Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1862-03-06
I'll isttllan
For the Bradford Reporter.
Science of 'TeaChing---No. 3,

OF the nature of mind in the abstract sci
euce affords no positive or satisfactory inform
alton. Ii is only in its effects or manifesto
lions in its connections with the Oody, that we
may study its nature. These are subjects OF
our observation, presented to our inner senses,
acognzance of which we term consciousness.
Il VT may study the relations Of these manifesto
ions to outward objects, aud to each other,
Construct theories concerning them, and test
heir correctness by observation, but can de-
EeTmlne nothing thereby concerning the action
N Of the immortal part of man in changed or
yanzaton, or in another state of existence.
1t seems now to be almost universally ad-
mitted that the brain is the organ of the MUD,
or that part of the body with which it is spe.
cially connected. 1t is also an undeniable fact,
that mental exercise exhaustS the vital force
that severe mental exercise or powerful emo
ton, produces a sensible and powerful effect
upon the body, as profuse perspratioD,
sudden exhaustion or depression, and sometimes
death.
OF the mode or precise nature Of the con
Hectiou, or operation of spirit or mind upon
matter we know nothing, but the fact we can
n not GeOv nor that the connection or action is
II through, or npon some portion Of our physical
u system. Our ideas Of spirit or mind do not
allow 1s 10 believe it can tire in any such sense
as ibe body tires, We may desire 10 pursue
N lbe study of an intricate subject, but to use a
Common expression, the mind becomes fatigued
aud We can not proceed The spirit indeed
5 wiling, out the flesh is weak" 1t is the
N fgan that Tres. ...
Most educators agree in the fact that pupils
ogress nearly as rapidly aud successfully with
I 20 or three studies as with one. We pursue
M Particular branch of study until sense Of
'earnesS, dissatisfaction, or confusion is eXpe-
eHced, we turn to another and pursue it with
@nparatiVc freshness and Vigor uatiI similar
asct is produced Facts OF like import al
aost without number might be presented We
90 account for them only upon the suppoSitioa
indifferent faculties of the mind are more or
less exercised in different branches of study
Saeh be the fact, and IL is not the mind in
4s abstract but the organ that tires, then it
must be admitted that different parts of the
v'saN are more or less exercised in different
1'aOcaeS Of study, or we must maintain that
M ~ acton Is not in accordance with The general
'41 ol lne human system. 1t is true the MUD
LAe.ciSed 10 all these cases, SO We say the
wy Is exercised in performing any act when
'u'! part OF it is specially active. If a form of
'.',1n oi any part of the body exercising par
n -'paF muscles be continued, they soon become
''a'!' and change in the form of exercise
0 .f,'a'e' Tor the time as a relief. This is ef-
..sl 0y bringing other muscles into more
s."e play. The general law of habit, and
tease OF strength by well regulated exercise,
M 'lNeu.
Ioe elementary faculties of the mind act
NJ ~ IA combination. Touch the body sudden
WIN the point of pin, and almost instant
uvtVeS and muscles spring into action. The
,ss lug true of the faculties of the mind Ex-
,ouLog the arm, and raising with it small
lM ssu1' calls into exercise not only the mus
~. ~ !" 'he arm, hat others OF the body, in pre-.
,.a rarlug The equilibrium. A like principle pre-
"-I,. aS 10 the associated action of the mental
tues, 1t Is common to speak theoretically
,aSuloes as acting separately, but practical
.,S se can determine as general rule only the
lug or more important faculties exercised
MY AM! act. 1t is also very convenient and
s.S gioa practice to attribute any act of the
fys.. sa % one or more of the leadiug faculties
'''''ed IN such act, though such practice is