The tradition of "black stone examination" in Scottish universities is a fascinating aspect of academic history, with roots dating back to at least the 16th century. Here's a summary of the references and information about this practice (produced by Perplexity AI agent):
## Origins and Prevalence
The black stone examination was once a common practice among the five ancient Scottish universities. The earliest known reference to this tradition dates back to 1531 at the University of St Andrews[1]. By 1647, the University Commissioners referred to the examination on the "Black-staine" as a practice common to all Scottish universities[1].
## Specific University References
### University of St Andrews
- An "examen quod appellant nigri lapidis" (examination which they call of the black stone) is mentioned in a 1580 regulation[1].
- The reputed black stone of St Andrews University, now in Parliament Hall, appears to be the base of a column[1].
### University of Glasgow
- In 1659, a regulation mentioned that library fees should be paid before a graduand could proceed to "laureation" (graduation) on the black stone[1].
- The University of Glasgow's Blackstone Chair, created in the mid-1770s, incorporated this tradition into a more elaborate piece of furniture[1].
### University of Edinburgh and Marischal College, Aberdeen
- Both institutions once held black stone examinations, although no trace of the stones used survives[1].
### King's College, Aberdeen
- According to one account, the black marble tombstone of the founder, Bishop Elphinstone, was used at graduation[1].
## Nature of the Examination
The black stone examination was typically an oral examination conducted in Latin or Greek. At the University of Glasgow, for example:
- Students sat on the black stone (later, in the Blackstone Chair) while professors tested their knowledge of chosen books[1].
- An hourglass was used to time the examination[1].
- The examination was part of the process for "promotion" to the next stage in the degree structure[1].
## Evolution and Discontinuation
The practice of black stone examination evolved over time:
- At Glasgow, the tradition was incorporated into the elaborate Blackstone Chair in the 1770s[1].
- The Universities Act of 1858 led to the introduction of written examinations, largely ending the practice of oral examinations on the black stone[1].
## Significance
The black stone examination was more than just an academic test; it was a ritual element that added solemnity and tradition to the examination process. Its widespread use across Scottish universities highlights a shared academic culture and tradition unique to Scotland's educational institutions.
Citations:
[1] https://regionalfurnituresociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/the-blackstone-chair-stephen-jackson.pdf
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_stane
[3] https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/blackstone-chair-glasgow-scotland
[4] https://museumoftheuniversityofstandrews.wordpress.com/2018/05/09/st-andrews-and-the-blackstone/
[5] https://www.bbc.co.uk/ahistoryoftheworld/objects/1zz8mu7wSai1ARME0WuMSw
[6] https://collections.st-andrews.ac.uk/collection/furniture/1004089
[7] https://collections.st-andrews.ac.uk/item/black-stone/1000995
[8] https://citydays.com/places/blackstone-chair/
[9] https://electricscotland.com/education/edu18.htm
[10] https://special-collections.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk/2017/12/11/the-exam-season-is-upon-us/
[11] https://www.theglasgowstory.com/image/?inum=TGSD00557
