“Chicago always does things a little differently.” --You’re catching the tune of the place, @surelyhuman .
Interesting that some version of the distinction between Chicago and the peer schools made by this author in 1910 is still being made over a century later - along with the counter observation, also still being made, that the difference is diminishing. It may have been diminishing in 1910, but it is still with us today! As in the beginning there is a thread of contrariness at this institution and a focus on learning sans country club genteelisms that continues to the present day. You have picked up on the theme of that old book nicely.
Incidentally, finding interesting stuff in old books is the essence of a Chicago-style education. Someone with a liking for that sort of thing is probably suited for the place.