Students often also studied and
attended lectures on astronomy, geography, history, mathematics,
theology, music, navigation, foreign languages, and lectures on
anatomy and medicine sponsored by the College of Physicians. A
tour of the continent became a part of every gentleman's
education. After about eight years' experience, attorneys could
become Readers and Benchers, the latter of whom made the rules.
Readers gave lectures. Benchers, who were elected by other
Benchers, were entrusted with the government of their Inn of
Court, and usually were King's counsel. Five to ten years later, a
few of these were picked by the Queen for Serjeant at Law, and
therefore eligible to plead at the bar of common pleas. Justices
were chosen from the Serjeants at Law.
Gresham left the Royal exchange to the city and the Mercer's
Company on condition that they use some of its profits to appoint
and pay seven lecturers in law, rhetoric, divinity, music,
physics, geometry, and astronomy to teach at his mansion, which
was called Gresham College. They were installed in 1598 according
to his Will. Their lectures were free, open to all, and often in
English. They embraced mathematics and new scientific ideas and
emphasized their practical applications. A tradition of research
and teaching was established in mathematics and astronomy.
Many people kept diaries. Letter writing was frequent at court.
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