1893. In this sketch, Compayre seeks to give an idea of what these great associations (universities) of masters and students which played such an important part in the past, must have been in their beginnings, in their internal organization, their programs of study, their methods of instruction, and finally, in their general spirit and external influence. Contents: Part I. The Origins of the Universities: Abelard the Forerunner of the Universities; The General Causes of the Rise of Universities; The Rise of Universities; Part II. The Organization of the Early Universities: Privileges of the Universities; Nations and Faculties; Government of Universities; System of Graduation. Part III. The Course of Study and the Methods of Teaching: The Faculties of Arts; The Faculties of Theology; The Faculties of Civil and Canon Law; The Faculties of Medicine. Part IV. General Spirit and Influence of the Early Universities: Manners and Habits of Students and Teachers; and External Influence of the Universities and their Spirit of Freedom.