ice, a good old method
that perhaps has some merits, but one which did not, save in the case of
a teacher of exceptional qualifications, give a uniform preparation or
an insight into the principles of legal philosophy. As the general level
of education advanced, however, the advantages of some systematic
instruction in law became more and more apparent, and it was not long
after the establishment of the University before demands for a Law
School began to be heard. This sentiment grew, in spite of the
conservatism, and even active opposition, of the lawyers of the old
school who believed the established office method of education the only
practical one.

[Illustration: PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE OLD HOSPITALS]

[Illustration: THE NEW HOSPITAL BUILDING (From the architect's plans)]

[Illustration: THE LAW BUILDING]

Finally, in spite of the financial problem involved, the new Department
was formally opened in October, 1859, with an entering class of
ninety-two students. It had long been assumed that only one
Professorship would be required; but when the Board really faced the
problem it had a wider vision, and the first Faculty consisted of three
men. These have sometimes been called "the great triumvirate," Judge
James V. Campbell, St. Paul's College, '41, of the State Supreme Court,
who became Marshall Professor of Law, with Common and Statute Law as his
field; Charles I. Walker, a practising lawyer of Detroit, Kent Professor
of Pleading, Practice and Evidence; and Thomas McIntyre Cooley of
Adrian, who came as Jay Professor of Equity Jurisprudence, Pleading, and
Practice. These men had all been trained through the usual course of
"reading" in a lawyer's office--all the higher education they received,
with the exception of Judge Campbell.

Never has a law school started under more favorable auspices, certainly
never with such a Faculty. To the learning and personal character, as
well as to the ability as teachers, of these three men thousands of
graduates of the School ascribe their remarkable success in later life.
Judge Campbell, the first Dean, was characterized by his wide, accurate,
and scholarly knowledge; while the refinement of his literary style and
his stimulating personality made him one of the most delightful of
lecturers. Professor Walker was the type of man who was willing to
sacrifice one day a week out of a large and remunerative practice for
the education of young men in his profession. His interests ext