1 - Library and Information Technology - Bucknell University

ietorp of Ninetp45ixwHISTORY is not, as of old, merely a chronicle of leading events, and so in writing the history ofthe class of '96 we will take up, not the facts of their history but the causes which brought aboutcertain effects in their case. Should any one wish to inform himself as to the great achievenlents of'this class, he may refer to L'hgenda, Volun~es 11, I11 and IV, New Series. The infontlation ttleregainetlwith the addition of the fact that each n~emher of the class has, through the elective system, playedround the borders of that enchanted circle, wherein are the mysteries of his life's work, has lear11ec1, throughpsychology and ethics, to understand (?) the workings of his own ~nind and to apply ethical pri~~ciples to everyday life, and has plunged into the abyss of philosophy and tried to drag therefronlthe truths concerning the causes of being and the ultimate gronnd of things, conlpletethe record of their doings. On this basis u7e may proceed to treat their history througllthe philosophic n~ediuni of cause and effect.The causes of operating in their case are so nearly analogous to tllose operating with other classes,that we may pass them hy as already known and take up the effects (I) of the college upon the class :(2) of the class upon the college ; (3) of the class upon its sister classes.The influence of the college upon the class has been enormous ; transfortning the miniature mindof the freshn~an in the mature mind of the senior; giving a foundation of knowledge on the ground onwhich it is possible to advance and, independently, acquire knowledge without the necessary interventionof a teacher ; making their strive toward higher things through the lofty spirit pervading the atmosphereof the university ; and broadening their horizons morally ant1 mentally and developing their bodiesphysically.While the influence of the class upon the college is not so great as that of the college upon theclass, nevertheless, it is of some consequence.When '96 entered the university she was the largest