Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1833-08-09

or influence raticns and moral beings "Whiis others
dogmaze he reasons while others theofse he builds on
the sure foundation OF rigorous induction"
We have already observed, that this department Of
philosophy may be dvidednto four distinct sciences all Of
Should this Society succeed in exciirg spirit OF research
into all any Of these important branches OF knowledge
II WI probably, confer lasting benefit mankind
But, sir, la order that my remaining remarks may be
particularly practical in their bearing shall conne them
TO one o the many aud highly interesting subjects which
arc connoeed with this branch OF philosophy; refer 10
i"e scictce OF obstruction; subject, which, from its
tensve Influence ON the happiness man. should not he
passed o IN an enumeration Of those objects that ought
TO claim the attention this society This may bcconsi-
uereu science oil the highest order some, however,
pose that teaching is simple art which is very easily
acquired and that any person who has certain portion
knowledge, Is perfectly well qualified instructor OF
you'h ms Is avery common but most pernicous
ror.
The history of learning fully proves that person
may possess good tlen,s and be considerable proficient
IN learning, aud still be discriminating and success
iui Instructor Ii is in van that any expect to
succeed IN teaching, who does possess elevated ideas
vi n occupation aud facility in imparting knowledge,
ana VINO does not take great delight in nsruc,ng YOUTH
ahd eei deep socude tor their daily progress aud future
prosperity In The science Of instruction. there |, full
scope iorthe best talents aud largest requirements Al
the elevated qualities either of mind or heart which are
necessary to secure success in of the learned
s'ons, nre essential TO the accomplished instructor
"oud also observe, cir, that the opinion OF what
ought TO constitute complete system of education in
some important respects, incorrect
system of education TO be complete should comprc
hend the developing, sireng thcning and maturing all the
human powers. These powers divided into three
classes me physicoi, intellectual and moral All of
which, IN order TO the highes, degree improve
nen and the most perfect symmetry of which they are
susceptible. should be fully aud duly cultivated.
nat our youth may possess that vigor OF constitution,
whch Is necessary TO prepare them for energetic action in
the various stations in lifehe physical as we'll "A the
moral aud intellectual powers should be exercised.
Physical education has received in Europe for some
lime past that attention, which its great importance de.
mands; but in this country the suber has cited no in
efes' un lately. within the last six eight years,
some experiments have been made the North on the
uhec by the introduction of gymnasiic exercises into
some OF our colleges by the establishment of species of
nigh school on the plan of the German gymnasium; and
also oy forming manual labor academies, where ach
dent IS required 10 perform manual labor during part
Oh each day The result OF these experiments has PROV
ed concusvely, the practcabiiy and Importance Of con-
meeting physical with intellectual exerion 1t is to be
hoped that the time is not lar distant when the Importance
ro This subject will be generally seen and M that
TIC sentiment will require that horticultural and agricul
u'a, pursuits ana perhaps some of the mechanic arts
shall be connected with the University and the Colleges
ana Academies in the States that students during the
hours oil relaxation from their aruous studies may have
an opportunity, OF enriching their minds with valuable
practical knowledge al the time that they are maxi
ing hai physical exerton absolutely necessary for the
health and vigor OF their bodies Such pursuits bv at
iordlns students the means OF making direct and easy
application OF the principles OF of the most useful
sciences, will have happy tendency TO make Them prac
teal and efficient citizens.
II these positions correct the object of complete
system OF education should be, cultivate the physical
powersto deveope, expand and invgorate in their dino
proper tons, all the intellectual elicit
and elevate, the various active principles and moral
capabilities OF man-and ALSO afford the
and requisite materials Tor solid crudiion Such svs
TEN OF instruction would be well calculated 10 nrens,
youth Tor rightly performing all the duties which may
arise from their relations in life, physical rational and
moral beings ~
There certainly be no truth more evident than i
mat every system OF educaon intended Tor the nsrc
ton of man, should be based on philosophical NJ
MS nature such system properly applied cannot fail
10 secure 10 the student regular and efficient
intellectual and moral culture.
I'm sir hnx, 4; -
s'rncuon too prevalent in our country Every enigh-
ened person. who has turned his attention 10 this subject,
must nave perceived that portion of the instruction p
ven TO our youth, is better calculated TO perver, than
prove the powers OF the mndlhat there is more
paid every year for mechanical drilling than for mental
skiliuly and judciousy than those of the mind
Permit me, sir TO hnt az OF the causes of this RAJ
deal defect. y w
one OF the principal s the great inatention ofcmploy-
ers to the qualifications oil their teachers. and 10 the pro-
gress oil the pupils This probably arises from the idea
.ha does not matter much, what the qualifications of
those who instruct young persons This great
and productive of the most perncious effects II yoi
be better for the intellect see during early yonb
TO DC disciplined by incompetent teachers. 1t is fact
wen tested, by the experience of every reectnc mind
that youth at very early PERIOD contract mental habits
winch are rarely destroyed and changed bv suhso
aIen aiselphne' but which too generally influence the
whole character throughout life. Every person must be
conscious oil The controlling influence OF early habits of
thinking and action How important then that these ba
bits should be formed under the direction of well nm n;
hed instructors History establishes It's
well confirmed fact that OF the great men who
have been distinguished for we'll balanced and highly i'm
proved minds, have been blessed with mothers of L1h at
tainmenls, by whom their characters W ere moulded
But again the subjects taught in many our schools
are not adapted 10 the capacities the puns bni are too
frequently altogether above their compreheu.ons WIZ
The mind cannot clearly perceive The ideas presented 10
It's powers cannot be properly exercised can there be
any valuable knowledge obtained. The mind in sucb a
case may be allowed the expression acts mechanical
~ Ihere may be an effort OF the memory To r.,sn tho
words and perhaps the ideas; the miaJ does mot
y comprehend them, they had better be forgotten thn re-
ained;-ior one o! the most injurious mental habits that
can DC formed, Is that contracted by habituav
the memory 10 retain that which is Understood
Dut when subjects properly adapted TO the canaci,v
oil me pupil and the mind clearly perceves evcrv in
we process oil investigation; curiosity is aroused fixed at.
The pupil progresses in the acquisition OF knowledge and
iee's @ls powers expanding aud eDg his
lor more extensive attdnmcnts will be constantly
ing rms, sir, is the Legitimate effect of knowIedpe IN
the mnd when the beauty OF truths is clearly per
cevcd. Hence, 1t may be laid down as a general y,ue
a' Wherever there is found mental apathy or soihlu
ness or The least disasle for study evinced by the un
can be traced 10 the bad of the instructor
How important then is it, that instructors souId b
well qualified for their business! ~ "
believe, however, that Virginia wilpnever he sun,,;.d
WIN good instructors until portion of her own sons
De induced TO make choice OF teaching their profession
aud depend on IL for their support and fame In n,ost
counties, teaching is considered one of the learned
LESSONS, but unfortunately here il is not so esteemed
hence our educated youth unwilling 10 engage i'm !,
except so lar as necessity coDpels But is 10 be hoped
ha ere long, public sentiment will become right OH ls
SuJect, and That the profession OF teaching will no "a
much sought after that of law or medicine II c,rain
~ presents field OF much usefulness and in nost in
stances OF as much profit that of either of the other
LESSONS Tins subject is WORTHY of the