4. MENTOR in Academia: The Master in Title and Reality Joanna Esquibel The master in title and reality is most properly called m a s t e r , since he has the holdings of sciences and with this employs a title acquired by outstanding merit and privileged by the liberties of princes. For title is derived from t i t a n , which is the sun, because, as the sun adorns the corporeal orb with its light, so the true title laudably adorns the one to whom it is applied. (“Commendations of the Clerk: An Educational Treatise”1) ABSTRACT: Following the 15th century “Commendations of the Clerk,” which define “the master in title and reality” (in Thorndike 1975: 216), the article traces the manifestations of mentorlike nature in the linguistic history of the English, with fond focus on sages, counsellors, and protectors. The reality of academia is reflected in the sketched historical background of English educational institutions. The title that would match the mentor’s clout is traced back to Old English texts, in pursuit of sages and counsellors who would fit the profile. The conclusions lead to a portrait of a unique role, that of the academic mentor with no other synonym to replace it—the master in the fullest sense. KEYWORDS: mentor, master, magister, doctor, professor, counsellor, counciller, adviser, history of English schools, history of university 1 An anonymous treatise of the second half of the 15th century on ideals and practice of education, extant in Vatican Palatine Latin MS 1252, fols. 99r–109v (Thorndike 1975: 201–235). John Colet, a pioneer in education, behind his pulpit (det., Cmb Dd.7.3, f. 6r)
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