Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1861-10-04
lin a Quandary."

neighbor, the Gazette, of the 9th Iust. au ar
ticle with tie above caption, in which wero
number of inquiries directed to 'sCounty Su-
perintendents and Others" We must acknowI-
edge that our risibles were considerably ex-
cited while reading the production; but our
impressions we're rather 90 the serio-comc or
der, for, While we were amused by some of The
IDEAS advanced, we were sorry to believe that
ally of ouF teachers were 50 deploFably 10 tbs
dark
As none of the Saperiatenlenta have dcign.
ed to answer tbe pathetic appeal, we, as one
of the ''others," viii eRdeavor 10 answer a few
Of the questions, disclaiming, however, iu the
commencement, the intention Of excl ing aby
acrimonious discussion.
The writer begins abs referring to ths fact.
that the State Superintendent has issued new
Instructions in relation to examinations, and
accompanies the statement with elur-par-
euihetically upon tho qualifications of the
County Superiatendonts. Now we very much
fear that the writer had merely heqrd of such
seen the requirement ifsclf,--as published in
the jane number of the School Jonraal aud
repubiishea in our column, July 9th, ti4the
was 60 destitute of judgment as to be unable
to comprehend tho very explicit deGritioss OF
the two terms-1heory and Practice there
given. Nor can we believe that be took tbs
preeantion before placing himself in such an
unen7iable position. 10 consult the standard
Di t'onary. We thipk the jefui ions of both
terms given in Webster's Unabridged, might
De Sufficiently clear to relieve bis embarasment.
Does the writer know no difference between
the Theory and Practice Of medicine. A man
may, BY studying diligently the standard works
upon the subject, become acquainted with The
symptoms and characteristics Of all the diseas-
es flesh is heir to, and With the rsmedisa to be-
applied for their relief; he may nnders.and
perfectly all the functions of the differens or
gaus, and the general operation of each in the
performance Of its allotted action in the phys
ieal system Of man; and yet. if hs has had
no practice n the application of bis knowledge
be viii fDd cases that will bafae his skill, ows
ing to the different constitutions OF his patients
The same course of reasoning is applicable
TO every profession and every trade. a per-
son may knoU how building is erected; be
may be acquainted with The properties of the
materials employed, and with the successive
steps to be taken: yet, unless be has had pracS
ftce IN the using of tools. bis work will proba-
bly, lack in symmetry and fnish In few words.
the difference is simply this ssTheory" is the
knOwing how Mtng IS done ana aPractice.p
is HE doing IL.
In our opinion questions like those proposed
IN The communication, are proper questions for
examination in the ssTheory'' of teacbing-
We would respectfully submit the query: r.
direct questioning necessary in an examination
Of the Practice of teachings
The editorial comments upon the deois;o,
referred to, in the same number of the Journal.
distinctly state that the examination in tbs
"Tbeory," shall be made at tho same time as
IN other branches, and the standiDg shall be
marked upon the certificate then; bdt The
staecing IN The "Practice," shall be marked
ctt.fFvisitine the school.
We are inclined to think from our perussI ~
Noslce's article, that, though he may be sub.
scriber to the School Journal and the opper
Of such works as ''Pagc's Theory and Practios
of Teaching" "Ogden's Science of Education
and ART Of Teaching" etc., he oanaot be 4
very csreful reader. We op:ne that the su-
perintendents will be governed, 10 their exam-
nations, by the requirements heretofore men
toned, and teachers s'posting'' themselves ao.
cordingly will have no difficulty ia secur;n.
the proper marks. Let them recolIect that No
is given to such as are ignorant Of the fact.
that there IS science of teaching, and thar
too easily distinguishabls from the art.
We do not generally approve Of writing ar
tlcies upon educational SUBJECTS over assumed
signatures.but 10 this case we are heartily clad.
Tor the sake Of the writer, Tia, bis procer
name was withheld.
As SO many OF the male teachers have er-
4 listed aud there is prohahilitv Of : s..r.;4.