1. Frank Merriwell at Yale; or Freshman Against Freshman
Kelli Pardee and Brittni Brinkman

2. Frank Merriwell at Yale
The novel was published by The Tip Top Library company on January 16, 1897 for five cents.
This novel was featured in the first volume of the Frank Merriwell series.
The author’s name is not featured on the cover due to the popularity of the character.
The author, Gilbert Patten, uses the penname Burt. L Standish
The Frank Merriwell series was one of the best selling novels for Tip Top Weekly and Tip Top Library.

3. Science and Technology: Illustration
The only illustration provided by Tip Top Library is featured on the cover. The bright colorful ink features Merriwell kneeling before a guillotine, in front of two men wearing theatrical clothing. The guillotine on the cover symbolizes an outdated use of technology performed by the ruthless sophomore class.

4. Frank Merriwell at Yale
The dime novel follows Frank Merriwell’s journey as a first year student at the prestigious Yale University. Frank and other freshman endure numerous hazing rituals created by the classless sophomores. Merriwell and his friends compete in sporting events to prove their worth against the ruthless collegians at their University. Throughout the novel, Merriwell plays a fair game at each competitive sport by keeping up with a healthy regimen and maintaining a scientific way of thinking. His positive attitude and willingness to stand up against the sophomores helps him achieve a coveted spot on the Yale baseball team. Frank Merriwell’s positive efforts on and off the field suggests that the good guy will always prevail.

5. Science and Technology: Close Reading
(Ch. IV, The Fight) Frank Merriwell and the fight against John Diamond
But Frank saw that in a scientific way Diamond was no match for him, and he disliked to strike the fellow. He regretted very much that the unfortunate affair had come about, and he felt that there could be no satisfaction in whipping the southerner.
Merriwell hoped to toy with Diamond till the latter should see that his efforts were fruitless and give up in disgust.
But he did not yet recognize the kind of stuff of which John Diamond was built.
“Come! Come!” impatiently called one of the spectators. “Quit ducking and dodging and get into the game.”
“That’s right! That’s right!” Chorused several. “This is no sport.”
“And it’s no six-day walking match,” sneered Roland Ditson. “Merriwell seems afraid to stand up and face Diamond.”
“Is that what you think?” Frank mentally exclaimed. “Well, I suppose I will have to hit him a few times, although it goes against my grain.”
A moment later he dropped his hands by his side and took a step to meet the Virginian. It seemed like a great opportunity for Diamond, and he led off straight for Frank’s face, striking with his left.
With a slight side movement of his head Frank avoided the blow, allowing his enemy’s fist to pass over his shoulder. At the time he cross counted with his right hand, cracking Jack a heavy one under the ear.

6. Science and Technology: Sports
The dime novel features pastime sporting events like boxing, rowing, fencing, basketball, baseball, and American football. The sporting events listed above were popular because people had the ability to refine their athletic skill. Sports became a popular hobby in the Victorian and Edwardian period in two ways. Science and technology allowed people to spend more time working on their hobbies, like sports. Baseball and American football were products of science and technology in this era. Furthermore, sporting events became more refined.

7. Science and Technology: Baseball
Baseball, featured in the dime novel, was the most popular sporting event in America in Although the origins of the game varied state to state, according to National Public Radio, baseball in the 19th century was adapted by a baseball player during the pre-Civil war era in New York. Baseball gained popularity in America because of opportunity to win big money through betting. This form of revenue is featured in Frank Merriwell at Yale during the Harvard baseball game. Baseball featured in the dime novel promotes a positive view of science and technology when Frank is honored for winning the most important game of the season.