MENTAL ILLUMINATION AND MORAL IMPROVEMENT OF MANKIND; 08, AN INQUIRY INTO THE MEANS BY WHICH A GENERAL DIFFUSION OF KNOWLEDGE AND MORAL PRINCIPLE MAY BE PROMOTED. ILLUSTRATED WITH ENGRAVINGS. BY THOMAS DICK, LL. D.. AUTHOR OF "THE CHRISTIAN IHILOSOPHER,' ''-"PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION, IMPROVEMENT OF SOCIETY ST. LOUIS, Mo.: EDWARDS & BUSHNELL. PREFACE. THE train of thought which runs through the following Work has been familiar to the Author's mind for upwards of twenty-six years. Nearly twenty years ago, he intended to address the public on this subject: but he is now convinced that, at that period, the attempt would have been premature, and consequently unsuccessful. He took several opportunities, however, of suggesting a variety of hints on the necessity of new-modelling and improving the system of education-particularly in the London "Monthly Magazine," the "Edinburgh Christian Instructor," the "Christian Recorder," the "Perth Courier," and several other publications, as well as in several parts of his former volumes.-Of late years the attention of the public has been directed to this subject more than at any former period, and even the British Legislature has been constrained to take into consideration the means by which the benefits of education may be more extensively enjoyed. It is therefore to be hoped, that the subject will now undergo a deliberate and unbiassed consideration, corresponding to its interest and importance. In endeavouring to establish a new system of education--although every requisite improvement could not, in the first instance, be effected,―yet nothing short of a comprehensive and efficient system should be the model after which we ought to copy, and to which all our arrangements should gradually approximate. To attempt merely to extend the present, in many respects inefficient and limited system, without adopting those improvements which experience and the progress of society have rendered necessary, would be only to postpone to an indefinite period what must ultimately be established, if society is expected to go on in its progress towards perfection. In the following volume the author has exhibited a brief outline of the whole series of instructions requisite for man, considered as an intelligent and moral agent destined to immortality-from the earliest dawn of reason to the period of manhood. But it is merely an outline, for the subject, considered in all its bearings, is the most extensive and interesting that can occupy the attention of mankind. Should the present volume, however, meet with general approbation, some more specific details in reference to the subjects here discussed, and to other topics connected with the improvement of society, may afterwards be presented to the public. Several excellent works have lately been published on the subject of education, some of them recognizing the leading principles which are here illustrated. But the author has, in every instance, prosecuted his own train of thought, without interfering with the sentiments or language of others, unless where it is acknowledged. Some of the works alluded to he has not had it in his power to peruse; and the same current of thought will sometimes occur to different writers on the same subject.The greater part of this work was composed before the author had an opportunity of perusing the excellent treatise of Mr. Simpson, entitled, "Necessity of Popular Education”—a work which abounds with liberal and enlightened views, and which recognizes the same general principles which are here illustrated. But the two works do not materially interfere; and the one may be regarded as a supplement or sequel to the other, both having a bearing on the same grand object. It was originnally intended to offer a few remarks on classical learning, and în the system of education which prevails in our colleges and universities; but the size to which the volume has swelled has rendered it expedient to postpone them to a future opportunity. For the same reason, the "Miscellaneous Hints in reference to the Improvement of Society," and the remarks on Mechanics' Institutions," have been much abridged, and various topics omitted which were intended to be particularly illustrated. The author intends proceeding with his promised work "On the Scenery of the Heavens,” as soon as his present engagements will permit. BROUGHTY FERRY, near DUNDEE, November, 1835. Page INTRODUCTION.-Importance of the object proposed in the following work, and its practi- PRELIMINARY REMARKS.-Importance of education-subject too much overlooked-defi- ciency in the arrangements made in reference to this object-desirable that a taste for intellectual pursuits be induced--what should be the grand object of education, PRESENT STATE OF EDUCATION IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES. Education during the dark ages-erection of colleges-era of the Reformation and the effects produced by it. Education in the United States of America-in Silesia, Wirtem- berg, Bavaria, Prussia, &c.-in France-Spain-Russia-Switzerland, STRICTURES ON THE MODE IN WHICH EDUCATION HAS GENERALLY BEEN CONDUCTED Different views of the object of education-absurd practices in relation to it-deficiencies in the mode of religious instruction-summary of the usual scholastic process. Errors and deficiencies. I. No communication of ideas. 2. School-books not adapted to the capacities of youth-specimens of their contents-immorality and absurdity of some of these selections. 3. Injudicious exercise of the memory-Shorter Catechism, &c. 4. Absurd attempts at teaching Grammar—Mr. Smellie's remarks on this subject. Fastidiousness in regard to the art of Writing. Strictures on the mode of teaching Arithmetic. Various circumstances which render education disagreeable to the young,-want of ample ac- commodation-long confinement in school-undue severity-hurrying children from one book to another-attempts to teach several branches at one time, &c. Glaring defi- ciencies in the present practice-attributable to the system more than to the teachers. Miscellaneous remarks, HINTS IN REFERENCE TO A COMPREHENSIVE AND IMPROVED SYSTEM OF EDUCATION. SECTION 1, On the Education of the young during the period of infancy.—Gradual opening of the infant mind. Manner in which its ideas are increased-rapidity of its progress and acquisitions. 1. Physical education of infants, importance of,-Food of infants; remarks on nursing. Propriety of paying attention to the effects of air and light. Clean- liness-anecdote of a Russian. Clothing of children, simplicity of dress-covering of the feet-directions in regard to shoes, illustrated by figures. Sleep and exercise of children. Attention requisite to direct their pronunciation. 2. Moral instruction of infants. Means of acquiring an absolute authority over them. Plan recommended by Dr. Witherspoon. Anecdote of Mr. Cecil-rule for securing authority-obstacles which Habit of incessantly finding fault with children. Children should feel the consequences of their conduct, and be guarded against vanity and self-conceit. Danger of frightening children, illustrated by an appalling fact. Necessity of harmony in the conduct of parents towards their children. 3. Intellectual instruction of infants. Objects, natural and arti- ficial, which should be presented to their view-mode of conveying a knowledge of the qualities of objects-communication of ideas by engravings. Experiments on this sub- ject, with a boy about two years old. Importance of imparting correct ideas to the infant |