Lack of traditional academics...

[tex23236]

No: HPFGUIDX 33905

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., Andrew MacIan <andrew_macian at y...> wrote:
> 

> One of, if not THE reason calculus was developed was
> to assist in the study of planetary/Lunar motion. 
> Similarly, physics got a start from the study of both
> engineering and weapons/armor design.
> 
I notice that JKR's observarorty course was astronomy, not astrology,
although I'm sure there is an astrological component to the course. If
the motion of the stars do have an influence on human affairs, and if
this movement can be predicted mathematically, then, viola! we have 
a predictive tool, and math taught in the class.

> That being true in period history, I would offer that
> the same evolution(s) would have had some impact on
> the 'wizarding' (what a solecism, IMO) world.  That
> there  is no form of university education in Rowling's
> universe makes no sense to me; I wonder if this a
> means of sealing off the series after Hogwarts.

It may be that the population of the wizarding world is too small to 
support a university. Later learning may be from self study, 
apprenticeships, and one-on-one instruction from other wizards.  
Both V and D seem to have accomplished right much without formal 
training after Hogwarts.

Science fiction has stories about knowledge pills.  Maybe in JKR's 
world you aquire Muggle knowledge with a potion, perhaps slipped 
into the food.  Maybe the pumkin soda...

Tex