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Essay on the Advantages of a Classical Education.

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tions from their intellectual degradation | The classic productions are some of the

and abject barbarism, spreading civilization through the desert wilds of error and cloudy delusion.

Yet, perhaps, all knowledge has been derived from instruction and education; we can trace in the history of the world the origin of arts and science, and that one nation has received her light from another. All the philosophers of antiquity were instructed in the various departments of their learning, directed in their investigation in intellectual and moral science, by some superior mind of knowledge and experience. Theophrastus learned from Aristotle, and Aristotle from Plato, &c.

Knowledge has increased with the progress of time, when education and instruction have been cultivated; and perhaps from this cause the present age has risen to an unprecedented height of literary greatness and intellectual endowment.

Nevertheless, modern ages are greatly indebted to the productions of antiquity for the stores of learning they contain, whether in physics, morals, philosophy, poetry, or eloquence. There are found in classic literature some of the most profound - dissertations of science, and the most splendid effusions of exalted genius. Ever since the revival of learning from the long death-gloom of the middle ages, classic science has been more or less cultivated, and it cannot be doubted that the advantages arising from its study and acquisition are numerous and paramount. In this age it is one of the most conspicuous features in the wide amphitheatre of learning, a foundation for general intellectual pursuit, and a means of unfolding the powers and capacities of the mind. Classical research was the means of restoring the valuable treasures of Greek and Roman literature from the chaotic confusion of the dark ages. Wherever this science has spread her enlightening influence, she has promoted refinement of taste, strength of intellect, fertility of imagination, and diffusion of knowledge, whether we consider the ab. stractions of learning, the speculations of philosophy, or the visions of sublimest poetry. This is one of the most extensive fields for intellectual exertion, unfolding a beauteous variety, calculated to delight every disposition of genius and taste.

The term "classic," seems to derive its origin from Tullius Servius, who, in order to make an estimate of every person's estate, divided the Roman people into classes. The first by way of distinction were called "classici;" hence authors of the first rank came to be called classics.

most valuable legacies transmitted to posterity, and have contributed much to dispel the darkness that hung over the hemisphere of science and learning. In scholastic instruction, the classics should be the commencement of the course of mental labour, the primary exercise of the human mind: there she may

"Draw the inspiring breath of ancient arts,` And tread the sacred walks,

Where at each step imagination burns."

The intense application and mental exercise employed in the prosecution of this study, gradually unfold the powers of the intellect, and strengthen them as they unfold, in the growth of their existence. The memory is improved, the understanding invigorated, and the thoughts contract a permanent habit of system and solidity. An habitual perseverance and resolution are also obtained, and since a considerable time is necessary to attain even a tolerable knowledge of classic science, an established and regular habit of unwearied diligence is acquired, so necessary in the pursuit of any investigation in the vast regions of mind.

That the study of language is primarily in some degree uninteresting and monotonous, will be granted, and the mountainous difficulties appear almost insuperable; yet these ultimately may be considered beneficial. The mind thus becomes familiar with and reconciled to evil and opposition, summoning all her energies to effect a progress, while delight is gradually infused from the encouragement of science. Locke has observed, that "Nature commonly lodges her jewels and treasures in rocky ground."

Classical attainments may be compared to the elevation described by Milton in his "Treatise on Education," in which he says, "We shall conduct you to a hill side, laborious indeed at the first ascent; but else so smooth, so green, so full of goodly prospects, and melodious sounds on every side, that the harp of Orpheus was not more charming." The mind first with feeble essays makes a little progress, urging on through fatigues and obstructions till they apparently diminish in magnitude, and she approaches the summit with more rapid wing, gradually beholding the unfolding prospect glowing in the splendours of intellectual glory.

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But the advantages derived from the acquisition of this science are of paramount importance. Endowed with this, the scholar himself arrives at the pure fountain of authorship, and receives the

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Essay on the Advantages of a Classical Education.

crystal fallings of original genius, instead of being necessitated to rest content with the translations and comments of others, imbibing the adulterated streams that have accumulated their impurities during the lapse of lengthened time. Through this medium, the scholar penetrates more immediately into the design of the author, views the unclouded sentiment, the native beauty of the style, and the general harmony of the sentence. No other language can fully unfold the musical strain and pathos of the original Greek.

It has been observed by critics, that no language is so regular, complete, and copious. Without its possession we should have been deprived of the invaluable treasures of Homer, termed the "father and prince of poetry," nor would the astonishing productions of his genius have engaged the contemplation of admiring ages, nor the starry brightness of his imagination have thrown forwards a radiance to modern poetry, from the shining halo that encircled his mind.

By a knowledge of the original, we hold converse with the genius of antiquity: with Theophrastus and Pythagoras, in ethics and morality; in history, with Xenophon, Thucydides, and Herodotus; in philosophy, with Plato, Xenophon, and Aristotle; in criticism, with Dionysius of Halicarnassus, and Aristotle; in rhetoric, with Demosthenes, Lysia, and Socrates; and in poetry, with Homer, Theocritus, and Anacreon. Among the Romans we might mention Virgil, Horace, and Ovid, as poets; Livy, Cæsar, and Tacitus, as historians; besides others in various departments of science, whose productions brighten up the intellectual hemisphere of modern ages.

This knowledge is useful to the divine. Dr. Watts has observed that "it would be highly disreputable for any minister to be ignorant of the original of the book from whence he is to derive all his instructions." This acquisition is useful to the medical professor. Hippocrates of Greece was the first who ever reduced medical science to a system, and distinguished it from philosophy in general. The terms in anatomy, physic, and pharmacy, are generally derived from the Greek. The mathe matician must look back to the age of Euclid, and to the productions of this elementary geometer attribute the present advanced state of his science; for it is here needless to state, that the system of Euclid has shone pre-eminent above all others during the lapse of two thousand years.

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The acquisition and study of language considerably promotes a knowledge of the art of reasoning. The illustrious Dr. Blair has observed that, "the structure of language is extremely artificial, and there are few sciences in which a deeper or more refined language is employed, than in grammar."

The orator, whether he be engaged in the senate, at the bar, or in the pulpit, will derive great advantage from a knowledge of the classics. The Greek excels all other languages in grace of style, and harmony of sound. Cicero himself had recourse to the Grecian philosophers and rhetoricians, to complete his powerful eloquence by the graces of figure, and the beauties of diction. Greece has been considered the source for refinement of taste, and beauty of composition.

The poet will find in the classic muse the most exquisite descriptions of nature, and the loftiest excursions of imagination. But the Grecian muse shines the most conspicuously in the temple of immortality. There Homer glows with unfading honours resting on the brow of his genius. All nature seemed to have exhausted herself to furnish him with materials for poetic descriptions, and even to smile more beauteously while listening to his strains.

If we except the magnificent compositions of the Hebrews, true poetry had her origin in Greece; while prosaic composition is attributed to Herodotus, who, it is said, first handled the prosaic pen.

But lastly, let us glance at the angelart of Eloquence, so valuable in civil and moral life. In the productions of Aristotle we have this art unfolded in its nature and importance. "That amazing_and comprehensive genius," says Dr. Blair, "which does honour to human nature, and which gave light into so many different sciences, has investigated the principles of rhetoric with great penetration."

It is unnecessary here to state to what a great extent the art of eloquence was cultivated in the ages of antiquity; but seldom does an impassioned orator arise at the present day; so few indeed, that they are "like angel visits, few and far between." This art, says a rhetorical writer, has not risen near to the degree of its ancient splendour.

A study of the classies is admirably adapted to refine the taste, and to form the style of the author in his composition, or the public speaker in his diction. It brightens the fancy of the poet, delights the mind of research, and enlivens the visions of romance. Let the youthful

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1) Leaves from a Pocket Book out

mind first be instructed in this sphere of learning, and the future developments of 3 intellect will be gilded by the sacred light of this science; time alone can reveal all the advantages arising from the possession of this invaluable and useful acquisition. ¡J. BURTON.

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TO HOUSLEAVES FROM A POCKET BOOK.

Periodical Publications.nl

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rary distinction, that I have had can
now form a better estimate of its real worth.
I feel there are some things dearer to the
heart than pride. To aspire after the ap-
probation of our Maker, instead of the ap-
plauses of our fellow-men, to be guided by
principle and not by feeling to repress
inclination where it clashes with our duty,
to be content in the situation in which Pro-
vidence has placed us, and to give our best
attention to those avocations which twill
best secure comfort, happiness, and resper-
tability to ourselves and those dependent
upon us for support, 19
is I conceive the surest
road to real eminence; and the man who
has that vagabond turn which genius often
inspires, and yet has the firmness to sacri-
fice his ruling passion, that he may square
his life to these loftier considerations Pand
motives, in point of genuine superiority
soars far above, a Chatterton, a Sayage, a
Byron, or a Burns be of actor ton

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NOTHING has perhaps contributed more to the advancement of literature than our periodical publications, which, exhibiting, as they do now, the very first talent of the age in its most familiar and useful forms, have had an almost miraculous effect upon the present generation. It is true, these publications belong to different orders, classes, and parties, and that, like the prismatic colours, one is blue, another The Temple of Fame has mutability red, another green, and another yellow; inscribed on its walls. Methinksle view but let it be remembered that the whole the luminaries of departed centuries there put in motion constitute, LIGHT. These gathered together, a bright and beautiful publications may therefore with truth be galaxy of stars, yet on looking intently we called the mirror and glory of our country. see them dropping one by one into obliThe subjects treated of, and the different vion, or flickering with a half-extinguished methods of treating the same subjects, are light. Every age almost fills this chuman indeed various, as the various tastes of Pantheon with another race of godso nosamen, but from this sea of conflicting tastes turn is deposed by Jupiter, and Jupiter is and opinions, a more illustrious goddess driven out by Saint George. Howovain than Venus springs, Truth is disclosed in and precarious then, even when acquired, all her heavenly attributes, and, catching her are those distinctions for which men have sacred influences, we learn to cast down the sacrificed every earthly good, band often idols of our own prejudices and super-heaven too!amo son of anomdeilqmooos stitions, and to adhere to those principles which are immutable as herself, and best calculated to promote our own, and the general good.

edt of groter The Post-office,

I never pass by the letter-box of a postofficey but ait reminds me of a periodical. It seems to say," Wanderer, pour into my bosom the dictates of your heart, and I will wafty them safely and secretly to those you lover Confide the expression of your feelings to me, and I will be the messenger of joy to your far-distant friends!" Grážaj Et & Human Applause.

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ais doidy zi or folvend, to esdogand Death-bed Repentancfor vers

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How many in the hour of sickness have appeared to be under strong religious feelings; so much so, that earthband earthly objects seemed entirely excluded, and every faculty on full stretch for heavemniyetsin instances where such characters have been raised up again, and restored to healthided society, how many have fallen back into the sinful pleasures of a world, from which they previously appeared so completely weaned. Criminals have thought themselves prépared to die, and yet, in deases where their lives have been unexpectedly spared, has their subsequent conduct proved the genuineness of their repentance?w Alas snadel remember a particular instance of this, in which prolonged vexistence proved the sad difference between the fear of death cand

I have read your excellent and judicious letter many times over, and I have no doubt that it will do, and has done me good; not that I dwell with a vain delight over your generous commendations, but because I learn from it the propriety and the advan-love of God The thief on the crossvivasea tage of my cultivating diterature asian peculiar instance of divine merays Land, amusement, and nothing more,bled edi remember me when thou comrest, intoothy

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bas I thank God that I have not those in-kingdom"was, perhaps, both his first temperate and irrepressible desires for lite- and last prayer, but perhaps salsplit was his

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The Study of Botany recommended to the Fair Sex.

only opportunity of becoming acquainted with the Redeemere Who among us can says he never had but one opportunity of knowing Jesus? But far be it from me, a poor emring mortal, to limit that merey, of which I myself stand so much in need all wish is, to discourage those perilous delay's which reason, duty, gratitude, interest, every selfish and every noble feeling, alike call upon us to avoid, and to guard against that false peace which allows us to slumber on the very brink of ruin,inos munes dand TRAVEller.

Kirkby Stephen.

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THE STUDY OF BOTANY RECOMMENDED TO 13968. * THE FAIR SEX. Whappily live in a country, where the binfluence of the gospel has elevated woman into the proper dignity of her sex; and, in Bandaged too, when female education does not profess to end in making women either the slaves or the playthings of men. How fary amidst the general recognition of these higher and sounder principles of a rational education, the best means are adopted, or the best ends secured, is no part of my present consideration;-it is enough here to obbserve, and I have indulged in these remarks for the pleasure of observing, that the educa-tion of women is professedly directed with a reference to securing the largest portion of rational acquirements during the common probation of a boarding school nonage. Music, dancing, drawing, geography, astronomy, and languages, although the principal accomplishments, do not constitute the only branches of knowledge, in which almost every young lady is expected to take a degree, who would aspire to graduate with -credit through any respectable establishment vin the kingdom.e

Besides these standard items of female learning, it is well known that several of the more popular branches of experimental philosophy, and natural history, are superadded; among which are the sciences of chemistry, geology, entomology, and botany. It is with the view of recommending the study of the last-mentioned of these, that I address these present remarks to the afair readers of the Imperial Magazine.

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have but rarely been so mismanaged us to be inappropriate. From the daisy, the primrose, the cowslip, and the bluebell of the fields or the woods, to hyacinth of the drawing-room or that qu it queens of flowers, the roses of the garden, nearly the entire train of popular flowers have been, in one way or other, appropriated by the fair. And it is obvious, that there is a natural tendency, if I may so speak, in the dispositions of the sex, towards the cultivation of flowers, either in the garden or the house.

The first otrait which presents itself, in Iconnexion with the science of botany, as a recommendation to the sex, appears to be bthis: that it is admirably appropriate to the bmost interesting characteristics of feminine Sstudy. Between the loveliness, the delicacy, the sweetness, and the estimability of woman, and the beauty, the fragrance, and the appreciation of flowers, poetry has along delighted to trace analogies, which

127.-VOL. XI.

Botany, however, is not merely thus amiable in its natural aspect, but it exhibits, in its scientific arrangements, as well that sort, as that degree, of intellectual and sensible combination, which appears at once calculated to stimulate and reward the researches of the aspirant, without taxing too heavily the mind, or fatiguing the attention. I speak now in general terms, and of course with reference to those of the "softer sex," who neither feel the ambition, nor possess the means, of becoming learned women, in the stern sense of that loose phrase. Many persons, it may be remarked, however, so love flowers, and even devote themselves to floriculture, who have no taste for botany. And it is quite notorious, that the two pursuits may exist perfectly independent of one another; indeed, it hardly need be asserted, that an ardent admiration for the almost illimitable varieties of cultivated roses, for instance, is quite a different thing from the interest which may be felt in detecting and examining the chara tomentosa, which is neither beautiful nor common, but which presents the first, of the very few exemplars monandria monogynia (the first class and order of the Linnæan classification) ony found in this country. It is not, therefore, to the mere flower-fancier, however enthusiastic, that the curious and elaborate structures of the botanic system can present many attractions: but to the ingenious female, whose mind is characterized by application and precision; and who unites to the general curiosity of her sex, habits of patient and elegant investigation; to such an one, botanical science presents a fair and wide field of interesting inquiry.

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The objects of examination, in this delightful science, are not only beautiful and appropriate in themselves, but, it may be added, are generally to be met with in situations, and under circumstances, most favourable to the promotion of wholesome entertainment to the student. The garden, the field, the wood, the fringed footpath, the secluded avenue, the bowery lane, and the river's margin, are all full of pleasant

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Observations on the Wakefield Asylum.

bearing, and rich in rational entertainment to the botanist. To such an one, the vegetable companions of a rural walk, speak a language, not only intelligible, but delightful, to a degree not at all comprehended by those, who are satisfied to know that a tree is a tree, that a shrub is a shrub, a flower a flower; in short, by those who see and think after the fashion of Wordsworth's wanderer

"A primrose on the rivulet's brim,
A yellow primrose was to him,
And it was nothing more!"

The study here recommended is one, the fascinations of which begin to be perceived almost in the acquisition of the very alphabet of its language; and herein it possesses in a high degree the poetical charm of association. There is, indeed, a species of exquisite heraldry in that generic and specific emblazonry which distinguishes one flower, and one family of flowers, from another. The detection of a single species of plant, is generally the key to an acquaintance with a whole family; the history, habits, and appearances of which, have all their respective points of attraction with the initiated; while, on the other hand, those, who have never passed beyond the vulgar vocabulary of the rustic, or the common-places of the gardener, are little aware of the pleasures which they miss. Such individuals act as if they either thought the most exquisite productions of nature unworthy of their notice, or find it convenient to spurn at the application of the student at all events, they shut themselves cut from the participation of an equally innocent and fertile source of

rational amusement.

It might appear enthusiastic, to assert that any great moral influence necessarily resulted from an attention to this, or, indeed, to any other purely human science; but it may be safely contended, that, in the study, collection, and arrangement of flowers or other objects of natural history less harm, at least, has generally accrued to the student, than, happily, has sometimes been the case, in connexion with the pursuit of other equally attractive, but more dissipating sources of juvenile gratification.

It is, indeed, to young persons in general, that these remarks are more especially addressed. To such, Sir J. E. Smith, in the preface to his elaborate "Introduction to Physiological and Systematical Botany," says, I would recommend, botany for its own sake. I have alluded to its benefits as a mental exercise; nor can any study exceed it in raising curiosity, gratifying a

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taste for beauty and ingenuity of contri vance, or sharpening the powers of discrimination. What, then, can be better adapted for young persons?"

To some young persons, and to females especially, the Linnean nomenclature may at first sight appear a little repulsive; but this impression will vanish with the slightest familiarity; and few females, with an average endowment of those qualifications of shrewdness and perseverance which generally ornament the sex, will be long in learning what may be called the grammar of the science. Nor, with the aid of Withering's popular Arrangement of British plants, or Sir J. E. Smith's elegant work, the English Flora, would any fair aspirant to botanical knowledge fail, in the course of a single season, to become acquainted with the name and scientific designation of almost every vegetable within her range of daily observation.

Sheffield, May, 1829.

H.

OBSERVATIONS ON THE WAKEFIELD
ASYLUM.

MR. EDITOR, SIR,-I beg to assure my candid readers, that it is with extreme reluctance I write any thing in the least calculated to wound the feelings of any one; but such are my impressions and convictions upon a subject highly important to the interests of suffering humanity, that I consider the promulgation of them an imperative duty.

Some thirteen years ago, a very highly respected magistrate published in the Monthly Magazine, vol. 40,, page 26, as warm recommendation of county asylums for the reception of pauper lunatics, ob viously anticipating the greatest possible good from one about to be established in his own county. Feeling a great respect for the character of this gentleman, but differing from him in opinion upon the subject, I wrote him my objections in a private letter. In answer, he invited, or rather, as I thought, challenged mentovat public discussion of the merits of county asylums; observing, that a measure of the kind in question should be as public as possible, that it might operate as an example or a warning. In consequence, I wrote two letters for the same Magazine, and in reply he admitted, that he had no know ledge of what was required in the treat ment of the insane, that he and his brother magistrates depended upon the law, which they presumed must be good and proper; and they have now been acting under the

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