In both of these schools great prominence was given to the exact and applied sciences.

The aim of the instruction was not to awaken thought and develop the faculties, but rather to fashion able breadwinners, obedient citizens, and enthusiastic soldiers.

The training was of an almost military type, the pupils being regularly drilled, while the lessons began and ended with the roll of drums.

The numbers of the _lycees_ and of their pupils rapidly increased; but the progress of the secondary and primary schools, which could boast no such attractions, was very slow.

In 1806 only 25,000 children were attending the public primary schools.