INTRODUCTION. HE title of our work is a sufficient indication of its scope and purpose. THE The following pages will, we believe, be found to contain a complete encyclopædia of learning adapted to the requirements of students of all classes, and we hope they may prove instrumental in greatly promoting that advancement of wisdom and knowledge about which every well-wisher to his age and country is eager. On the need for popular education nothing requires to be said. It is a topic which has been fully discussed of late years, and one on which we are certainly now all agreed. We all acknowledge that a good education is a fortune, and the best of all fortunes. We see that if the ignorant would succeed in the world they must betake themselves to study, and that, in these days of competition and examination, to neglect learning is to court failure. To those, then, we dedicate the following work who wish to improve themselves so as to compete on better terms with all around, not only in business but in social life. The "UNIVERSAL INSTRUCTOR" aims at being nothing short of a University at Home, and we trust it will be found in every way to suit such students as, hampered by slender means or prevented by the inconveniences of distance or of time, are unable personally to attend any of our great seats of learning. Self-culture, it is true, has its disadvantages, but for really earnest minds it will be found to answer almost every purpose. The best part of a man's education, it has been well said, is that which he gives to himself; and there is a peculiar charm, too, about mental gains secured in a special manner by our own diligence. But whilst appealing mainly to self-educating students, we have not overlooked the wants of others more fortunately situated, and have given a place in our pages to all subjects of special interest to those who are able to take advantage of existing educational machinery. We have tried to cover the whole field of knowledge. The subjects of which we have treated extend from the most elementary to the most advanced, and taken together form a perfect system of intellectual culture. The latest thought of our time, and all modern inventions and discoveries, have, we hope, had justice done them; and though far from believing in the possibility of converting labour into recreation, we have done our utmost to make our lessons lively and interesting. . Our object, however, is not only to impart learning and make well-informed men. We have always kept in view that the great end of knowledge should be to enable us to lead wiser and better lives. We have endeavoured to exercise a refining and elevating influence, and shall fall far short of our intention if, whilst making students, we fail to create enthusiasts for beauty and truth. VOL. I. 1 |