The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1883-12-13
Geometry in tie Schools.


to conclude. L wish to show the prac-
tical utility of geometry, and the
value of mental discipline to be de-
rived from its study. Let me begin
with few words concerning its place
in the "bread and butter" education
that ia thought especially necessary
in agricultural and mechanical pur-
suits.
Every farmer and every mechanic
should know something of mensura-
ton. In either occupation the meas
urement of acres and capacities is
constantly recurring necessity. Any
one may learn by rate and use rules
for solving the simpler problems that
arise in every day life, but the solu-
lions cannot be properly understood
without some scientific knowledge of
the relations of lines, surfaces and
solids. In my conviction it is an
error to place such rules in arithme-
tic. If the subject of mensuration is
introduced there at all, some knowl-
edge OF geometry should, think, be
presupposed. We have had enough
of the method that gives solution
without analysis or demonstration.
The pupil should have all to-
gether. Let me not be misun-
derstood. Arithmetical work. 1 would
say, may well be commenced before
geometrical, but the former should
not be finished before the latter is
begun.
But in these days not many are con-
tent with anything short of liberal
course at school, and the numbers
..---s.-=l.scend the collegiate stair and
climb the university ladder are annu-
ally increasing. Education is grow
ing more extensive and, it may be
added, more scientific. Even itera-
ture, as the writer heard very
learned professor remark, is now
science. Educators should consider
these facts, and provide for more
ample training of a scientific cast.
Among the necessary provisions more
abundant and thorough geometrical
study in the schools will be found
foremost. How can the student with
out such preparation undertake TO
learn Physics? He may obtain SUI
perficial knowledge of the properties
of matter, but the mathematical laws
of matter and energy - which consti-
tute, in fact, the whole science-must
to him remain mystery Infinitesi-
NAL calculus had its beginnings in
geometrical operations, where still
may be obtained perhaps the clearest
ideas and best illustrations of
it's use. 1t should not be I'M
dertaken too early, of course, but
the student that is looking forward to
it should lose no time in mastering
the subject to which l ask more at
| tention.
In THE STATESMAN of November 9
there was an editorial concerning
proposition to add schools of design to
our educational system. If such
schools be established, it is easy to see
how essentially geometrical must be
their course of instruction.
Finally, the character of mental dis
| cipline derived from the study of
geometry remains to be noticed. L
what other science does the logic
come so plainly to the surface? In
what other do the because and the
therefore become so prominent? In
what other, then, can be obtained
higher grade of mental exercise, for
less advanced students in particular
The most important result of training
the mind is enlargement of the reas-
oning power. Development by edu-
cation should be assisted in every
direction. The moral nature should
have especial attention. This involves
cultivation of the will, and must ever
be the work of parent rather than
teacher. The imagination should by
no means be neglected. Above all
things, however, should the teacher
strive to promote the healthy
growth OF the reasoning faculty, for
it is the guide of all action, the arbiter
of all disputes. Such a result will
surely be most easily attained by Civ
ing prominence to the most clearly
and uniformly logical branches, l. e.,
to those in which purely logical meth
DDS are most used. Hence there can
be no more advantageous st dy than
that of the science in which almost
every proposition is either premiss or
conclusion in a syllogism that lies
conspicuously open to inspection.
Much argument might be added in
favor of the claim which is the bur-
den of this communication, but per-
enough has been said to set the
teacher that may read to thinking, no
more is necessary. For the unrefisct-
ing reader, too much has already been
said. The subject of one mans thought
may be unimportant in the mind OF
another; but if the quality and guam
THY of geometrical training in ouI
schools should ever be fairly brought
to public notice, neglect will certainly
be admitted and remedy obtained
Educational interests have been won.
derfully advanced in Texas of late
So may it continue to be. Let every
obstacle to progress be removed. We
| have among lis the material of which
scientific men are made. Let it Of
be spoiled in the early handling. Then
by and by the university will add the
. last skillful touches and send forth
the well-equipped investigator; ant
the children of the pioneers of forest
and prairie shall become frontiers
men in the provinces of thought.
GEO. p. GARRISON.