It had been established in 1423 by Duke John IV.

of Brabant.

Its government consisted of a President and Senate, forming a close corporation, which had received from the founder all his own authority, and the right to supply their own vacancies.

The five faculties of law, canon law, medicine, theology, and the arts, were cultivated at the institution.

There was, besides, a high school for under graduates, divided into four classes.