COLLEGE, an assemblage of several bodies or societies, or of several persons into one society.
College, among the Romans, served indifferently for those employed in the offices of religion, of government, the liberal and even mechanical arts and trades; so that, with them, the word signified what we call a corporation or company.
Each of these colleges had distinct meeting-places or halls; and likewise, in imitation of the state, a treasury and common chest, a register, and one to represent them upon public occasions, and acts of government. These colleges had the privilege of manumitting slaves, of being legates, and making by-laws for their own body, provided they did not clash with those of the government.
There are various colleges on foot among the moderns, founded on the model of those of the ancients. Such are the three colleges of the empire, viz.
COLLEGE of Electors, or their Deputies, assembled in the diet of Ratibon.
COLLEGE of Princes; the body of princes, or their deputies, at the diet of Ratibon.
COLLEGE of Cities, is, in like manner, the body of deputies which the imperial cities send to the diet.
COLLEGE of Cardinals, or the SACRED COLLEGE; a body composed of the three orders of cardinals. See CARDINALS.
COLLEGE is also used for a public place endowed with certain revenues, where the several parts of learning are taught.
An assemblage of several of these colleges constitute a university. The erection of colleges is part of the royal prerogative, and not to be done without the king's license.
The establishment of colleges or universities, is a remarkable period in literary history. The schools in cathedrals and monastries confined themselves chiefly to the teaching of grammar. There were only one or two masters employed in that office. But, in colleges, professors are appointed to teach all the different parts of science. The first obscure mention of academical degrees in the university of Paris, (from which the other universities in Europe have borrowed most of their customs and institutions), occurs A. D. 1215.
COLLEGE of Civilians, commonly called Doctors-commons, founded by Dr Harvey, dean of the arches, for the professors of the civil law residing in the city of London. The judges of the arches, admiralty, and prerogative court, with several other eminent civilians, commonly reside here.
To this college belong 34 proctors, who make themselves parties for their clients, manage their causes, give licenses for marriages, &c.
In the common-hall of Doctors-commons are held several courts, under the jurisdiction of the civil law; particularly the high court of admiralty, the court of delegates, the arches court of Canterbury, and the prerogative court of Canterbury, whose terms for sitting are much like those at Westminster, every one of them holding several court-days; most of them fixed and known by preceding holidays, and the rest appointed at the judge's pleasure.
COLLEGE of Physicians; a corporation of physicians in London, whose number, by charter, is not to exceed 80. The chief of them are called fellows; and the next candidates, who fill up the places of fellows as they become vacant by death, or otherwise. Next to these are the honorary fellows; and lastly, the licentiates; that is, such as being found capable, upon examination, are allowed to practise physic.
This college has several great privileges granted by charter and acts of parliament. No man can practise physic in, or within seven miles of, London, without license of the college, under the penalty of 5l. Also, persons practising physic in other parts of England are to have letters testimonial from the president and three elects, unless they be graduate physicians of Oxford or Cambridge. Every member of the college is authorised to practise surgery in London or elsewhere; and that they may be able at all times to attend their patients, they are freed from all parish-offices.
The college is governed by a president, four censors, and 12 electors. The censors have, by charter, power
College. power to survey, govern, and arrest all physicians, or others, practising physic in or within seven miles of London; to fine, amerce, and imprison them at discretion; to search apothecaries shops, &c. in and about London; to see if their drugs, &c. be wholesome, and the composition according to the form prescribed by the college in their dispensaries; and to burn, or otherwise destroy, those that are defective or decayed, and not fit for use.
In 1696, 42 members of the college made a subscription, to set on foot a dispensary for the relief of the sick poor, who are advised gratis every day but Sunday, and have medicines sold at the intrinsic value; since this, they have erected two other dispensaries.