This is the first biography in English of an uncommon American, Dr. David Murray, a professor of mathematics at Rutgers University, who was appointed by the Japanese government as Superintendent of Education in the Empire of Japan in 1873. This fascinating story uncovers a little-known link between Rutgers University and Japan.

Contents Introduction PART 1: Encountering The Japanese In America 1866-1872                                 1)  Murray’s Awakening To Japan In America: Befriending Samurai Youth At Rutgers College 1866 - 1873                                     2)  The Samurai Invasion Of New Brunswick: Two Routes From Japan Direct And Via London 1866-1873                                                                                           3)   David Murray, The Rutgers Scientific School, And The Celebrated Class Of 1868: The First Rutgers Educational Pioneers To Japan           4)   The Employment Of David Murray As Superintendent Of Education In The Empire Of Japan: The Iwakura Embassy In Washington 1872                         PART 2:  The First Period 1873 5)    Japanese Education Upon Murray’s Arrival The Fundamental Code Of Education: From Clan Schools For Samurai To Public Schools For All 1872-1873                                         6)  Murray’s Introduction To Japanese Education: The First Year Of A Universal Public School System 1873                                    7)  Murray’s Second Report To The Ministry Of Education: Setting The Initial Direction Of Modern Japanese Education 1874-1875                                                      8) The Japanese Educational Exhibit At The American Centennial In Philadelphia: David Murray: The Making Of A Comparative Educator 1876                             9)  The Dispute Over Modern Japanese Education: Murray’s Controversial Report To The Ministry: On The New Public School Law 1877 10)  Murray’s Final Report To The Ministry Of Education: A Survey Of Tokyo’s Public Schools: The Departure From Japan 1878 - 1879 11) The Legacy Of David Murray: Setting The Direction Of Japanese Education For The 20th Century: An Unwavering Commitment To Japan Notes Index Acknowledgements About the Author