der the able chairmanship of M. Alexandre
Ribot, published an important report, which was followed in 1902 by the
scheme of M. Georges Leygues. The preamble includes a striking tribute
to the advantages that France had derived from the study of the
classics:--

"L'etude de l'antiquite grecque et latine a donne au genie francais
une mesure, une clarte et une elegance incomparables. C'est par elle
que notre philosophie, nos lettres et nos arts ont brille d'un si vif
eclat; c'est par elle que notre influence morale s'est exercee en
souveraine dans le monde. Les humanites doivent etre protegees contre
toute atteinte et fortifiees. Elles font partie du patrimoine
national.

"L'esprit classique n'est pas ... incompatible avec l'esprit moderne.
Il est de tous les temps, parce qu'il est le culte de la raison claire
et libre, la recherche de la beaute harmonieuse et simple dans toutes
les manifestations de la pensee."

By the scheme introduced in these memorable terms the course of seven
years is divided into two cycles, the first cycle (of four years) having
two parallel courses: (1) without Greek or Latin, and (2) with Latin,
and with optional Greek at the beginning of the third year. In the
second cycle (of three years) those who have been learning both Greek
and Latin, and those who have been learning neither, continue on the
same lines as before; while those who have been learning Latin only may
either (1) discontinue it in favour of modern languages _and_ science,
or (2) continue it with _either_. As an alternative to the second cycle,
which normally ends in the examination for the _baccalaureat_, there is
a shorter course, mainly founded on modern languages or applied science
and ending in a public examination without the _baccalaureat_. The
_baccalaureat_, however, has been condemned by the next minister, M.
Briand, who prefers to crown the course with the award of a school
diploma (1907).

See H. Lantoine, _Histoire de l'enseignement secondaire en France au
XVIIe siecle_ (1874); A. Sicard, _Les Etudes classiques avant la
Revolution_ (1887); Sainte-Beuve, _Port-Royal_, vols. i.-v.
(1840-1859), especially iii. 383-588; O. Greard, _Education et
instruction_, 4 vols., especially "Enseignement secondaire," vol. ii.
pp. 1-90, with conspectus of programmes in the appendix (1889); A.
Ribot, _La Reforme de l'enseignement secondaire_ (1900); G. Leygues,
_Plan d'etudes_, &c. (1902); H.H.