PILLS AND FLABBINESS

Undergraduates--and there are such undergraduates--who have both done their own studying and have taken predigested study pills in the form of printed notes know that the former brings the higher grade. But in a large number of cases the grade does not count so long as it is "passing high." What is the use of wasting one's time in study when courses are naught but dusty, useless theory?

It is certain that printed notes, however much a blessing, are iniquitous things. But they have their compensatory values. For instance, it is terrible to think how American Colleges would be depleted in numbers, were there no notes available. Furthermore, notes probably do help a not inconsiderable number forth into the world at something above the moron stage. It is therefore questionable whether notes ought to be done away with.

It is even more questionable whether they can be done away with. To use the method of official disciplinary action on undergraduate note salesmen would seem unwarranted meddling with the student's right to learn as he can what the college offers, unless it can be proved that all note-buyers are child-mindell and so irresponsible. To brand this industry as "intellectual bootlegging" will, it is feared, lend spice rather than cast odium. Reform can only come from within the undergraduate body and unfortunately much of its mentality has become so flabby through years of notes that to awaken enough energy to cast off this Old Man of the Sea still remains a dream of the future.