Capitolo 46
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It doesn't seem out of place to insert here a copy of some "Cambridge
Reminiscences" written from Airy, what they will serve to explain the Actions
and Opponencies assigned to in the preceding account and other
matters.
THE ACTIONS.
The examination for B.A. degrees were preceded, in my duration, holding
two Actions, in the Schools under the Library of University: the second of
them in the term of October immediately in front of the examination; the first one
(I think) in the term of October of the preceding year.
These Actions were reliques of the Disputes of the Centuries Averages that
it probably held a very important place in the discipline of the
University. (It seems to be anything as them in some of the
Continental university.) The authority that he/she presides was one of the
Moderators. I learn that the word "Moderator" it meant
"President" in that sense that anchors is used in the Church of Scotland;
and what you/he/she was applied particularly to the Presidency of the
Disputes, the most important instructive setup in the
University. The Moderator sent a quotation to the "Agreed upon" to submit
three subjects for matter, and to get ready himself/herself/themselves to defend them on a determined
day: him also called three Opponents. This and the whole following
procedures were conducted in Latin. For my Action of 1822, Nov. 6, ME
submitted the following subjects:
"Statuit of Recte Newtonus in suis of Principiis Mathematicis, first book,
sectione undecima."
"Statuit of Recte the de of Woodius Iride."
"Statuit of Recte the de of Paleius Obligationibus."
The Opponents called for attaching these affirmations were Hamilton of St
John, Rusby of St Catharine, Field of Trinity. It was usual
for the Opponents to meet himself/herself/themselves to tea to the rooms of the Senior opponent,
to discuss and to systematize their matters; the Agreement was
he/she also invited, but he was warned that he has to depart as soon as the tea
you/he/she would be ended: then the three Opponents proceeded with them