American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1851, 1851-06-24
MECHANISM, No. Willy JOSIAH HoLBnooK.

ings Of goodwill and kindness A HEARER.
MECHANISM, No Willy JOSIAH noLpnook.
Two right-angled isosceles triangles, by one
combination form square; by another, a rhom-
bold; by third, another triangle Of the same
shape, though double the size. Each of these
can be again combined in forms numberless and
nameless. Such an endless variety Of combina-
tons, all traced back to the same simple elemen-
| tary figure must render that figure important
to be understood most familiarity, at least by
mechanics and housekeepers. For the cultiva-
tion Of taste in all young minds, it is probably
equal to any other one thing.
Several modes can be used to show the vari-
Gus combinations of this one simple element of
mechanism. The most direct, perhaps is to
draw square upon slate, say two-inch sides.
| That done, draw diagonal line-dia, the Greek
| of through, and gonia, corner-from corner to
corner. That done, draw another. Then bisect
| the square from side to side by two lines
each passing through the point of intersection
of the diagonal lines at the centre of the figure
| These four lines will divide the square into
eight right-angled isosceles triangles, all pre-
| cisely equal and alike; also, into four squares
each an inch, or one quarter of the square
first drawn. Each of these squares again
divided diagonally will form double the num-
Der of triangles, still retaining the same shape.
similar diagonal division can be carried
to any extent, each division of course in
creasing the number of squares rhomboids, and
trlangles. Such a slate exercise may be given
to whole school at any moment, much to the
entertainment of the pupils. They almost i'm
mediately give precision of eye and hand truly
surprising aiding most essentially every species
of drawing especially maps, writing, and, di-
rectly or indirectly, nearly all the subjects Of
school instruction. The great pleasure it affords,
hp Of han md . A.
intimate acquaintance with the elements Of
mechanism it gives and the general habits of
| attention it promotes, with the entire ease with
which it can at any moment be given to a whole
| school, recommend this mechanical exercise for
young hands as worthy Of the special attention
both of teachers and parents
| The scale and diyiders may also be brought
| into use for more advanced exercises in the
divisions and combinations Of this same figure
the right angled isosceles triangle Connected
with these instruments, the pen may be used
most adyantageously, aiming especially at fine,
smooth, perfectly exact lines no blotting, no
overrunning, no variations from the same points
of intersection; nothing but O piece Of work
showing the hand Of an artist.
In addition to the scale and dividers, followed
by the pen, the brush and paints may be used
for the same illustrations in different forms
Another mode especially fitted for young hands
Is Dy the use OF paper or two colorS at least in
strong contrast; say dark blue and bright vel.
low. This cut by scissors into exact right
angled isosceles triangles, aided by paste, can
be SO combined by six-year-old hands as to show
great beauty, Mt least in view of the makers,
also securing the admiration Of their friends
These exercises, thus varied rs lessons in me-
chnnism have in them SO much attraction for
young minds as to draw them with entire GER
tainty from almost any other amusement which
may be offered them.
Experiments. several years past " Scho-
lars Fairs" or exhibitions of the artistical skill
of the pupils, have been held by the New York
schools semi-annuay. In very many cases
pupils thus exhibiting their work have been
sought for to fill places providing for them pro-
fitable, useful, and respectable situations BY
similar work, a lad in Washington now occupies
place rs n draughtsman in the coast survey
office Several other boys are making rapid
progress in n course certain to lead them to
places which it will be difficult to fill by others
Some years ago person requested permis-
sion of the Bishop of Salisbury in England, to
fly from the spire of the church The good
Bishop, with an anxious concern for the mans
spiritual, rs well as temporal safety told him
he was very welcome to fly 10 the church but
he would encourage no one to fly from it.
S-s
ExPELLED.--A member of the "South Cam
den Lazy Club" has just been expelled for GO
ing at faster gait than walk. The reousant