For the Department of Mining Engineering, 1888 was a year of major change. The Institute's Annual Catalogue for 1888-89 stated that the curriculum of Course III Mining Engineering was under "extensive revision." The Catalogue for the following year listed Course III as "Mining Engineering and Metallurgy." As already mentioned, Professor Richards's title as professor in charge had been changed in 1884 from "Professor of Mining Engineering" to "Professor of Mining Engineering and Metallurgy."
The Department of Mining Engineering and Metallurgy had a seasoned, though small, faculty. The revised curriculum allowed for intensive professional specialization by students. By 1888, Richards's Mining and Metallurgical Laboratories and the Summer School's field trips were well-established, successful operations. The Department was poised for further development.
--Bever