Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1819-05-11
FOR THE ENQUIRER.

AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES.
The University of Oxford, in England, is,
perhaps, one OF the last places into which sci
eniifc improvements would he admitted. ID h.
ADAM SMITH, whose candor does him as
much honor as his courage. gives, what must
he considered, fair aud impartial character
of European universities. He represents them
as a century in the rear oil the know ledge pos
sessed by men of the world VICESIMUS
KNOX exhibits some Of their feIies, and abu
SEES I; which, unless so well authenticated,
would be Incredible 10 American under
standing. But the most correct aud beautiful
illustration is found in "A metaphor of Profess
| scr STEWART. " Immovably moored TO the
same station, bv the STRENGTH of their CA
BLES, and the WEIGHT oftheir ANCHORS,
they enable the historian OF the human mind
TO measure the rapidlty of the current, by
Which the lest of the world are borne along"
IL Us not certain that any exception need be
made in favor of the other English University
that of Cambridge; or OF either of the tour
Scotch Universities. those OF ST. Andrews,
GLASGOW, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen (; nor yet
OF trinity College. in Dublin. There are in
fact, only two establishments of this kind in
the United Kingdom, where the prompt adj
mission of a real improN enent might be
expected. One of these is the Catholic IuSt-
tuition, west OF Dublin but the principal is
the East India College, in HeTtfordshira, in
England. IL Is the object of this latter insti-
tuition TO give, with rapiditY a complete gene
raj education To those intended for pnbIic
trusts in HipdOsian The principles of the
system on which ii rs conducted, are not Only
rational in themselves, but have been tested
by experience. The attainment of knowledge
must, III every instance, lie chiefly accom-
pilshed by the individual himself Bnt there
is vast difference in tie time requisite for
me acquisition, wheie a proper elementary
education has been given AMI wlIrro if has
not; seeds must hP planted. aud foundations
iald, before fruit can he matnred, or super
structures erected. A proper intellectual
impulse must be given, and proper habits
formed. The great benefit however which
i'm has
been the means of rendering 10 mankind is
the practical decision of the question 10 what
extent, within limited time, il is safe TO at
tempt 10 Impart instruction Ii was generally
feared that great variety in the subjects aud
| departments of education would distract the
minds of students. nj so early an age and
wonld have tendency to render them super
fcIal an many branches, without beingkperfeCt
| IN any one. The actual experiment has set.
tied tins question, forever Ii has been found
that The variety renders the application more
me'hodIcaI. more agreeable, aud more emerge
TIC aud the celebrated Nautilus as
sures us, Hnt IT has dPcidediy contributed TO
eHtuge to lRrigOrdte, and 10 mafnre. tie under
standings Of the students. Statements respect.
ing the East India College, page 10.
In the American universities therefore no
poIcy could be more sound and judiciouS /;
Tor variety OF reasons. aud from peculiar
circumstances ia The situation OF oar country
which IT Is not necessary TO enter into a
detailed recital Of; than 80 commence any
course OF instruction, iu the slightest degree
OF an elevated character, aud whatever the
departments Intended to he most cultivated.
WIN a general rictc ofthe whoie Of human kmoV-
fdge. n distinct pIoicssOrship of universal
science may, unFneStIouably, in particular
cases, De proper; bHt u will be readily adj
united that 10 charge this dnty upon some
professor, or upon the President, in every sci
ehtihc institution whatsoever is highly npces
NdTy ~ eNpedIeni; and ~ truth Indispensable
10 regular prosecution of any particular sci
ence o. the presiding officer Of such insti-
tutons, this task would appear to be the prrn-
liar aud appropriate duty. Every President
or Professor, should be left at perfect liberty
To adopt luis own system, and bis own ter,ni
holoSA hut IL would greatly AMI rapidly
improve The Uatioaal intellect in America. II
dcompariNon OF the varion, plaus pursued.
be annually made.