The University; Its Constitution, and Its Relations, Political and Religious: A Discourse Delivered June 22d, 1858, at the Request of the Christian Library Association

Tappan, Henry P.

Published by Printed by S. B. McCracken, Ann Arbor, MI, 1858

About this Item

Original publisher's orange-pink paper wrappers. Text printed in black ink on beige paper. 5 1/2" x 8 3/4." Thirty-six pages, complete. Pages are very clean and intact except for light age toning and small occasional marks or stains. Covers are clean and intact overall except for slight wear to extremities, moderate chipping and splitting along spine, and a few faint dampstains. A Very Good copy. "Published by the Regents at the request of the Alumni." This is an address that was originally delivered by Henry P. Tappan (1805-1881), the president of the University of Michigan, on June 22, 1858. In his address, Tappan gives his perspective on a number of topics relating to the concept of the university such as the structure and functions of universities, the role students have in procuring their own academic success, and approaches to use or to avoid in university administration. Tappan praises universities for being centers of "enlightened" people whom he considers to be among the best of society. Tappan says that children must be directed on their learning out of necessity, but as they become older, they must independently guide their own educational journey. He says, "Professors and books aid, guide, and stimulate; but the scholar makes himself. He must be self-made or he is not made at all." Tappan stresses the importance of employing competent individuals for the task they are most qualified to complete. Tappan contends that only scholars can build up universities. He says, "All great and enduring institutions must spring from minds adequate to conceive them, from hands skillful and powerful enough to build them. . When you collect the treasures of learning and learned men, you cannot fail of a University." Tappan also says that politics have no place in universities because he believes that universities, in principle and concept, have nothing to do with political movements. He also says that only the best professors should be hired to maintain the academic quality of universities. Tappan is of the view that the various departments representing different fields of study should all be located in one place. He explains that academic disciplines benefit from interaction with one another. He likens the physical structure of university departments to flows of water; when separated into tiny streams, water cannot do much in terms of power, but when these streams join together to form a deep channel, they can power windmills. Tappan discusses the negative affects upon a university should its constituent departments be spread out across numerous localities in the United States. Tappan ardently opposes a particular religious sect being a requirement for faculty or school officers to be hired. He fears that such a requisite would only promote favoritism and the subsequent possibility of an unqualified individual taking the place of someone who is more capable. He reiterates that competency should be the foundational requirement for school faculty and staff instead of being part of a certain religious denomination. He further elaborates upon his views about the relationship between universities and religion. Throughout the address, Tappan refers to other universities in the U.S. as well as academic institutions in Europe as comparative examples. Tappan served for eleven years as the president of University of Michigan. His tenure was marked by tension between him and the University's Board of Regents because he held a relatively secular view regarding religion in universities at a time when religious schools were popular. In 1863, the Regents made a unanimous vote to remove Tappan from his position. Tappan then relocated to Europe for the rest of life. Tappan's firing was immensely unpopular with students and the community as the University was performing well at the time, many of the Regents who fired him were slated to retire soon, and the decision to remove him was based on personal conflicts.

Seller Inventory # 026137

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The University; Its Constitution, and Its Relations, Political and Religious: A Discourse Delivered June 22d, 1858, at the Request of the Christian Library Association
• Publisher: Printed by S. B. McCracken, Ann Arbor, MI
• Publication Date: 1858
• Language: English
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: Very Good
• Seller catalogs:
  • Education
  • Philosophy and Religion
  • U.S. History