A guiding principle of the original trustees in establishing the university was to combine scientific and classical education. The university motto, "Homo Minister et Interpres Naturae," which translates loosely to "Man, the servant and interpreter of nature," was adopted from the works of Francis Bacon. The motto was incorporated into the university seal, which was officially adopted in 1866. The seal features a heart, sun, and book.  In 1997, a more modern look of the seal was adopted as part of the university logo, but the seal design stayed as is.