The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1856-02-21
LOCAL MATTERS.

Interesting Lecture.-In opening the School
Design of the Mechanics Institute, last Tuesday
night MIR. WIN PERCIvAI. the accomplished teach
er, delivered interesting lecture to his large and
intelligent class of pupils, a portion of which we
now lay before our readers, that the mechanics of
Richmond may see and understand the Importance
of education, properly directed, to their success
Would that every young mechanic in the South
could be made to feel the responsibility resting
upon him, and induced to seek an acquaintance
with that science which forms the basis of mechan-
ical prosperity. But to the substance of the lee.
ture
consider the properties of lines and angles form
ed according to some certain law; as also the con-
struction of all manner of figures according to
given data.
Geometry is divided into two branches--one of
which considers the relations, positions and proper
ties of lines, to render proposition clear to
the understanding without the aid of compasses or
other instruments being demonstrated by con-
tnued chain of reasoning, from certain principles
previously established and laid down as axioms,
SO that the conclusions from one Renth become part
of the data for the proof of succeeding proposi-
ton. This branch is called the "theory of geome-
try" and is fully explained by Euclid in his cele-
brated elements which have served as the basis
of all succeeding treatses on the subject
The other branch of geometryis entirely practi-
cal, and may be acquired without the theory, ac-
cordng to directions hereafter s:iven although with
knowledge of the reason of the rules, it will be
more satisfactory. 1t is this practical branch that
enables the architect to regulate his designs and
the artiZan to construct his lines Without the aid
of this branch of knowledge the workman will be
unfit for any difficult undertaken r. and long
he is ignorant of the methods of geometrical con-
struction, he must remain unde the control and
direction of superior in his own class.
Artihcers of all kinds are inds bted to geometry
and mensuraton for the estab lishment of their ya
rous occupations, and the pert ection and eonse-
quent value of their labors depe nd entirely the
near approach they make to the standard Of geo.
metrcal accuracy. All the great and ingenius
devices of mankind owe their origin to this sublime
science. BY this means the architect draws his
plan and erects his edihce. The ground plan is
delineated according to the rules of plain geome-
try, and the building is erected according to the
principles of solid geometry. When bridges are
to be built over wide rivers, the lcost exact ac-
quaintance with geometry is required. 1t is pro
bable that the architect not versed in the theory
but he stpossess a knowledge OF the practice
and is therefore indebted to the mathematician
who has investigated the rEiles and adapted them
to the wants of the man OF business.
In the construction of ships every kind OF geo.
netreal know ledge Is requisite and the sailor well
knowns the use OF good astronomer on board his
vessel to guide it through the trackless ocean =
The sublime science of astronomy Is built up On
geonetrical knowledge, and he telescopic observer
keeps up, as ii were, conversation with the Hea-
yens during the time of his observations In short
all the elegancies and most Sf the cenvenences OF
life owe their existence to the geonetrieal art.
The vegetable world abounds with productions
shaped with more than human cunning. The beaut.-
full tracery OBJ ervable in the petals OF some flowers
is really astonishing, and the most exact Woporton
of the parts is always preserved. In the mineral
world a similar truth forces itself upon the imag
fnation; and wherever the eye OF man has been al
lowed to penetrate, de same seonaericat harmony
found among all parts Of created matter.
From this view OF the subject II appears flgnt
that in mechanical and commercial city like fas,
an art of such general application, should not be
neglected That a knowledge of geometry y es'
sential to the greater part OF our praeticai ms
Oh IN does not admit doubt. yet they nave seo
generally regarded the subject with degree OF IN
difference, as though the ends proposed TO be &C
compshed by il, could be as accurately and inucn
more eas:l attained hy other means. This erfo-
neous notion, however, Is fast giving way TO the
force of truth and demonstration and perhaps more
attention Is paid to the subject at the present time
by operative mechanics, than AT any preyioas Pc
riod since the discovery Of the science. Many az.
tempts have been made to simplify the study ana
to render the acquisition of il more easy. TO the
learner In some instances these attempts have
heen partially successful--but the student win
bear In mind the memorable reply OF Eucid:
s.There Is no Royal Road TO geometry.
Geometrical drawing-taking the term N ITS
widest sense--is art which win enable the se sc
quainted with its principles, to understand scien'
tifc exposition with greater readiness than those
can do who are ignorant Of 1t. TO convince ths
hearer OF the truth Of this we have only TO remno
him that few expostions OF improvements OF IN
ventions In practical science In It's widest range
are ever made without the aid OF skotches, rang
ing from the simplest diagram up " The more com
piicated drawing aud the ready understanding q
these IL open only 10 those acquainted with gecne
tSieal draging This confederation should, We
think, weigh very forcibly with those who are
doubtful OF the propriety Of foliosying the sxan'
pls Of 20 many educational sstabiishrnenfs V -
tr0ducing reometriesi drawing - ~ oroMss
know ledge of the an Of drAwi u - necss.y
msrsly % shs Ntist, designer orsmscb<nIs we aeso