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Great as has been the change in the courses of study of college preparatory schools in the last quarter of a century, all students of education would agree that the changes noted during this period are merely prophetic of a greater development that is at hand-an impulse beginning in the university, and working down through the lower strata of educational institutions. Such great awakenings are always from above, and when more than twenty-five years ago Harvard University promulgated its scheme of elective studies a current of influence was started that was destined to revolutionize the conditions of education not only in that ancient seat of learning, but in all other colleges and universities, and also in the secondary schools that feed the higher institutions. This most important incident in the history of higher education in this country discovered to the college one of its chief functions, and assured it of one of,its highest prerogatives. To outline and develop courses of study, to exercise leadership and do pioneer service in educational movements is one of the principal avenues whereby the college is to make returns to the community at large for its great endowments and opportunities. To experiment, to prove, and then to disseminate sound educational doctrine is a far higher work for a great educational institution than merely to send forth each year a number of men who have completed its curriculum. So does it *Read at the International Congress of Secondary Education, Chicago, July, x893.