Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1837-08-04
TOT Tue Vermont FhrnIx.
Mrs. Phelps Natural Philosophv.

| Every person of discernment must have no.
ticed the rapid and astonishing improvement,
which has been making within the last few
years IN reference 10 our text books Of educa-
ton, both as il regards the subject matter aud
also the style and mode Of expression best cal
culated TO awaken interest and impart know
ledge. II is but little while since Murray,
Morse, and Adams, comprised the school mas
ter's library. Now, the whole system of in
struction is changed. The way has been made
easier, and stepping stones have been placed
where formerly was wide chasm. The dry
details OF facts and the uninteresting and unin-
structive preseniment Of abstract truths, have
been done away. The great principles of mem
tai advancement have been duly considered and
acted upon. Truth has been clothed in such
familiar language, and presented in such for
chile and simple form, that the acquisition of
knowledge has become pleasure rather than
weaIsome toll.
we have been led into the foregoing train
oil remarks, by having recently examined a new
work on Natural Philosophy, by Mrs. Phelps.
10 whose labors in the cause of education W.,
are already deeply indebted. We have LONG
lett that there was a deficiency in our text
books ON Natural Philosophy, and were pre-
pared TO greet with pleasure any new work on
th's subject. For our colleges we have Arnott
and Olmsted; but these aIe not adapted Car
common instruction, being too bulky and too
profound. With regard TO those in use in our
academies and High Schools, we have never
ielt satisfied; one is written in dry. pressing
style, undressing TO the learner and difficult
OF comprehension; another is minute in unim-
portant particulars, but superficial in those of
more consequence: while another still is want
ing IN detail, and meagre in illustration. Mrs
Phelps book, as indeed we might EXPECT. is in
great measure free from these faults, and 4
we think decidedly superior TO any other thar
mas come under our observation. The style Il |
easy and familiar, while the principles Of the
science are presented with great clearness, and |
tne Illustrations are at once apt and forcible.
Our author has succeeded in throwing charm
over the whole subject, and investing il with |
freshness which cannot fail to engage the at |
tention and awaken the interest of The learner |
mere IS one other feature in Mrs. Phelps,
book which, although il may be called a pecul- |
ianty, IN our opinion adds intrinsic yalue IN
her volume, and speaks well Of the goodness If
her heart. II is spirit OF christianity which
" the communication of scientific truth. leads I
me mind from nature to contemplate natures
uod, and IN The enlargement Of the intellect
,ncu'cates also the Improvement Of the heart.
we cannot close our remarks better than IN
our authors own words. "American narepts
ana teachers; to aid you in your duties. 10 hen
bored to prepare this volume. i commit Il 70
you' "a 'ne confidence that while it shall impart
,o; you' chllaren and pupils the principles of
'cience' u WIN at the same time exert a saluta-
y ,hnuence on their moral and religious al
'''oA'' A. B.