In September, 1872, the six trustees required by the foundation deed were thus nominated: Dr. Blake, Messrs. G. J. Johnson, W. C. Aitken, J. T. Bunce, George Shaw, and Dr. Heslop; and their first meeting was held on Feb. 23rd, 1873. The architect selected by the founder, Mr. J. A. Cossins, had meanwhile been visiting the principal science colleges at home and abroad; and his plans, prepared from this experience, were approved in the autumn of 1874. On the founder’s 80th birthday, February 25th, 1875, the first stone was laid by himself, when, in replying to a congratulatory address, he gave an interesting sketch of his career from the day when he cobbled shoes in Kidderminster, to the time when he became the owner of the largest pen factory in the world. A full description of the college buildings as completed may be found in the _Birmingham Daily Post_ for October 2nd, 1880.[24] Since that time an important addition has been made by the erection of a series of rooms for the Physiological department. The Foundation Deed lays down this general statement as to the aims of the proposed college:-- “It being understood that the institution intended to be hereby founded is to be called Josiah Mason’s Scientific College, or Josiah Mason’s College for the study of Practical Science, he, the said Josiah Mason, hereby declares that his intention in founding the same is to promote thorough systematic education and instruction specially adapted to the practical, mechanical, and artistic requirements of the manufactures and industrial pursuits of the midland district, and particularly the boroughs of Birmingham and Kidderminster, _to the exclusion of mere literary education and instruction, and of all teaching of theology and of subjects purely theological_, which limitations the said Josiah Mason hereby declares to be fundamental.” The deed then provides for two courses of instruction, namely:-- 1.--_Regular systematic instruction_ (to qualify students either for the B.Sc. and D.Sc. of the University of London, or for any profession or pursuit in which scientific knowledge can be usefully applied.) 2.--_Popular instruction_, which it is intended shall be given by evening lectures to artisans and others who cannot attend the classes for regular systematic instruction.