose graduates must take the State ex aminations. There are 12 preparatory schools and 4 schools of full functions (reoles de plcin excreicc) teaching medical and pharmaceutical science, their students being examined for the doctorate by university faculties. In 1902 there were in the State institutions 127 students in Protestant theology, 10.472 in law. 8417 in medi cine, 3346 in pharmacy. In private institu tions there were 985 in law, 121 in medicine, and 15 in pharmacy. The course in Protestant theology covers three years; in law three years, there being added requirements in each for a doctorate: in medicine four, after which two years must he spent in hospital practice. Alid wives are obliged to study for a year in an institution of medical instruction and undergo an examina tion. Diplomas are granted to foreign dents, which confer the doctor's degree without conveying the right to follow a specified profession in France. The Govern
ment alone bestows degrees. With a few ex ceptions, the departments of France and Algiers • maintain elementary primary normal schools for men and for women; some maintain superior primary normal schools; and Paris has two superior normal schools for men and for women teachers of secondary schools.
Professional training in Germany shows less than in France the influence of legislation and to a greater degree is built on the foundation of the early universities. The certificate of a gymnasium admits to professional courses. The 21 universities maintain faculties of theology, jurisprudence, and medicine, with the exception of Altinster, which has no medical school. In 1902 the students of theology numbered 3926: of law, 11.335: of medicine. 7341. The numerous pedagogie systems \\Mich German thought has produced have profoundly influenced the special preparation of the teacher and stimulated the development of teachers' training schools.
Professional education in Great Britain and Ireland is supplied by the universities of Ox ford. Cambridge. Scotland's four university foundations, and the University of Dublin, and by a number of newer institutions, including London. Durham, and Victoria universities and the University of Wales. The Royal University of Ireland holds examinations in law and medi cine. The Catholic University of Ireland com prises a medical school and several colleges in which theology is taught. A joint board appoint ed by the four Inns of Court in London examines candidates for admission to legal study in the Inns, and the Council of Legal Education, inated by the Inns, superintends studies and students for the bar. There are numer ous provincial medieal schools. The preparation of teachers has enlisted much effort, denomina tional and undenominational; and many training colleges, for women as well as men. have been established.