Mrs Gaskell, American

Which building at Yale is the main one, manchurianexile? We all of us exist in a geographical location, don't we?

Good example there, 889.

There at least four possible centers to Yale, each separated from the other by trafficked city streets: The Old Campus, Harkness Tower, Sterling Library/Cross Campus, and Woodbridge Hall/Beinecke Plaza. So no, Yale has no "main building, etc."

The National University of Ireland consists of University College Dublin, University College Cork, University College Galway. So, one University, but colleges in 3 different cities up to 120 miles apart. (Info correct circa 1980, YMMV).

"College" is also used for places that award third level, non-degree qualifications (Diplomas, Certificates etc.) Secretarial College, Technical College, whatever.

I've always assumed that the University of California, with 10 campuses spread throughout the state, is the largest of the university of universities.

But ignoring all the linguistic subtleties - did you enjoy Wives and Daughters? I loved it! I love all Elizabeth Gaskell books. I live near Knutsford (where Gaskell lived and where some of her books were set) and I still get a thrill from picking out the places mentioned. The George is still there and Tatton Hall is the Great House featured in the book. the lady herself is buried in the local cemetery.......

#10

Which building at Yale is the main one, manchurianexile? We all of us exist in a geographical location, don't we?

I don't know. I've never been there. But it is irrelevant to what I'm saying. Oxford and Cambridge universities consist of numerous, independent colleges that, collectively, constitute the University. A student enrolls at one of the colleges; not the university, per se, as it doesn't exist as a physical entity.

#14--

Yes, thanks for asking. I had meant to add a post recommending the book highly. I loved it too.

I know there are Jane Austen fans here. Try Mrs Gaskell, perhaps starting with Cranford. Not the same thing of course but I'm sure you'll like her more than the recent Austen pastiches and prequels and sequels.

Vinny, I think you're wrong about "mad". If I say "It's driving me mad", it's exactly the same as you saying "It's driving me crazy". Likewise, "go mad" = "go crazy".

That means I'm right, Tony. It's the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary that's wrong. They put that usage under the definiton mad = angry, not mad = insane.

While I'm here I'll say that I found one of the "mad" quotes in Wives and Daughters and it's not "mad with" or "mad with" it's "mad against". "But, papa, he will be so angry! You don't know how mad he is against Osborn."

Whoops.