First published in 1885, this book is a pioneering study of the development of the early universities of Europe, from their origins in the medieval period to their establishment as crucial institutions of social and intellectual life. The volume provides detailed accounts of the foundation and growth of universities in Italy, France, Germany, England, and Scotland, and offers insightful analyses of the political, social, and intellectual contexts in which they emerged. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.