Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1807-03-27

ana conhrm TINS truth, by reference to the
improvements which recent discoveries
have introduced in physics; s. the political
trutns which have been evolved by free dis
cussion, aided by the art of printing. In
, former times the theory of chemistry was
involved in impenetrable obscuritv. and the
attainment of chemical knowledge, was at
that time, correspondence tedious and DIFF
hcult. The crude information which cx-
isted ON the subject, could only be acquired
ut the expense of much time and labor, and
the profession of chemist was of course a
dIs'inct one, surrounded by mystery and
barricaded from the public view, by re-
! pulsivc and unintelligibie iargon. The pro-
lessons OF the art were viewed by the vul
gar, with sentiments of admiration, mingled
with horror: the phenomena at this time
explceble on the most familiar principles,
were ascribed to the operation of superna-
turai agents. BY the successive discoveries
observations Of scientific men, L hiss been
round chat all chemical appearances depend
on few general principles, simple as the
laws of nature by which they are governed
x person of ordinary capac. ty, at this time
may acquire in . few days, more knowledge
OF the principles of chemistry, th;sa was pcs
sessed by Pythagoras or Euclid, orsanv of
the celebrated philosophers of ANTIQUITY.
n he important science OF governments
yet too much mingled with the capacious
and variable institutions of man, TO be sus-
ceptible OF reduction to simple elcmenta-
ry principles, like those which depend on
tfthe uniform and regular laws of nature II
IS also one which it has been more for the
tinterest of the powerful to veil from public
Inspector, than any other. Yet much H. IS
been done TO divcst it of the obscur:ty in
which the craft of rulers had involved it.
ne iree discussion Of political questions,
is but OF recent date formerly it was con-
sidered almost as impiety. to attsmrt To
npcnetratc into the secrets of courts and ca
olnets. But the slight impulse given 70 POI
pu ar investigation by the American revo-
luton and other similar events, (althourh
much remains to be done) has proven chat
| the principles of government are capable
OF an analysis which will bring them within
the sphere OF the meancst comprehension.
1t is probable that the small volume called
! Common Sense, contains as much sound doc.
! trlne on general political principles, as all
the 1olios; * who is not capable of compre-
hendlng common sense 2 IN
1t would be impossible, without entering
into lengthy detail, to demonstrate the
ipractcabllity of rendering political know
ledge universally accessible, and familiar
| to the minds of all classes of society. But
those who have reflected on the principles
OF society, will easily recognize the truth of
my position. 1t is of more Importance to
impress belief that the science of govern
| ment, II rightly understood by one, NAV be
easily communicated to many +; because II
the reverse CT the proposition be true, the
preservation of popular government, which
nave epdeavored to inculcaie as he prin-
cipal inducement to seek the diffusion OF
knowledge, will be impracticable
he course of education pursued in those
schools which are intended to form the
minds OF youth, on whom will devolve the
momentous duties ofexercisiHgthe rights of
sovereignty & decidirg the dcst II OF grea
repuhhc, should be adapted e. The attain
ment of the following ends To cenerate
IN the Juvenile mind, habit # exercising
the intellectual faculties, with gisaI' ard iI-
dependence to inspire pure and elevated
sentiments of morality and freedom, ard to
impart such information IS they viii have
most occasion for, IN their p3ssage through
lie. All studies are equally conducive to
the purposes of mental exercise; it is only
important that they should be pursued with
ardor, and it depends more on ii7e qualities
of the instructor, than on the nature Of t1e
study, to inspire that ardor But there is
a material difference in the practic utili-
~ and importance Of different kinds of stu
dies, when considered in relation to tie pri
vate and puOlic transactions Cf mankind
some are only amusing, or useful only so
persons OF particular occupations. There
tore In system OF general education. those
studies should be preferred, when lead o.
the attainment of knowledge universally
applicable to the wants of mankind, and
the recollection of which will be continual
ly revived by the incidents and situation to
which they will he exposed
it viii be incompatible with the view %
be here taken of the subject of education. .o
make any reference to the particular mode
OF education which may be tncuel. 3est -
dapted to prepare the minds of those v no
are destined for what are te med the L.. rn-
ed professions. Ttmay, however, be prcDe,
to observe that the study OF the Greck ai.a
Latin lanFua ges, If admitled 60 he useful e..
persons OF the latter description, and IN,
provingto those who nave leisure to devct..
to general literature, must be exclude
from any plan of education which is calcu-
lated for the benefit Of the citizens in gene
rail- Without entering into the much con-
tested, abstract question Of the utility of
those languages, they are obviously use css
TO great majority of ma1kind or cannot
be acquired by them without sacrificing too
great portion of the time which shou be
applied to subjects of more immediate and
practical Importance
AS every individual in a republic, stands
in "A political relation to society Is iuveeted