Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1851-06-21
COMMUNICATIONS.
MECHANICS, No. vIL-Br Jesr4u Herr.oon.
Ysn TIE NATIONAL IxrrLLIerscxa.

rsR NATIONAL IHrELLIaEHcKa.
Two right snged isosceles iangles by one combination
form square by another, homboid by third another
triangle of the shape though double the size. Each
these be again combined in forms numbeess and
less Such endless variety Of combinations all traced back
to the simple elementary figure, must render that
figure important be understood most familiarity least by
mechanics and housekeepes For the cultivation of taste in
all young minds it is probably equal any other thing
Several modes be used show the various combina-
tons of this simple element Of mechanism The most
direct perhaps is to draw square upon slate, say wonch
sides. That done draw diagonal ineda, the Greek Of
through, and gona, coner-rom corner TO That
done, draw another Then bisect the square from side to
side by two lines each passing through the point Of ntesec
ton Of the diagonal lines a the centre Of the figure These
four lines will divide the square into eight isos
cees tanses, all precisely equal and alike also, into four
squares each nch quarter Of the square first drawn
Each of these squares again divided dsgonay will form
double the number Of anges still retaining the shape
similar diagonal division be carried any extent each
division Of course increasing the number Of squares, rhom
boids and ianges Such slate exercise may be given
whole school any moment much to the entertainment Of
the pupils They almost Immediately give precision Of eye
and hand truly surprising aiding most essentially every spe
cies of drawing, especially maps writings and directly or in
directly nearly all the subjects Of school instruction The
great pleasure it Affords the precision Of hand and eye cu
vaes the intimate acquaintance with the elements Of mocha
nsm gives and the general habits of attention promotes,
with the entire with which any moment be given
to whole school, recommend this mechanical exercise for
young hands worthy Of the special attention both Of teach
ers and parents. s .is
The scale and dders may also be brought into for
advanced exercises in the divisions and combinations
this fgurethe nghtangled isoscees triangle Con-
nected with these instruments, the pen may be used
adyantageousy, aiming especially at fine, smooth, perfectly
exact nes-no boitng, ovenunning, variations from
the points Of intersection nothing but piece Of work
showing the hand Of an artist. sh
In addition to the scale and dvide followed by the pen
the brush and paints may be used for the illustrations
in different forms. Another mode especially fitted for young
hands by the Of paper Of two color least in strong
contrast say dark blue aud bright yellow This cut by
scissors into ghtanged isoscees tange aided by
paste, be combined by six year old hands show
great beauty least in view Of the Makers also securing
the admiration Oft heir friends These exercises thus varied
lessons in mechanism have in them much attraction for
young minds draw them with entire certainty from
almost any other amusement which may be offered them.
Erperments.-For several years past ssSchoars Fairs"
exhibitions of the ascal skill Of the pupils have been
held by the New York schools semi annually. very many
pupils thus exhibiting their work have been sought for
fill places providing for them profitable, useful and
pectabe situations. By similar work. lad in Washington
occupies place draughtsman in the coast survey
sfce Several other boys making rapid progress in
certain to lead them to places which will be difficult
to fill by Others w..