Зображення сторінки
PDF
ePub

lists of twenty subscribers, at the above rates, the publishers will give a bound volume of the Farmer for the last half of the present year. To the first srx perpersons who will send lists of fifty or more subscribers on the above terms, they will give a copy of Webster's Unabridged Pictorial Dictionary. Address Emery & Co., 204 Lake St., Chicago, Ill.

SEE new advertisement of S. C. Griggs & Co., Chicago, the most extensive publishing and bookselling house in the west. Traders will find it for their interest to deal with them, as they have a very large stock, sell at fair rates, and are honorable and liberal business men. Also, see advertisement of Anthony's Instantaneous Views.

[blocks in formation]

THE HIGHER CHRISTIAN EDUCATION, By BENJAMIN W. DWIGHT, author of "Modern Philology, its history, discoveries, and results. New-York: A. S. Barnes & Burr, 51 and 53 John street.

1859.

The author has treated this great theme under the five following heads: I, The true work of the higher Christian education; II, 1he true style aud measure of the higher Christian education; III, The true Christian Teacher; IV, The true Christian Scholar; V, The connection of the higher Christian education with the progress and privileges of the people. An accurate scholar, a deep thinker, and an earnest writer, the author has, in this work, discussed the various questions which arrange themselves under the above heads, in a masterly manner, with the power which an absorbing interest in a subject would be likely to call forth, and he has produced a book which ought to be read by every teacher and parent in the land, and which, when read, will not fail to awaken interest, stimulate effort, and guide those great movements which carry with them the life and progress of society. The nature and claims of a true Christian education, the character, acquirements, and influence of the true Christian scholar and teacher are presented in such a style, with such a power of language and force of illustration, that whoever reads it will rise from its perusal, refreshed, stimulated, inspired with zeal and power to do manful battle for God and Truth.

THE NORMAL PRIMARY ARITHMETIC, designed as an introduction to a thorough and Complete course of mental and written arithmetic ; and THE NORMAL MENTAL ARITHMETIC; a thorough and complete course, by analysis and induction, by EDWARD BROOKS, A.M., Professor of Mathematics in the Lancaster County Normal School. Philadelphia Sower, Barnes & Co. 1859. The principal characteristics of these little books are, clearness of statement, methodical ar. rangement, and fullness of illustration. They contain many valuable suggestions and directions for teachers, and the introductory part of the primary is especially adapted to the wants of young teachers. We commend them to our readers.

ENTERTAINING DIALOGUES, designed for the use of Schools and Academies. By CHARLES NORTHEND, author of "Teacher and Parent," "Teacher's Assistant," "Little Orator," etc. New-York: A. S. Barnes & Burr, 51 and 53 John St. 1858. A choice collection of dialogues suitable for rehearsal in schools or families, adapted to thetastes and capacities of youth, and at the same time conveying good moral lessons, this book is worthy of a prominent place in the list of works designed for the instruction and amuse ment of youth.

THE TEACHER'S ASSISTANT, or Hints and Methods in School Discipline and Instruction, being a series of interesting Letters to one entering upon the teacher's work. By CHARLES NORTHEND, A.M., author of "Teacher and Parent," etc. Boston: Crosby, Nichols & Co.; Chicago: George Sherwood. 1859.

In this work the author has presented; in the form of a series of familiar letters, much valuable information and instruction in regard to school arrangement and discipline, methods of teaching, etc. The style is very much like that of his well known work, The Teacher and Parent," and we think that it will be as popular when its merits are understood. There is hardly topic connected with school keoping but receives attention, and the long experience and sound sense of the author are shown in every suggestion. Send to Ge rge Sherwood, 122 and 124 Lake Street, Chicago, and get the book and read it, young teachers, and you will feel well repaid for the money and time spent. Price $1.00.

MANUAL OF GEOLOGY, designed for the use of Colleges and Schools. By EBEnEZER EMMONS, State Geologist of North-Carolina, late State Geologist of New-York, Professor of Natural History and Geology in Williams College; illustrated by numerous engravings, principally from American specimens. Philadelphia: Sower, Barnes & Co.

This work is of a higher character than the one noticed by us last month, and naturally takes the place in the academy and college which that does in the common school. An idea of the work may be obtained from the following extract from the preface, giving its plan, etc.: “One of the most important studies for the young is classification. Its advantages are not confined to Natural History. In every sphere of knowledge it aids the mind to define and limit the boundaries of subjects, and perceive the true and constant relation they hold to each other, Our opinion of its utility led us to furnish an introduction to the subject, which, though imperfect, may stiil, as we believe, serve as a basis upon which classification may be taught. The plan we have followed in the preparation of the work differs s mewhat from others. We have given in each chapter treating upon the systems of rocks, a general history of the period to which they belong. To this we have added a brief description of the rocks and th Ir order of sequence. Each system is illustrated by the organisms or fossils which it is known to conta.n, and which have been generally selected from those which are most common. The geographical distribution of American formations completes the history of the several systems. Our illus. trations of characteristic fossils may be regarded by some persons as out of proportion to the statement of facts and principles; but it should be recollected that Palæontology has become the leading branch; and from which we derive the most importaut in ormation respecting the natural history of the earth."

LECTURES ON MENTAL AND MORAL CULTURE, by SAMUEL P. BATES, A,M. Superintendent of Public Instruction, Crawford County, Penn. New-York; A. S. Barnes & Burr, 51 and 53 John street. 1860.

The origin and aim of these lectures are given in the preface, from which we quote: "The following lectures were prepared for the use of Teachers' Institutes, and have been delivered at intervals, before these bodies, during the past five years. They were intended to be addressed to an assembly of teachers and citizens, such as are usually found at the evening sessions; consequently, they are not designed for the exclusive reading of teachers. The attempt has been, to make the opinions developed thoroughly accord with the fundamental principles of our institutions and form of government. The necessity to the safety and prosperity of the State that every child should be educated, and that the wealth of the country should pay for this education, has been made a prominent fcature. There will not be found in this volume a syɛ. tematic treatise for the special guidance of the teacher, but those motives and incentives to preparation, which may serve to awaken inquiry and stimulate thought." They embrace the following topios: Dignity of the Teacher's profession; The boyhood of Napoleon; The power of spoken thought; Vocal culture; The study of Language; The means and ends of education; Popular education; The education of the moral se sibilities; Education and Democracy the true basis of liberty, and contain many valuable hints and suggestion suited to the teacher or the general reader.

[blocks in formation]

Few subjects appear or deserve to attract more universal attention at present than the right adjustment of the claims of Practical Science in an extended system of public instruction, and its relations to public and individual health, to the wants of daily life, and the progress of the industrial arts. The Continental Governments, and especially those of France and Germany have long since established Special Schools of Science, under the names of Institutes or Schools of Art, Polytechnic Schools, Industrial and Technological Schools, Schools of Agriculture, Mining, Architecture, Engineering, Trades, Commerce, Navigation, &c. &c. In Germany alone, according to an article in Barnard's American Journal of Education for 1856, there were two hundred and twenty-six schools of this class. In the recently established school system of the kingdom of Sardinia, Technical Courses, extending through five years, are specially provided for in connection with all the National Colleges, in addition to Special schools, such as the Royal Technical Institute, embracing seven classes and twenty professors, at Turin; a School of Commerce and Navigation at Nice; a School of Agriculture at Savoy; a School of Arts and Trades in Biella, and one of the same general character but adapted to the local industrial habits of the people, in every large town. The English Government, since the Great Industrial Exhibiton of 1851 showed the superiority in artistic design and finish of French and German workmanship, has established a Department of Science and Art, and appropriated in 1858 over $400,000 to its various operations, such as the Government School of Mining and Museum of Practical Geology in Lon

don, the Museum of Irish Industry, Industrial Museum of Scotland, Central and Local Schools of Art to the number in all of sixty-eight including in 1857 nearly thirteen thousand pupils, a Central Training School for Teachers (both male and female) in Art, Collections illustrating Construction and Building Materials, Drawings, Casts, &c. &c., including a systematic plan for introducing Drawing into all the Elementary Schools of England, Scotland and Ireland.

Dr. Barnard, in his Inaugural Address as Chancellor of the State University, urged the universal instruction in Art and the Sciences, and their applications to health and industry, as a cardinal object in the educational policy of the State, from the District School to the University-not to the exclusion of languages, and mathematics, but on a footing of equality both as a means of mental training, and for their manifold and constant uses in life. The plan briefly shadowed forth in that Address, embraced (1) the introduction of Drawing and Physiology in every public school of every grade; (2) a study, so far at least as universal observation and oral instruction, in every school, of the peculiarities of soil, minerals, animals, and occupations in every town; (3) a preparation in all Public High Schools, Academies and Colleges aided by the State, and especially in all Normal Classes, for a thorough scientific course in the State University, or in a Special Polytechnic School; (4) the establishment of a Museum of Practical Science in connection with the Scientific Department of the University, or State Polytechnic School, or State Society of Arts and Manufactures; and (5) Local Museums of the Fine and Industrial Arts, with annual courses of Lectures, Illustrations and Practical Operations for the youth and adult population generally in all the principal towns. His Circular (published in our last number) to the People of Madison in reference to an Institute or Cosmos, to be erected after plans by Dr. D. B. Reid, is in furtherance of his views on this last point, while the following correspondence between him and Dr. D. B. Reid shows the present position of this movement in the University. Before introducing the letters we will speak briefly of Dr. Reid's antecedents to his appointment to a professorship in the University on Dr. Barnard's nomination.

Dr. Reid came to this country in 1855 with letters of introduction from Mr. Buchanan, then our Minister to the Court of St. James, to President Pierce, and a well established European reputation, first achieved as a practical chemist in his experimental and lecture rooms at Edinburgh, where he had upwards of three thousand professional pupils between the years of 1827 and 1840, and by his numerous publications on chemistry and public health, of which the following may be named:

"ELEMENTS OF CHEMISTRY, Theoretical and Practical. Third Edition in 906 pages 8vo with Woodcuts and Diagrams. Edinburgh. Price 18s.

"RUDIMENRS OF CHEMISTRY, with Illustrations of the Chemical Phe"" nomena of Daily Life." This manual had a circulation of upwards of 30,000 copies, in connection with Chamber's Educational Course.

"A TEXT BOOK for Students of Chemistry. Edinburgh. Third Edi❝tion 192 pages 8vo. Diagrams.

"THE STUDY OF CHEMISTRY considered as a branch of Elementary "Education, with a short statement as to the Lectures on the Chemistry "of Daily Life given at Exeter Hall under the sanction of the Committee "of the Privy Council on Education, to a Thousand Metropolitan "Teachers. Second Edition. London: Longman & Co.

"ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF VENTILATION, "with Remarks on Warming, Lighting and the Communication of "Sound, and 320 Engravings on Wood. London: Longman & Co. "Price 168. *

*

"REPORTS AS A MEMBER OF THE GOVERNMENT COMMISSIONERS ON THE "HEALTH OF Towns, from 1843 to 1845, and a Special Report on the "Northern Mining District."

The construction of his class room at Edinburgh and the peculiarities of its provisions for warming, lighting and ventilating, led a Committee of the House of Commons to recommend the Government to recast the internal arrangements of the Chamber then occupied, for the purpose of enabling all the members to test the accuracy of his views, and the necessity of their introduction in the New Houses of Parliament, which it had been determined to erect. The success of Dr. Reid's plans was testified publicly by the Government, by a Committee of the House, and by repeated declarations of its most eminent members, including the Speaker of the day, and the present Lord Chancellor. Lord Sudeley, the Chairman of the Commissioners for selecting the Design for the New Houses of Parliament stated-"To Dr. Reid we owe the solution of the prob lem, that, by a proper system, ventilation may be obtained in the most trying and difficult circumstances." He also said: "The ventilation of the House of Commons was complete and perfect, and the first plan of systematic ventilation ever carried out in this or any other country."

Dr. Reid's researches on ventilation and acoustios were conducted principally at his class room at Edinburgh, and at an experimental laboratory provided for him by the British Government at the Houses of Parliament in London. To these his system of instruction, investigation and illustrations not only attracted numerous pupils, but also a perpetual succession of visitors including such men as Earl Grey, the Premier of the Great Reform Ministry, Dr. Chalmers, Lord Brougham, Geo. Combe, the Presidents of the Royal Societies of London and Edinburgh, Liebig, and numerous professional men both from the old and the new world, among

[ocr errors]
« НазадПродовжити »