It was attempted in the article summarizing the development of the legal framework of the educational system of Russia and the Baltic (Ostsee) provinces in the XVIII century and the first half of the XIX century. The documents regulating educational institutions at all levels were reviewed, as well as was offered to trace the evolution of the terminology used in legislation, names, classification of the rights and benefits of education, studying science, titles of academic staff, human rights and social guarantees of academic staff and students etc. factors.