The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-06-17
For the Union
Mechanism, No. VII.
NBY JOSIAH HOLB RoOK.

>BY JOSIAH HoLBRook.
Two right.angled isosceles ranges by one combna-
ton form square by another, rhomboid; by third.
another triangle OF the shape, though double the
size. Each OF these be again combined in forms
numberless and nameless. Such endless variety of
combinations all traced back TO the simple element
airy figure render that figure important to be under
stood Familiarity at least by mechanics and house
keepers For the cultivation OF taste in all young minds
| il is probably equal 10 any other one thing
Several modes can be used 10 show the various combi
nations of this simple element of mechanism. The
most direct, perhaps is 10 draw square upon slate
say two-inch sides. That done. draw diagonal line
da, the Greek OF through, and gonia, cornerfrom
ner TO corner That done draw another Then bsec
the square from side side by two lines each passing
through the poin, OF intersection of the diagonal lines a
the centre Of the figure These four lines will divide the
square into eight right anged sosceles ranges all pre-
cisely equal and alike also, into four squares each
inch or one quarter OF The square first drawn Each oil
these squares again divided dagonay will form double
the number OF tangles, still retaining the same shape
similar diagonal division can be carried TO any extent
each division OF increasing the number OF squares
rhomboids, and ranges. Such slate exercise may be
given TO whole school at any moment much TO the en-
terainment Of the pupils They almos, Immediately give
precision OF eye and hand truly surprsing aiding most
essentially every species OF drawing, especially maps
writing and directly indirectly nearly all the subject.
of school instruction The grea, pleasure il affords the
precision OF hand and eye il cuvaes the intimate &C.
quainanoe with the elements OF mechanism it gives and
the general habits OF attention it promotes with the en-
tire ease with which il any moment be given TO
whole school, recommend this mechanical exercise for
young hands worthy Of the special attention both OF
teachers ADD parents.
The scale and dvIders may also be brought into use
for 1re advanced exercises in the divisions and comb
nations OF this hgurethe right ang ed isosceles
triangle Connected with these instruments the pen
may be used most sdyantsg aiming especially al
fine smooth perfectly exact lnes-no botling no over
running, no variations from the points of inersec
ton nothing but piece Of work showing the hand OF
an artist.
10 addition to the scale and divders followed BY The
pen the brush and paints may be used for the same illus
ialions in different forms Another mode especially
fitted for young hands by the OF paper OF two coors
least in strong contrast; say dark blue and bright vel
low This cut by scissors into exact right isos-
cees tfiangle aided by paste, be so combined BY
six year-od hands to show great beauty at least in
view of the makers also securing the admiration OF their
friends These exercises, thus varied as lessons in
mechanism, have in them much attraction for young
minds as to draw them with entire certainty from almost
any other amusement which may be offered them
ErprRrxrSTs.-For several years pas, Scholars
Fairs" exhibitions OF the arisical skill of the pupils
have been held by the New York schools semi annually
In very many pupils thus exhibiting their work
have been sought for fill places providing for them
profitable useful and respectable situations BY similar
work, a lad in Washington now occupies place
draug htsman in the coast survey office Several Other
boys are making rapid progress in course certain to
lead them to places which will be difficult to fill by
others.