of his newly acquired dignity. This being done, a Latin oration is pronounced in his praise, and a theme proposed to him for the exercise of his talents.
The number of doctors is not limited. At this time (in 1791) there are-one hundred and thirty-four in the faculty of theology; in that of laws, one hundred and sixty-four; in that of medicine, twelve; and six masters of arts. If, in former times, the number was still greater, the establishment may now boast, that it reckons among its members many individuals of pre-eminent merit and distinguished qualities, employed in the discharge of the most important and honourable functions of church and state. Of these, it will be sufficient to cite the names of his excellency Don Antonio Porlier, counsellor of state, and first secretary of the general dispatch of justice and indulgences of Castille and the Indies; his excellency count Castillejo; the count Del Puerto, eldest son of the latter, and nephew to the duke of San Carlos; Don Balthazar Companon, archbishop of Santa Fé, &c. &c. The direction and government of the academy belong entirely to the rector, who is annually erected, by secret votes, on the 30th of June. His age must exceed thirty years; and he must have been received into the community of lay brothers, and have taken the second ecclesiastical degree. The chapter is at liberty to re-elect him on the following year, but not for a longer time, it being the privilege of the viceroy, as vice patron, to continue him for a third year, if that should be deemed essential to the prosperity of the establishment.
The other ministers and officers, elected in the same manner, are the two principal counsellors, the one who filled that office the preceding year having the title of vice-rector, to sup-
