Interdisciplinary Tension between Arts and Sciences at Mason College

The History of Education Society posted an interesting article by Clare Stainthorp, "student identities at birmingham's mason college."  Mason College was founded in 1875 and is considered as a predecessor for the University of Birmingham that received a Royal Charter in 1900. 

Stainthorp notes two proposed names, "Josiah Mason's Scientific College" or "Josiah Mason's College for the Study of Practical Science," implying that there would be a vocational focus at the institution.  However, Mason College admitted students of both genders with a variety of backgrounds and Stainthorp describes a healthy interdisciplinary tension playing out between the arts and various scientific disciplines.  She concludes with a recommendation that more consideration should be given to relationships between various disciplines in late-Victorian higher education.

Cadbury Research Library posted more than 100 historic photographs on flickr, "Roots of the University," that include fascinating images of Mason College in the late-1800s.