The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-05-19

clearnesS. His address last nignt was
highly interesting. Astounding In thoughts
such as elevate the students idea OF IN
dIvidual work and inspire the instructors
with renewed effort to improve the puph
mind. He was listened to with close al.
tention by the entire audience. and AT
the conclusion Of the address the speahe'
was literally applauded.
PLEASED WITH THIIR Work.
Or. Thurs.on began by making some
very encouraging remarks about the eX-
hibitions of the pupils work he had eA-
amined In the Institute. and congratulated
both students and instructors upon fhe
admirable specimens executed by the
former.
The speaker touched upon the mpor-
lance OF acquiring a thorough knowledge
Of the fundamental principles upon which
TO build the structure Of an education.
and then gave thorough treatment Of the
subject OF the Mechanical Arts and
Modern Education"
lie traced the gradual development Of
the mechanical arts and Industries. men
tioning the work OF the great inventor
Watts and his invaluable services to the
field Of science He also referred 10
George Stevenson. Benjamin Franklin.
Samuel. Il. r. Morse, and others. and
gaze an interesting comparison between
the rude and imperfect plans and modes
of instruction in the old schools and the
wonderfully improved and advanced meth
DDS adopted i'm the modern schools, which
were supplied with innumerable appli-
ances and facilities for Illustrative and
experimental work on the part OF the
student. The new plan Of education said
he. which was simply an evolution from
] fta..T r.rft a faroa
| teal knowledge. and gave the pupil the
| advantage Of perfecting himself in spe-
! cial lines Of study. NJ the same time
Offering all the benefits arising from
modelling. drawing. and work that gives
tangible shape 10 his ideas according to
| the laws Of physical science and the laws
/ Of nature.
IMPORTANCE OF APPLICATION.
James Watts, said he. was the maker
of the modern world. and his great in
| vention was simply the outcome Of
close and correct application Of his
scientific knowledge to the laws Of ma
| turo.
| In his reference 10 the difficulties un-
der which Stevenson and other inventors
laborcd. he said that the secret Of the
great mechinics success was the man
ner in which he knew how TO use his
! time Application. after all ana the
ability 10 utilize the knowledge one has
| ACQUIRED was the foundation upon which
| success rested.
DR.. Thurston gave many Interesting
statistics I'm reference 70 the work ana
progress Of such great inventions as the
steam engine. the telegraph, the electric
motor. and others, and emphasized the
view that scientific knowledge would al
WAYS be the foundation OF success III
! invention and mechanical art. The civil
2ation Of the nineteenth century, said he
Is the outcome Of the work of men who
fifty or seventy-five years ago lived /.
poverty and comparative obscur.ty. Inc
opportunities for success were open tC
rich and poor alike, and in the majority
Of cases the poor man who knew how t
work. and 70 make application or VIVA
| he had acquired was tine successful man
The speaker closed with some valuable
thoughts upon the Importance OF usins
to the best advantage the opportunities
offered. however limited they be. III
was warmly congratulated by the officers
and members on his splendid address. i
will be published i'm full in tomorrow
Times
After the exercises many Of those pres
ent repaired to the board rooms TO al
mire the excellent specimens of free-han
and mechanical drawing on exhibition
Many Of the specimens of work wer
models Of skill and judgment, and reflect
Cd credit upon the instructors as wei
as the stud ants Of the institution.