Book excerpt: Deals with doctoral students, the institutions that provided their education, and the factors--intellectual, scientific, social, political, and economic--that effected change during the most significant and tumultuous period in U.S. doctoral education from its beginnings in 1861 through 1999. Detailed tables and figures provide historical trend data for 20th century periods. Data since 1958 are from the Survey of Earned Doctorates; earlier data are from public records and the Department of Education. The report covers doctorate recipients' demographic characteristics; study fields and institutions for bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees; financial support; indebtedness; time from baccalaureate to doctorate; and postgraduation plans.