The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1838-03-16 00:00:00

THE MATHEMATICAL I,IIiPARTMENT

Is under the superintendence of Mr.Villiatn Crew 8.A., Si
John's College, Cambridge, and his ar:sistant, Dlr.. Hugh
Moore, 8.A., I.C.D. Mr. Creuze, in his report to the directors,
says: " While the
principal of the mathematical department
is acting in conformity
to the wishes of the directors, that he
should forward to them a report of the state of his mathematical
classes, he cannot but feel gratified with the return which the
progress and behaviour of those boys which compose those
classes enable him to make.
He is authorized by the experience of four years tuition at
the University of Cambridge to state that the minds of even edu-
cated men, if not especially !rained to the habit of concentrating
thought on abstract matters, are found unadapted to the reason-
ing out the truths of mathematical analysis. For him, then, to
have expected, during the interval of two months, any great
proficiency in abstruse calculation from boys, the average of
whose age does not exceed twelve years, woof(' only have been
to seek certain disappointment. but for him to have found these
buys interested in acquiring knowledge generally stigmatized
as particularly uninteresting, has exceeded his must sanguine
hopes, and has clearly demonstrated that the methods of in-
struction usually adopted in schools, have been almost the sole
cause of such a stigma. Of this the mathematical principal was
well aware. lie knew that boys experienced no pleasure in

Niaitc ri 16, itit',F.

the usual mode of investigating- the answers to various prOblerns
in arithmetic; the process is dry and mechanical; numbers
are directed to he placed in some particular manner, and the
pupil is assured that if the placement, for which he was taught
nu reason, and if the different operations, for which he knew 110
cause, were correct—the answer would correspound with that in
the kev.

..-;
Now it is well known that those who have once conquered
the difficulty of understanding the first principles in geometry
or algebra, become exceedingly attached to those sciences. It
cannot, then, be agreeable to consistency, that arithmetic, the
rules of which are capable of being equally demonstrated, should
be the only portion of the mathematics which is to be taught
without any regard to reason or understanding. The explana-
tion of the rules are for the most part easy to be compre-
hended. And it is certain that the generality of boy s can trace
the processes with facility and pleasure.
The interest of the pupils has been awakened with complete
success, and the consequence has been an attention to their
studies which has scarcely allowed scope for bad behaviour.
The philosophical department is under the superintendence
of Mr. Montagu Lyon Phillips. In his report to the directors
of the progress made in his department he says—Niom the di-
visio❑ which has been made of the pupils, it will be seen that
there ate six classes; the two first, consisting of boys whose ages
vary from nine to eleven, attend me daily from nine to ten, and
from ten to eleven, for the purpose of receiving lessons upon
objects of nature and art. No very great display of acqu►re-
anents can be expeeted from boys so young as those forming the
above two classes, but they are each day learning something of
which they were previously ignorant.
That they feel interested in these lessons isproved by the fact
that many of them are in the habit of bringing me specimens
themselves. I have confined myself with these classes to ob-
jects of natural history, to a few simple Minerals, and to such
productions of manufacture as I have found them capable of
understanding, to a few of the most obvious properties of the
air, to a few simple gases, and to such elementary portions of
chemistry as I judged would not be beyond their comprehension.
Fur the four higher classes I have auopted the following course
of instruction, viz: mechanics, geology, natural history, an'd
chemistry. These pupils, when they came, were so generally
deficient in mathematical knowledge that I thought the above
the better course to follow, as it allows time for them to make
a sufficient progress before proceeding to those branches of na-
tural philosophy which require a greater amount of mathemati-
cal acquirements in the student. In geology, I endeavour at
the same time that I instruct them in its general outline, to
combine a knowledge of mineralogy with the subject. The
constant references which are made during these lessons to na,
tural history, animal and vegetable 'physiology, chemistry, and
other branches of science, through the kindness of several
friends to the institution, and through the exertions of the
pupils themselves, I have been enabled as yet to instruct from
specimens.

In natural history I have endeavoured to give the pnpils
knowledge of the classification of animals. I purpose to give
them instructions in the physiology of the human body, as 1 aux
provided with a beautiful set of preparations, and every thing
which can be needed for such a purpose; this concluded, I shall
follow it up by a course of lectures upon animals belonging to,
the various classes.

I have until the present time been giving the four higher
classes instructions in chemistry, but with oue or two excep-
tions their knowledge of the subject was so slight that I have
been obliged to commence from the very beginning.
I can testify with pleasure to the very good conduct of all
these classes, and have been pleased with their diligence and
attention.

The classical department is under the superintendence of Mr.
John Price, A.M., of St. John's College, Crmbridge; and his
assistant, Mr. James Peace, A.M., to report to
the directors Mr. Price says—ln presenting this my first report
of the classical department, I have first to observe that the
pupils in general joined the High School extremely ignorant of
Latin, the majority being also unacquainted with the simplest
application of the priuciples of their own language, whilst of
Greek not more than six knew even the alphabet, four of whom
only, were able to translate the Testament. Various Latin
grammars having been in use among them, and success depend-
ing far more (in mif opinion) on the industry and skill of the
teacher than on the particular books employed, I have adopted
the grammar previously learnt by the great Majority of them,
viz., the •‘ Eton," of which, however, I have for toe present
ordered the "accidence" only for the use of the institution.
I hope to obviate the necessity of learning many syntax rules
by keeping short forraulce of the main principles of the language
constantly before their eyes in a tabular form, whilst my assist-
ant will be employed in rendeling every part of grammar amat-
ter of common sense even to the youngest pupils. The want of
such assistance up to February 20th was especially kit, owing
to the disparity resulting from our system of classtfication ; and,
in fact, with our present number would scarcely be felt at all
from any other cause, under a jadicious system of tuition, in
the classical department.
There are now, of our 157 pupils, 135 who learn classics, (of
these 14 attend my school-room two hours each day, instead of
learning French,) the remaining 22, many of whom are too old
to commence Latin with much advantage, are still left, out of 43
who at the first declined classics. And as the 21 converts were
made with little or no opposition on the part of their parents, it
seems as if our prospectus had held out undue temptation to
idleness, prejudice, or caprice, thereby inducing the omission of
a most valuable instrument of education, which not only facili-
tates directly the acquisition of knowledge, but also includes in
itself a species of intellectual training and discipline for which
believe no equivalent has ever been devised. At the same time

I rejoice that the time allotted to the study of the classics has
been so freely curtailed, provided it be found, as I trust it will,
sufficient fur all practical purposes.
With respect to present progress, I think I may on the whole
speak favourably, with due allowance for the circumstances I
mentioned at the outset. In the four senior divisions, the ma-
jority appear to me decidedly improved. The great hindrance
in all is the previous want of that s3stematic instruction ill
English grammar which our institution offers, and without
which our brief classical lessons would undoubtedly be insuf-
ticient.

To those pupils who are grosisly ignorant of the very parts of
speech in their native language, I cannot impart much solid
instruction in an unknown one ; and, judging front my own
care, my colleague in the English department must have been.
greatly impeded in supplying this necessity by the want of an
assistant-master.
The study of Greek is at present confined to keeping up the
grammar with those pupils who had already commenced. In
Latin, the 6th division are reading Cicero de Amicitia ; sth,
Cornelius Nepos ; 4th, 3d, and 2d, three different parts of
Valpy's Delectus, according to their several capacities. The
first division, as well as a great number of backward. boys, in
divisions 2,3, and 4, are learnin the grammar exclusively,
I am happy to add that I have reason to be satisfied with the
general conduct of the school-room, and that I see within the
sphere of my own observation every reason to believe that the
most sanguine expectations respecting the high school may,
with the Lord's blessing upon our united exertions, be most.
abundantly realized.
The French department is under the superintendence of
Mons. Theodore Eugene Suliot, M.A., and his assistant,- Mons.
Andre Sears.
The principal, reports, that with the exception of the very
youngest the progress of the pupils has been satisfactory, and in
many instances highly so. The beginners, who form a great
majority, have used a book with an interlineary translation, to
prepaie their lessons. which they then repeat without books,
translating, the French which the master gives out, into English,
and that English back again into French. They are now be-
ginning a regular course of grammar.
The more advanced learners are exercised in dictation,
conversational phraseology, writing, translations from English
into French, and in translating verbally from French into
English, (without books,) and retranslating from English into
French prose and poetry prepared on alternate days.
'['he writing and drawing department is under the superin-
tendence of Mr. Barber and Mr. C. J. SMith.

Mr. Barber says, "I can only remark, that from the com-
memcement of the classes in January, up to the 26th Februaiy,
my instruction was cunfluecl to lessons in perspective, in which
department some of the pupils have made progress, particu-
larly the fifth and sixth classes."
Mr. Smith says, In the plan of education prefixed to the pros-
pectus of the schools of the institution, it is stated that each
class in the high school shall receive three lessons per week in
writing and two in drawing; but the drawing master's inability
to conform to the necessary arrangements has caused some ir-
regularity on this point, three of the classes having received
four lessons per week, and three, only two per week.
The prospectus al,o states that plain and ornamental writing
and stenography shall be taught, and as the two last branches
have not yet been introduced, it may be necessary to state the
reasons for the omission which ate as follows ...--Although the
importance of writing must be duly appreciated by every one,
at the pieseat day it is so imperfectly taught in many schools,
that, of the pupils now attending the high school, there are not
half a dozen who can wiite a good commercial hand, or make
a pen properly, whilst bad habits of sitting and holding the pen,
and of writing in the most scribbling, cramped, and negligeut
manner, have become so firmly fixed in many of the junior
pupils, that it will require much patient labour on the part,ot
the teacher to correct. these faults before any thing further can
be attempted. Some improvement is however visible and the
appointment of the ussistaut-waster will overcome ail difficul-
ties. Lessons in ornamental penmanship will be given to such
pupils as shall have madecousiderable progressin plain writing,
which, from its general application• and consequent importance,
must always be the primary object iu this department of educa--
tiou.
The copy-books written by the pupils will at the close of each
year be sent horse, in order to afford the parents a: fair opportu-
itity to judge of the actual . improvement, and it is hoped that a
comparison of the first and last hooks of the half year, will else
more satisfaction than au exhibition of those pretty, but derep--
live specimens, called Midsummer and Christmas pieces, which
are often gnt up in such a manner as to afford but very imper-
fect indications of the pupil's real improvement in this impor-
tant branch of education.
In concluding their report the directors again call upon the
members of the institution to join them in an expression of gra-
titude to those friends by whose assistance (unoer Provideuce)
that have been enabled to fulfil the trust which you. reposed iu
them.
They feel assured that it is only by the aid of such institutions;
as this, that that universal diffusion of intelligence and good'
will amongst all classes can take place, which is so necessary
to render us happy, and able to compete with the intelligence
and enterprise of other lands. It is now for the public to decide,
whether this great community shall determine to linger behinds
their neighbours, or whether it shall continue to take the leads
in carrying to perfection a system calculated to spread far and
wide the inestimable blessings of intellectual cultivation and ge-
neral information.

Mr. GLADSTONE said every person would agree with him as
to the prosperity of the instituti n. Liverpool, the second tows
the kingdom, had long been without a Mechanics' Institution,
but they had now got one worthy of the town. Might it go on,
end prosper? Ile concluded with moving "that the report
which has been read be adopted, and that the treasurer's
accounts pass."
Dr. N tiol,son briefly seconded the resolution, which was car-
ried unanimously.
The SECRETARY then read a list of the donations which bad
been made to the institution during the past year. consisting prin-
cipally of books. Amongst others were 31 vols. and an iron
chest front Mr. John Ashton Yates; a shark's jaw from Mr.
Shell, and a pair of bulls horns from John Hall.
Mr. ROBERT M AT HER begged leave to move " that the thanks
of the meeting be given to those ladies and gentlemen who have
presented donations and books to the institution within the last
halt' ) ear."

,
JAmEs liv LEI/ briefly seconded this, which was unani-
mously carried.
Mr. GEO. MAXWELL said they had heard a very gratifying
account of the progress of the institution. Theyinust recollect
that it was eminently indebted to the gentlemen who had raised
it to its present state. He would move "that the thanks of the
meeting be given to the treasurer, Mr. Christopher Hind Jone,,
to the president and vice•piesments, for the skilful and success-
ful management of the affairs of the institution during the period
th have bad them under their care."
r.. CROSBY briefly seconded the resolution, which was car-
ried unanimously.

The SECRETA k v then read the names of the president, vice-
presidents, and the committee for the ensuing year. President,
Mr. Janata Mullineux; vice-inesidento Mr. gichaid VaughaS

MARCIA 16 N

Ylte', Mr. Rathbone' and Mr. James M,:spratt,
Treasurer, Mr. Christopher Hird Jones. The committee were
divided into 4 sections 149 each.
Mr.-Isaac. HADW EN, Jun. moved "that the above named
gentlemen be elected the board of directors for the current

Mr. JAMES KING briefly seconded this, which was unani-
ninusly carried.
The PhEsiDENT said he was now going to d i that which, to
many of his young friends would be the most interesting part of
the evening; he was going to distribute the prizes.
The first prize was to Benj,tmin Howarth, for an -original
design for a monument. Prize, Dugald Stewart's antiquities
of Athens. . . . .

Andrew Geor= Hutchinson, fur a beautiful model of a geo-
metrical staircase ; a silver Roscoe medal.
John Allen for a drawing of a locomotive steam engine ;
Great's Mechanic's Dictionary.
Henry Harding for a drawing of the machinery of a corn
mrll; Grear's Mechanic's Calculator.
Saml. Godwin, for proficiency in mechanical drawing; Whe-
well's Euclid.
Edward Jones, architectural class, for the shaded copy of a
column; Baldwin's Work on Architecture.
Thomas May, for the drawing of the conic section : Thomp-
8011'8 Elements of Euclid.
John Duncan, for a perspective drawing of the Wellington
Rooms, from actual elevations and measurements; Stewart's
Antiquities of Athens.
Edward Bellis, landscape drawing class, for proficiency in
landscape drawing; a drawing book, landscape and cattle, by
Cooper and Harding.
C. F. Clements, for a landscape in pencil; landscapes and
cattle by Cooper and Harding.
John Barlow, for a drawing of landscape and cattle ; a draw-
ing book.
.John Davenport, for a marine view; a copy of Harding and
Cooper's drawings: •
• John Oaks, ornamental painting class, for an ornamental
drawing; a drawilig book.
. John Dutton, John Fisher, William Wilson, John Wright,
Chas. Brown, for ornamental drawings ; each sets of Raphael's
ornaments of the Vatican.
The mathematical masters required a little time to make a
decision.
The PRESIDENT said, as the business of the evening was now
over, he wished to take the opportunity of offering a. few remarks
The first thing he wished to call attention to was, the report of
that evening. It was calculated to inspire confidence in the
minds of those who had heard it. It was not like those reports
drawn up in a flattering manner to put the best face on the
Matter to be presented. What he particularly admired in the
report was the perfect sincerity and air of truth and candour
which pervaded the whole. It satisfied him that when the•gen-
tlemen who- drew up that report had occasion to pass censure
they would do it, and when they saw occasion to praise, their
praise might be depended upon; and therefore that part of
the • report which alluded to the slight attendance and
Want of exertion on the part of the pupils, would,' he sin-
cerely hoped, come home to the minds of both the pupils
and the parents. A little encouragement, a little gentle
persuasion, or a habit induced would easily overcome this, and
It required only perseverance for a short time to overcome this
want of attention. He perceived that books were a good deal
wanted fur the library. There were many persons possessing
libraries containing numbers of works originally useful, which
were now no longer so, and which were of little more use than
filling up a book shelf. If persons possessing books of that kind
would submit to the sacrifice, and would send the books to the
mechanics' institution, they would have the satisfaction of think-
lug that they had rendered the books of the use for which they
were intended, to advance knowledge. A more interesting
study than natural history did not exist. The institution possess-
ed a museum, in its infancy, it was true; but if persons who
had received specimens of natural productions from abroad
which they had kept on a shelf, or in rooms where they were
seldom seen, and which they wished to be seen, the Institution
Offered to them a sale depository, where they would be taken
care of, and could not fail to be admired. The mechanical
drawing class wanted many copies. There were in the town
Many men of public spirit connected with mills_ and machinery
Rho, if this was known to them, he doubted not, would come
forward and offer such drawings. He did nut doubt but if this
came to the ears'of Mr. Fawcett, that any working drawings no
longer needed for himself, would be very valuable as copies for
!he institution, that he would furnish them. His task was near-
ly over; but he begged to ask what was the impression which
had arisen in their minds from the events of the evening,—was
tt not that they had now open before them a great sphere of
usefulness? He congratulated the pupils on the happy selec-
tion of masters, so far as their individual characters were known.
The selection had been a most difficult task: so far as their
characters had been observed they were such as to raise the ut-
,lrost confidence iu them; and as far as this went, he was satis-
°eel that the committee had made a proper choice. On the
other hand, the pupils must see that the masters were disposed
to do their duty, and give them every information, and the pa-
rents of the pupils would no doubt be gratified at the progress
they were making. That progress also would react on the
masters, and stimulate them to increased exertions. This mu-
tual feeling would not end here; the parents of the children
and their friends would feel, as the institution advanced, that
it was an honour to have had their children educated at it. The
masters would find that there was in Liverpool a scope for
science, and would be on the look out for successors when they
should leave. Thus, there would be a mutual good feeling and
combination between pupils and masters, which would carry
forward the institution to a high pitch of perfection. The scene
before him that evening created in him the most animated
feelings. It was Cheering to see the spirit with which indivi-
duals were carrying the institution forward. Such a feeling of
enthusiasm would lead them to the glorious results they might
anticipate in future years.
The President then dissolved the meeting and retired.
Mr. Mur LINEUX proposed a vote of thanks of the meeting to
William Wallace Currie, Esq. the late President,, which was
carried by acclamation.
Mr. CURRIE briefly returned thanks, and the meeting broke
up at about nine o'clock.

GREAT. NORTH OF ENGLAND RAILWAY.—We understand
there is a probability of some impediment being offered to the
progress of this railway's works between Thirsk and York,
owing to certain legal omissions or informalities.
So great is the destitution in the parish of Chapel-en-le-Forth
that many poor families are perishing for want of food, fire, and
clothing; so large a❑ extent of misery has never been before
known.—Derby Mercury.

A ColNEn.--Michaelßovlan, whose case was noticed in the
Guardian of Wednesday last, in whose room Beswick found a
inould and materials fur coining, and a quantity of base money,
and who was committed for .trial at the sessions. was again
Brought up at the New Bailey on Monday, when Mr. Foster in-
focmed him, that the attorney-general had directed that his case
should go for trial at the assizes. The witnesses were in attend-
ante, and were bound overto prosecute at Kirkdale.—Manchester
'Guardian.

THE CORPORATION NCH. —We mentioned last week
One of the artifices employed by the canvassers of the corpora-
tion faction to induce ig,norant people to sign the petition for a
charter. We have since heard of other doings of these entry,
as little creditable to their candour and love of truth. I'wo of
Ahem called a few dais ago upon a lady in Great Ducie-street,
and on her hesitating to sign her name, she was told that the
:)I,ject of the petition was to procurethe removal of vagrants and
'tl"'.gzars I On this representation of the object of the petition,
-lie was induced to sign it.— Manchester Courier,

PUBLIC DINNER TO WILLIAM GARNETT, ESQ.—The Con-
te'rvatives of Salford held a meeting on Tuesday evening, at
which it was resolved-to give a public dinner to Mr. Garnett, on
Taesday the 17th of April. Owing tothe large and increasing
'number of Conservative electors, and friends to the cause, and
there being no building 'in the borough sufficiently' capacious
i,'r the purpose, a spacious temporary building, with every
'B,"itable accommodation, will be erected for the occasion, be-
"ind the Crescent. It is intended that. the dinner shall be on
an extensive scale, and in every respect worths the cause in
which the electors are -engaged. Several distinguished sup-
Porters of conservatism Will •be invited to attend.—Mincliester
cuurier.
THE POOR-LAW TYRANNY,;-:-The gentlemen forming the
Dudley board of guardians, finding that-the allowance tel food
to the poor of the metropolitan unions was of much -better
quality and of greater quantity, ordered that the dietary table
sanctioned by the poor-law commissionersfor the-metropolitan
districts should be adopted in that union. Of this resolution,
and its adoption, the commissionets were informed, and, in re-,
Ply, seat a letter to the master and matron of the union work
house, threatening them with the most dire consequences, from.
which the hoard of guardians could not protect them, if they
dared to continue the increased allowance. The g,uardianssent
several letters to the commissioners, who have not condescended
to answer them, or to hold any communication on the subject
with theta. Under these circumstances the guardians met -on
Monday, and unanimously agreed to petition both houses of
parliament for power to increase the provincial.allowance to
that of the London unions.—Worcester Journal.
MURDER AT EASTON, NEAR STAMFOIII3. A. shocking murder
,was perpetrated in this village -on Tuesday morning week, on
thel body of a female, named Elizabeth Longfoot, aged about
.51, who possessed of a little freehold property, on which
The deceased was of very eccentric habits, and had
eso • many OCeasito
occasions alarmed the neighbourhood by cries, of
murder," &c., appeariu., by writings found in her cottage,
to have entertained great Suspicion (probably owing to her de-
-ranged intellect) that certain parties were inimical to her, :and
;had evil designs towards her. Cries of murder were heard about
%four o'clock in the morning, but were iisregartleti,. the ‘ hearers
imagining that it was the deceased in one f her customary
s
fits of mental aberration.. About seven o'cloc.k in the mornin
however, as a wodinu in the village was pruceedingoutto wak!h:
in passing deceased's house she saw her p ttens and one shoe
lying in the little yard, which excited her a otherwise
Oka affair might ,have remained the whole day as
ilt-wasfhY.,Po.mea•na uncommon for the, poor
tpithiri doors all day', and wander about atwoman to remain
night. She gave the
,alarm, and on entering the house, the door.of which was open,
.the boilynf the deceased was found lying in the first room,
[kitchen, on the stone
.floor,
quite dead. Much blood was found
,in the room, and likewise in the yard, where it is supposed I hat
.site must have been first struck on the temple by some blunt
instrument, and stunned, and then the murderer, kneeling in
the clay beside.her, completed his diabolical deed by strangling
her with hikfist. the marks-of his knuckles being very visible on
the right side of her neck. It is much to be regretted that the
number of persons who instantly crowded to the spot entirely
defaced all shoe-marks, which might have led to discovery; the
i,'Opressions of knees covered with corderoy small clothes, have
neen preServed, and are now in the possession of the proper
.44thorities. .on,searching the house, two chests of drawer
,were found open and ransaciced, and a third untouched, the
I)robability being. the ruffians Anding easily what they sought.
t'"1"1Y. a quantity of ready money (to the amount of upwarch
~ ,ZI(X)) which she unfortunately possessed, bad secured that
'" decamped, crossing the wretched victim on leaving the
it
nin. Andrew Yoder, of Easton, baker, has been committed
`" Ptisen on suspicion of heingconeerned in the murder.
Medical
Tog DEBT.—The members of the British
Mca' Association have prepared a petition, to be presented
, ¶o the [louse of ~Lords, respecting the bill for the abolition of
11:11Priionment.for debt, as it may effect medical men, as they
consider it will he more injuricuts to them, inasmuch as they are
necessarily precluded front making those preliminary inquiries
which can be ,instituted by other parties, as they ate frequently
e411.,1 upon to attend -to sudden ova urgent cases admitting of
14,11(W:iv. and -were-they to refuse attendance, they would be
iete,l to considerable odium and disgrace; and that, as
there are many persons in London who possess only annual
incomes derived from appointments, and. do not hold any
'itngible property which can be available-for the benefit of the
creditorse,;, under the provisions of the projected act, should it he
fire'4.9l into force their losses would be much greater than they
at piesi-nt. With this viow, therefore, of meeting the in.
risk which they would incur by the adoption of this act,
thy. pe'iti„Weis sugeest that it may be-made cone etent for a
I ufge ^it the applicition of a judgment creditor, to order that
'f,r4_ II"' '‘
r f the salary, waays. or income of the debtor" shall,
nro time to situp, aplo.coti.,ted in liquidation of the .inds''
Will I,IS "I" iinuear proper to the judge, ile else,that the house
" •"Pi uoli other me,,sures as may appear to it to be u.ust
peuie,u I.—Ley/cm,