I wish to express my obligations to many recent writers on University history, and to the editors of University Statutes and other records, from which my illustrations of medieval student life have been derived. I owe special gratitude to Dr Hastings Rashdall, Fellow of New College and Canon of Hereford, my indebtedness to whose great work, _The Universities of Europe in the Middle Ages_, is apparent throughout the following pages. Dr Rashdall has been good enough to read my proof-sheets, and to make valuable criticisms and suggestions, and the Master of Emmanuel has rendered me a similar service. R. S. R. _23rd January 1912._ CONTENTS Chapter I--INTRODUCTORY Chaucer and the Medieval Student -- The Great Period of University-Founding -- The words "Universitas," "Collegium," "Studium Generale" -- Bologna -- Growth of Studia Generalia -- Paris, Oxford, Cambridge -- Definition of "Universitas"..... 1 Chapter II--LIFE IN THE STUDENT-UNIVERSITIES Student-Guilds at Bologna -- "Nations" -- The College of Doctors -- Relations with the City -- Position of an English Law Student at Bologna, and his relations to his Nation and his Universitas -- The Office of Rector -- Powers of the University over Citizens -- The Degradation of the Bologna Masters -- Examinations -- The Doctorate -- Regulations -- Padua -- Limitations of the Rector's Powers at Florence -- Spanish Universities -- Married Dons.......................... 13 Chapter III--THE UNIVERSITIES OF MASTERS Early History of the University of Paris -- Faculties -- "Nations" -- Struggle with the Chancellor -- Position of the Rector -- Oxford --"Nations" -- The Proctors -- University Jurisdiction -- Germany -- Scotland........................... 41 Chapter IV--COLLEGE DISCIPLINE Origin of the College System -- Merton -- Imitations of the Merton Rule -- New College -- Increase in Number of Regulations --Latin-Speaking -- Conversation in Hall -- Meals -- College Rooms -- Amusements -- Penalties -- Introduction of Corporal Punishment --The Tonsure -- Attendance at Chapel -- Vacations -- Hospitality -- The Career of an English Student -- Meaning of "Poor and Indigent Scholars" -- The College System at Paris -- Sconcing -- Other French Universities -- A Visitation of a Medieval College............ 49 Chapter V--UNIVERSITY DISCIPLINE Growth of Disciplinary Regulations at Paris and Oxford --Records of the Chancellor's Court -- Discipline in Unendowed Halls -- Academic Dress restricted to Graduates -- Louvain -- Leipsic -- Leniency of Punishments -- The Scottish Universities -- Table Manners at Aberdeen -- Life at Heidelberg......................................... 94 Chapter VI--THE "JOCUND ADVENT" Admission of the Bajan at Paris -- The Universities of Southern France -- The Abbas Bejanorum -- The "Jocund Advent" in Germany -- the "Depositio" -- Oxford -- Scotland.. 109 Chapter VII--TOWN AND GOWN