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From the foundation of the University in 1451 until the middle of the19th century all students had to do their exams seated upon the Black Stone now embedded in an 18th century oak chair. On top of the chair are some leaves and a time-glass, filled with sand. You had to give your answers before the sand ran out (about 20 minutes). When all of the sand ran out the person in charge shouted "Fluxit" which is Latin for the sand "? has flowed through". If the examiners were pleased you passed the exam but if not, the timer was turned over and you had to do it all again!

On the front of the chair are various brass plates showing the arms of the University and the names of the founders, Pope Nicholas V, King James II of Scotland and Bishop Turnbull of Glasgow. On the back are carved the Royal Arms of Scotland and the Royal Arms of England. The Blackstone Chair is used for the Cowan Medal examination in the Classics Department at the University of Glasgow and at honorary graduations. Medals for excellence in Greek and Latin were first presented by James Cowan in 1836-39 and are competed for annually.