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In the mid-19th century, the educational system of Oxford University was at the center of debate among both England’s academic circles and the wider public. In this work, Member of Parliament and education reformer Thomas Dyke Acland questions the university’s commitment to teaching elementary mathematics and delivers a compelling call for reform. In this open letter, Acland not only critiques Oxford’s examination and curriculum system but also offers a sharp perspective on the nature of liberal education, the balance between science and the humanities, and the broader social responsibilities of universities. His observations reveal how the short-sightedness of the era’s educational practices risked hindering future scientific and intellectual progress. Still strikingly relevant today, this text serves as an inspiring resource for readers interested in education history, university reforms, and the cultural value of mathematics. It is essential reading for both history enthusiasts and those engaged with modern educational policy.