The direction of the school was at first almost entirely in the hands of its professors, who formed what is still called its Council of Instruction. Each of them presided over the school alternately for one month, a plan copied from the revolutionary government of the Convention. In the course of a few years, however, another body was added, which has now the real management of the school. This is called the “Council of Improvement” (_Conseil de perfectionnement_,) and a part of its business is to see that the studies form a good preparation for those of the more special schools (_écoles d’application_) for the civil and military service. It consists of eminent men belonging to the various public departments supplied by the school, and some of the professors. It has had, as far as we could judge, an useful influence; _first_, as a body not liable to be prejudiced in its proposals by the feelings of the school, and yet interested in its welfare and understanding it; _secondly_, as having shown much skill in the difficult task of making the theoretical teaching of the Polytechnic a good introduction to the practical studies of the public service; _thirdly_, as being sufficiently influential, from the character of its members, to shield the school from occasional ill-judged interference. It should be added that hardly any year has passed without the Council making a full report on the studies of the school, with particular reference to their bearing on the Special Schools of Application.