Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1825-02-11

other method. The telling, too, OF what has
been learned, las is done in daily examinations
fixes II deeply in the memory, and gives dis
tiDction and precision to the thoughts. Indeed,
frequent and rgorons examinations are the We
ry life of study. And certainly they enable the
Teacher to see what his Pupil can bear, and to
press him IN proportion to his strength.
| For these reasons we cannot but approve OF
the plan adopted in the course of study before
u.s. And we do most earnestly protest against
the adoption of any other, for that part of Pu-
piPs progress, which he goes through IN the
Colleges of this country. Indeed, until he had
| passed through some such course OF discipline,
his mind Is not at all prepared to receive ad
vantages worth naming from the lectures of
| Professor, however learned.
The text books used in Hampdeu Sidney
College, arc in general well chosen. Some III
deed are particularly excellent; we mean the
scientific works, translated from the French.
Ii public sentiment would allow of a more ex-
tcnslve course OF preparatory study, we should
greatly prefer change in the classical depart
ment of *Dui-ePs Collections and the ErceSpiG
Lotinr, for the original authors iron whom these
selections made. Blu, in the present state
of things, perhaps, the gentlemen who prescribed
the course, have acted wisely.
| But while we thus express our appreciation of
the mode of conducting study by text books, aud
of the books selected for the purpose, it is due
to the gentlemen who conduct that Institution
TO observe, that '.lec;ures are given the most
important subjects of the course" We admit
this to be a valuable provision: for this, among
other reasOns-that science is making continual
progress. IT, therefore, instruction is given by
| text books alone, the Student will, in little
| time, be left Tar behind the improv and
discoveries ofthc age. But by all means, there
tore, the Professor ought 10 enable his pupils To
keep pace with thus progress. OF course he
must deliver lectures; and if he does his duty he
will revise and improve them every year.
As ii appears to US then, the principles adopt
ed in tAe plan OF study prescribed Tor this ollege,
are perfectly just. They are adapted to the
state of the coantry. And in regard 10 the de.
gree of messttL efo,t called for in this course,
we think ii quite sufficient, considering the pre-
paration usually made. youth of fifteen or
sixteen, as young men generally are, mus. be
more than ordinarily Industrious and make con-
81 ierable eXertlons, 10 d0 iceU al that equir-
81. We have looked over most of the text books
with the design OF forming a correct opinion on
this subject, and nave adverted to the various
exercises IN Composition and Defamation
which are to be performed. We understand,
tor that there are Literary Societies voluntari-
y formed by the Students, and conducted with
great spirit in which debating and compos.iion
are required of the members. On examination
o ths whole subject them we are persu ided that
an idle Student cannot escape disgrace, and
that great effort is necessary 10 gain honor
3 Our third remark was, that a course of
study onght to be sufficiently extensive to give
enlarged views, and form regular habits ofstudy
The Importance of this remark cannot be too
highly appreciated. y man of clevern NAV,
by assdnity and attention, acquire very consid-
cradle skill and dexterity in his profession with
l,,,,
dy. But then the range OF his mind will always
be limited. lie will be mere Doctor, a aaers
Ldtoyer, and nothing more. He nevcrcan take
extensive views; he never can enlarge the bound
ares OF science; nor bring genei al intellectual
influence TO bear on the character and interests
| OF society.
Besides. the nptations to incidence and ne
elect of mental culture are numerous; and the
eNcltenents in our state of society are few. Ii
| is therefore very important TO carry young man
through course, sufficient 10 form habits of
! study, which will follow him 10 active life. We
| cannot but deeply lament the haste of MANY to
! enter profession. 1t is Injurious both to them,
and to the best interests of learning and science
IN the country.
The course of studies under consideration is
about as extensive as that adopted in any Col
| lege in the United States. The reader may
form some idea OF its range, from the following
remarks. He, who goes through it faithfully,
acquires considerable knowledge of the Ian
guages and sciences of the two most polished
nations of antiquity; learns the elements, at least
| of the various branches of the mathematics from
Arithmetic TO Comic Sections and FuXions; be-
| comes acquainted with Natural Philosophy IN its
fundamental principles, and traces its progress
through the latest discov cries. TO these he
| adds Chemistry and its application to the Arts,
Astronomy, Geography, Mineralogy and Natu-
raj History; also the elements of General His
tory and Chronology; Logic, Rhetoric, Mental
and Moral Philosophy, the Laws of Nature and
Nations, and the Evidences of Christianity
This course ought to be reckoned sufficiently
extensive to deveiope and exercise the various
powers of the mind, to give enlarged views, and
prepare the Student to make still further pro-
gress in some higher Institution of Learning; or
enter, If it should please him, on the study of
Profession.
And here, we cannot help reinarkng that in
regard TO the subject Of Religion-a subject on
which, in common with our fcow-citizens, we
feel high degree of jealousy, we have made
particular enquiries, and received entire salts
faction. Learning and Science are Of no sect
or party in religion; and Christians of all denom
nations ought TO feel perfectly free to send their
sons to any public school, without apprehension
that there will be any intermeddling with their
| peculiar religious sentiments. Yet Christianity
is the religion of this country; and IN various
| forms cxcrting most powerful influence on our
| population. A man of enlarged views and lib
eral curiosity would, therefore, choose to know
! the contents Of the Bible, and learn the reasons
why Christians believe in the divine authority
Of their religion. And certainly Legislature
cannot understand the true genius and charac-