TOCQUEVILLE ALEXIS DE: (1805-1859) French aristocrat, diplomat, political scientist, political philo

TOCQUEVILLE ALEXIS DE: (1805-1859) French aristocrat, diplomat, political scientist, political philo

‘I attach great importance in written examinations’

 

 TOCQUEVILLE ALEXIS DE: (1805-1859) French aristocrat, diplomat, political scientist, political philosopher and historian whose works included Democracy in America (two volumes, 1835 & 1840). A.L.S., Alexis de Tocqueville, two pages, 8vo, n.p., 17^th April 1841, to a gentleman, in French. Tocqueville thanks his correspondent for the last volume of the Academy of Caen and the yearbook of the Department of La Manche, commenting 'I take it that the work of the meetings is finished, so as to leave me free to read these two works in which I am sure to find instruction and pleasure', further thanking him for having sent an article, remarking 'I have had even greater pleasure in reading this article, as on many points my views correspond with yours. I think that if the university, which remains the authority to lay down the conditions of the Baccalaureate and to assess the results of examination, fulfils its obligation, the majority of fears one could conceive of for freedom of instruction will not become reality and that one will only have the advantages of the freedom. Almost all studies are taken up with the goal of the Baccalaureate, and if Baccalaureate examinations are serious, studies will be, too. Like you I attach great importance in written examinations. Those are the ones in which chance has the least part….May the university take the necessary time and trouble to assure that the instruction of those who present themselves to become bachelors become a reality, and the first of all the guarantees which the state can wish be obtained'. With integral address leaf (a small portion, including the name of the recipient and their address neatly excised and professionally restored with blank paper). VG