The Sun.
London, England, 1856-06-24 00:00:00

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SOCIETY OF ARTS.-EXAMINATIONS OF
PUPILS OF MEI.W.ANICS' INSTITUTIONS.

• An interesting experiment which may lead to very
important tresults, has just taken place under the auspices
of the above-named society. We allude to the examina-
tion of fifty-two candidates from the various mechanics'
institutions, and similar societies spread throughout the
country. Due notice was given to these institutions
that the Society of Arts had established a
board of examiners, which on the 10:1, 11th, and
12th of June, would proceed to the examina-
tion of persons connected with the institutions,
and would accord to such candidates as might
pass certificates of raerit. These certificates are of three
degrees—excellence, proficiency, and competency. The
results of the first examination, although not officially
published, are, we are assured, such as to warrant the
most sanguine expectations of the projectors as to the
success of the scheme. The examiners in mathematics,
chemistry, English history, English literature, French
and German, speak in terms of high admiration of the
papers sent up to them, and of the intelligence displayed
by many of the candidates when tested by a viva voce
examination. Some of the examiners go so far as to
assert that the results have been even more satisfactory
than those obtained when examining pupils who have
been specially prepared for examinations, in public insti-
tutions set apart for instruction in particular subjects.
Now, this shows that, however unsatisfactory may have
been the proceedings of the mechanics' institutes for
some years past, they have not been utterly useless. IF,
in spite of the want of systematic instruction, and, any
recognised mode of testing efficiency, as many as fifty-
two members of these institutes present themselves, at
the shortest possible notice, to undergo a probing ex-
amination, and a large majority of them acquit
themselves creditably, it can scarcely be doubted that
when a definite plan of regular examinations is laid down,
the results will be multiplied extensively. A large
proportion of the adult population of the country suffer
from the want of early education, and experience the
greatest difficulty in overcoming the impediments
arising from deficiency of early training. There
are scarcely any institutions calculated to supply
this want. The mechanics' institutes have but too often
abandoned the functions they were destine I to fill, and
have degenerated into concert rooms, reading rooms,
and circulating libraries. If, however, it can be shown
that they afford facilities to men desirous of instruction,
not only of study but of obtaining a public recognition
of proficiency in study, they will rise in dignity and
worth. The members will have a direct intrest in se-
curing the services of eminent men as lecturers and
instructors. The studies may assume a definite and
regular form, and tie institutions may become real
working men's colleges. The prizes and certificates of
the Society of Arts will hold out something tangible as
a reward for submitting to a course of mental training
which, without such reward, would scarcely be submitted
to by persons who have passed the period when study is
made compulsory. If the Society of Arts succeeds in
elevating the mechanics' institutes into establishments
or general education it will have made good its claim
to a large amount of public gratitude.