THE IMPORTANCE OF A RIGHT SELECTION OF BRANCHES OF STUDY.

FROM the limited powers of the human mind, and the restricted time which is usually devoted to intellectual culture, it is important that a selection of objects should be judiciously made from the numerous pursuits of literature and of science. That such a selection should be made with a distinct reference to the engagements of future life, it is readily conceded; but with a view to ultimate success, those engagements should be, in the order of time, a secondary, and by no means a primary, object of attention. In a liberal education there is much which is preliminary. No superstructure should be attempted till the basis be rendered broad and firm. The first object of solicitude should be to give vigour and expansion to the faculties of the mind; and whatever pursuits are best adapted to secure this end should be selected by the instructor, and by the learner should be regarded with interest and prosecuted with ardour. Let him not imagine they are of inferior importance because he cannot discern any direct connexion with the leading object of his professional career. Let him rather inquire into their tendency to subject his mind to a salutary discipline, and to form those habits of thought and study, by which his future progress may be directed and facilitated. The student in theology, for example, may perhaps entertain doubts with regard to the utility of studies in mathematics, or in the philosophy of the human mind; yet it is not difficult to exhibit the direct and powerful tendency of these pursuits to generate habits of incalculable value to those who, in the discharge of their professional engagements, will find occasion for the exercise of accurate discrimination, and the power of conclusive reasoning. Could it even be shown that the researches of mathematical science, and of mental philosophy, would impart but little information of real value, still it might be contended, that the advantages accruing from the very efforts of intellectual energy which they call forth, must secure to the student an ample remuneration for his expenditure of time, and to the tutor a full justification of the course prescribed.

Such was the importance attached to mathematical studies by that able reasoner, the late Bishop Watson, that he regarded an initiation into the processes of geometrical demonstration as incalculably advantageous in promoting mental discipline. He stated it to be his deliberate opinion, that were the attention restricted even to the first book of Euclid's Elements, a familiar acquaintance with its reasonings could not fail to render substantial benefit to the mind of the learner.

In recommending a vigorous application of the mind to the solution of a question of difficulty in intellectual philosophy, the late distinguished professor of moral philosophy in the university of Edinburgh* thus urged and encouraged the efforts of the students:

"In some former severe discussions like the present, I endeavoured to extract for you some little consolation from that very fortitude of attention which the discussion required, pointing out to you the advantage of questions of this kind, in training the mind to those habits of serious thought and patient investigation, which, considered in their primary relation to the intellectual character, are of infinitely greater importance than the instruction

Dr. Thomas Brown,

In the discipline

which the question itself may afford. 'Generosos animos labor nutrit.' of reason, as in the training of the Athletæ, it is not for a single victory which it may give to the youthful champion that the combat is to be valued, but for that knitting of the joints, and hardening of the muscles, that quickness of eyes and collectedness of effort, which it is forming for the struggles of more illustrious fields."-Burder's Mental Discipline.

REPORTS OF MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETIES.

The Shaftesbury Society, London.-This is the title of a small society of christian young men, and has for its object the intellectual reration and the improvement of its members. The ordinary business consists of discussions, essays, elocutionary and musical exercises. The meetings are held weekly in St. Dunstan's Infant Schoolroom, Fetter-lane, Fleet-street.

Ormskirk Literary and Scientific Institution. -The members and friends of this institution recently held their first annual meeting. The cha was occupied by Mr. Richard Walmsley, and one of the secretaries read a report, from which it appeared that the existence of the insti

tution was owing to the active exertions of a few

tradesmen of the town. The report, on the whole, was encouraging, and showed an income of £95 for the first year. The officers and committee the ensuing year were subsequently elected, and ther business transacted.

Neilsworth Mutual Improvement Society. This society has just commenced its third sessin, meeting every alternate Friday. The secund Friday in the month is for the delivery of lectures, and the fourth for discussions. The e have made arrangements for the delivery of another course of public lectures. The explete success of former series has led them to provide a longer and more varied course, includ1 returers from the Royal Polytechnic Institut, London. There are about forty members at Present President, Rev. G. W. Clapham; vicepresident, J. E. Barnard, Esq.

the coming year their exertions in carrying out the objects of the society-the religious, moral, and intellectual improvement of its membersmay be attended with success; and that it may continue to be a prosperous society, advancing the cause of knowledge, virtue, and religion.

Bolton Albert Improvement Club. The first soiree of this society was held on Thursday, November 13th, 1851. About forty persons sat down to tea. After tea, Mr. A. Ceron was called to the chair, amid the applause of the meeting. He said that he understood the society only came into existence during that year-a year big with important events, and he trusted that its formation would not be one of the least important events for influencing the future advancement and welfare of Bolton. The society, though young, showed every appearance of strength and vigour, and had elements within it which would cause it to continue to flourish, and to bear good fruit. The chairman proceeded to remark on the advantages of Mutual Improvement Societies, and called upon the secretary to read the report for the pas quarter, from which it appeared that about twenty original essays had been handed to the committee. Fourteen meetings had been held, and the attendance and interest appeared rapidly to increase. The report recommended further steps to be taken for the formation of a good club reference library, containing the best works on logic, language, elocution, history, science, &c. The report also recommended the establishment of a postal communication with kindred institutions, and sugThe Nelson Association, Brunswick-street, gested that an effort be made to ascertain the views Edinburgh-The second anniversary soiree of of the societies in Lancashire, with respect to an this society was celebrated in their usual place annual gathering for mutual instruction and enof reeting, St. Stephen's School, Brunswick-joyment in that county. The report having been street, on Tuesday, November 4th, 1851. The adopted, thanks were tendered to the retiring was tastefully decorated for the occasion officers, and responded to by Mr. G. West. with laurels and evergreens, and at seven o'clock variety of original amusements were introduced the members, with their friends, sat down to aby members, and interspersed with glees and service of tea and coffee. The chair was afterrecitations. The reading of "Burns Cottar's wards taken by the Rev. Mr. Nelson, of North Saturday Night," by D. Saunders, and an original Esk, late teacher of St. Stephen's School, and poem, by W. M. Buck (president), were especially the president and founder of this association, proceedings went off in a very agreeable manner, marked with the members' approbation. The Who delivered an interesting address on the and were brought to a close about half-past ten, advantages of an early religious education, and the results which flow to young men who pursue by the members singing the National Anthem, course of religions, moral, and intellectual im- including Mr. Charles Swain's new and admired rovement. Addresses were afterwards delivered by various members of the association, on Young Mens Societies, the Claims of Religion on the silention of Young Men, &c., &c., and the evening was enlivened by appropriate songs and recita tions. The meeting closed at ten o'clock, all seeming well pleased with the arrangements. The members look forward with hope, that during

stanza.

A

West Indies, Demerara.-Smith Church Mu

tual Improvement Association.-The celebration of the second anniversary of this association took place on Thursday evening, September 4th, 1851, at the Society's Hall, Main-street, Werhenkust, city of Georgetown.

The Rev. E. A. Wallbridge, patron of the asso

The Inquirer.

QUESTIONS REQUIRING ANSWERS.

-

67. Would some of your correspondents kindly inform a “Subscriber" what would be the expease of being articled to a solicitor, and what would be the relative proportion of time spent at the desk and at study?

of effecting a project so very desirable to him, under existing circumstances.

76. I am quite unaccustomed to composition, and for that reason may express myself obscurely in endeavouring to make known my wants. 1st. How shall I attain fluency of language? Cicero and Pliny, I perceive, advise the trans lation of good works from one language to another. Greek and Latin I do not understand; French and German I do a little. 2nd. How shall I secure a systematic arrangement of ideas? 3rd. Would the study and committal to memory of the finest orations of Cicero or Demosthenes in their English garb be of service, or would the attentive reading of some of our own

6. I am desirous of becoming proficient in Mental Arithmetic, and should esteem it a favour if any of your numerous readers would direct me to the best method for attaining this object.-C. Y. 69. Remembering the answer given by a learned man as to how he became possessed of so much knowledge, "by not being afraid to ask, I venture to solicit a reply to the follow-poets be more so? If it is thought that compoing:-What are the peculiar doctrines of Panthes and Rationalism ?-REPUBLICAN.

70. Carthaginian Names.-The Phoenicians and Carthaginians (and indeed all the great nations of antiquity) gave names to persons partly formed of the names of their several divinities; hence, Abibal signities Baal is my father, or my father is Baal; Ethbaal, with Baal; Asdrubal, help or assistance of Baal; Hannibal, grace or mery of Beal. These examples have been collected from Gesenins, &c., and the following two fitnes, mentioned in C. Crispi "Sallustü Jugerths," cap. vi. sect. 5, are evidently of the same class, viz.:---Adherbal and Mastauabol. What is the composition and meaning of each name?G. W. H.

sition would be preferable to translation, I shall enrol myself as a subscriber to your "Young Student and Writer's Assistant."-H. T. M.

77. Will some of your correspondents inform me of the best work by which I may obtain a sound and true theory of Mental Philosophy, based on the physical nature of man, and embracing the subjects of life; mind, its dependence on, and independence of, organization; sanity of mind; morbid impulses; thoughts, and feelings. I have seen Johnson on "Life, Health, and Disease"; Combe on "Physiology"; and Knight's edition of Southwood Smith's "Philosophy of Health." In the preface and end of this last work it is stated, that it is intended to be introductory to an account of the physical and mental powers of man: can you inform me if this

71. Ia Lord Byron's lines to Inez, in the first cant of his Childe Harold" occurs the follow-work is published? In Chambers's "Wonders ing verse:

"It is that settled, ceaseless gloom,

The fabled Hebrew wanderer bore; That will not look beyond the tomb, But cannot hope for rest before."

Could any of your correspondents kindly inform to whom Byron referred in these lines?-FIDELIS.

72. Will any of your correspondents inform e of the best method of acquiring facility in the execution of Pianoforte Music? I have been in the habit of practising for three or four hours a day for the last two years without attaining skill above mediocrity.-T. A.

73. How should a person begin and pursue the study of Botany, who is entirely ignorant of it and can be hope to succeed without the aid of a teacher?-A. B. M.

74. Will any of your correspondents inform me of the best method of studying Euclid, and whether it is necessary to draw all the diagrams, or merely to read and understand the propositions?-C. M.

75. Clericus" is engaged in the scholastic profession, and is very anxious to gain admission St. Bees College, Cumberland, with a view to his entering the ministry; but, unfortunately, be jacks the necessary pecuniary qualification, and would, therefore, feel greatly obliged to any correspondent who can demonstrate to him the arity of the adage, "Where there's a will there's a way," by suggesting to him some plan

of Human Folly,' Upham's "Outlines of Imperfeet Mental Action," and Sampson on "Criminal Jurisprudence," are recommended: would either of these aid me in attaining the object I have in view?-P. S.

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS.

61. Musical Advice.-Should H. W. H. be able to avail himself of a good master, and devote several hours daily to practice, he might no doubt arrive at great proficiency in playing the pianoforte, as he must possess an ear for music, otherwise he could not keep in time and tune in joining in singing.-B.

64 and 66. Admission to the English Bar.Having seen the question of D. G. B., I beg to offer a few suggestions, such as he may find of use. As I am in the legal profession he may depend upon what I say as actually true.

D. G. B. should have specified which Bar he desired to know about, the Chancery or Common Law; but as I am thoroughly acquainted with the first-named, my remarks will bear upon that division only.

D. G. B. may, perhaps, be aware, that a good college education is nearly indispensable for a young advocate; and, besides, if he has not been to one of the universities, his course of reading with an admitted barrister must be of much longer duration.

D

The first step, then, is to become a member of one of the Inns, by entering your name on the books of the society you select. There is Lincoln's Inn, Middle and Inner Temple; Gray's Inn is nearly an obsolete one now.

You then become pupil to an equity draughtsman, with whom you stop six or twelve months. If you think by hard study (which all embryo lawyers must practice) that you will be tolerably proficient in the technicalities of the profession at the end of six months, you pay the gentleman you read with fifty guineas. If you require double that time, you must also double the fee.

The expense of entering your name on the books of a society, "eating your terms," &c., is about 120 guineas. The Society of Lincoln's Inn requires you to enter into a formal bond.

there is nothing of an electric nature connected with it. He says, "The true cause of this 'vigilant phenomena, is not a physical influence from without, but a mental delusion from within, which paralyzes their reason and independent volition, so that, for the time being, they are as mere puppets in the hands of another person by whom they are irresistibly controlled, and can only see, or hear, or taste, or feel, or act, in accordance with his will and direction. They have their whole attention fixed upon what may be said or signified by this superior power; and, consequently, perceive impressions, through the excited state of the organs called into operation, which they could not perceive in their ordinary condition." After detailing a number of experiments made by himself on patients in the waking position, he adduces the following:-"In like manner, several other patients whom I took into the dark closet could see nothing, until told to look steadily at a certain point, and they would see flame and light of varying colours proceeding from it, which predictions were speedily realized, whilst they were wide awake, and with nothing but bare walls toward which to direct their eyes. Not

It is, of course, obvious, that only a moneyed man can become a barrister, because there is much expense-the expense of entering your name, of eating your terms, of paying your pupilage fees, of taking chambers, and of purchasing a library. I forgot to say, that after eating your terms for about eight months, you are " called to the bar," and this irrespective of your legal acquirements. Next, as to the "plan of study." This is all-only so, but I have, moreover, ascertained that, important. The really good lawyer should aim, not only at a perfect knowledge of the English law, but also tolerably to understand that of old Rome, and especially that of Scotland; for when the advocate goes before the House of Lords, a knowledge of the latter is frequently required.

The art of preparing bills, answers, demurerrs, exceptions, pleas, &c., will all be taught him by the gentleman D. G. B. reads with. The standard work here used, is Van Heythusan's "Equity Draughtsman; but this chamber business has been much abridged by the last orders of Lord Chancellor Cottenham, by which short claims are now used instead of bills in many instances.

The very best books that D. G. B. can purchase are the following, to be read in the order they are placed:-Sydney Smith's "Chancery Practice," two volumes, last edition; Sydney Smith's "Hand-Book"; Bowyer's "Lectures at the Temple"; Bowyer's Constitutional Laws of England"; Shelford on "Mortmain"; Roper on "Legacies"; Roper on "Husband and Wife"; Mr. Justice Williams on "Executors; Sugden on "Venders and Purchasers" (Dart's Abridg. ment is a very good one); Spence's" Principle of the Court of Chancery"; these and many more will D. G. B. require.

In conclusion, I beg to say, if D. G. B. would furnish any address where a letter could be sent, I would willingly forward to him a more explicit letter of suggestions than this; and having a practical knowledge of the law myself, my hints might show him the shortest method of acquiring its rudiments.-JUSTINIAN.

even in broad daylight, a strong mental impression is adequate to produce such delusions with certain individuals of a highly imaginative and concentrative turn of mind. This fact is beautifully illustrated in the case of a gentleman, twenty-four years of age, who had suffered severely from epilepsy for eleven years. When taken into the above closet, and tested as the latter, he likewise saw nothing, till I suggested that he would see flame and light; after which prediction he very speedily saw it accordingly, not merely where the magnet was, but also from the other parts of the apartment. Now this patient, and the two last referred to, when taken into the closet after the magnet had been a long time removed to a distant part of the house, still saw the flames-a clear proof that the whole was a mental delusion, arising from an excited imagination, on the point under consideration, changing physical action."-A. C.

67. The Law-Solicitors.-In answer to a "Subscriber," the first and certain expense of his being articled to a solicitor is £120 for the stamp upon which the articles are engrossed. The premium to be paid for instruction, &c., varies in nearly every case. If you wish to be articled to a solicitor of good standing, and to board and lodge in the house during the five years of articles, £500 would not be out of the way. If you have taken a degree at either of the universities your term of articles will be three years only; and during the last session of parliament an act was passed extending this privilege to certain students therein enumerated. In such case your premium would be proportionately less. With respect to the relative proportion of time at the desk and at study, this will depend, first, upon the arrangement made at the commencement; secondly, upon the extent of business in the office; and thirdly, upon your own inclination. If you desire to understand not merely the theory, but the prac tical and mechanical branches of your profession, you will not mind sitting prety closely at the desk, at least during the first year or two of your You will still find time for your studies,

65. Electro-Biology and Braidism.-ElectroBiology is a designation recently applied to the mesmeric phenomena by Dr. Darling and other lecturers, and means, literally, the electric doctrine of life. This doctrine they infer from the means they use to produce the hypnotic or mesmeric state; viz., fixing the attention of each patient upon a small disc of zinc and copper, which he is made to place on the palm of one of his hands. Mr. Braid, of Manchester, maintains that a similar effect would be produced by length-term. ened gaze upon any object, and that, therefore, and will understand them better for seeing some