Note 8 — Chapter II
John D. (John Davidson) Godman translation
Our author evidently means here the Phi Beta Kappa society, which is an association of students, who meet together at stated times, to promote and encourage among each other classical learning and the study of the belles lettres. The denomination which they have assumed, consists of the first letters of three Greek words, the meaning of which none are supposed to understand but the initiated. The members of this association continue to belong to it, not only after the termination of their collegiate studies, but even after being raised to the first political honours of the country. The professors and the heads of the university make it a point to encourage this meritorious society by all the means in their power.—D.