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correct definitions, or rather explanations of the meaning of words, so as to form an intelligible and useful dictionary.

In this vocabulary, the strictly alphabetical order of the words interferes, of course, with their regular gradation as exercises in spelling and pronouncing; while the definitions are sometimes unnecessarily applied to words in familiar and common use, as Berry, any small fruit'; and, at other times, the extent to which the vocabulary is carried, seems to render the introduction of some words inappropriate for an elementary dictionary, thus Delineate,' Degenerate,' &c.

In other respects the work is valuable, particularly as regards the simplicity and plainness of the language used in definitions. This book, might, we think, be rendered very useful in a second edition, by dispensing with a good many of the easier words, and at the same time with some of the harder ones. Were the vocabulary thus reduced and arranged alphabetically, so far as to present, in succession, all words beginning with the letter A, for example, and a classification subordinate to this, to bring into successive groups all words of one syllable, then all those of two, &c.-were this change made, we should have the double advantage of an excellent spelling book, one rendered truly useful to children; while every end would be served which could be expected of a juvenile dictionary.

Elements of English Grammar, with Progressive Exercises in Parsing. By John Frost, Principal of the Mayhew Grammar School, Boston. Boston. Richardson & Lord. 1829. 18mo. pp. 108.

This little volume is in several respects excellently adapted to common and elementary schools. It is on the general plan of Murray, without assuming his name, but the whole book is simplified in language, so as to meet the capacities of children. To render it useful, however, as a means of awakening the attention of learners, and imparting a deep-felt intellectual interest to the study of grammar, it would need the aid of an accompanying volume of inductive interrogation, for the use of the teacher.

The progressive character of the exercises, and their exact adaptation to every rule and principle, give this little volume a peculiar claim to the attention of instructers.

If Murray's Abridgment is to be displaced, this work is one which may be advantageously adopted, since it contains what is valuable in Murray, presented in a simple and practical form. As far as grammar is an art, manuals like this are useful and desirable. But a clear and simple exposition of grammar as a science, is an aid of which instruction is yet destitute. To accomplish this object, regard must be paid by authors to the natural progress of the mind in acquiring knowledge. The method adopted must, in a word be that of induction, and not that of arbitrary assumption.

[Notices of the following valuable works are unavoidably deferred.]

The New Latin Tutor; or Exercises in Etymology, Syntax, and Prosody. Compiled in part from the best English

Works. With Additions. By Frederick P. Leverett, Principal of the Public Latin School in Boston. Boston. Hilliard, Gray, Little, & Wilkins. 1829. 12mo. pp. 348.

Elements of Geometry, with Practical Applications. For the use of Schools. By T. Walker, Teacher of Mathematics in the Round Hill School, at Northampton, Mass. Boston. Richardson & Lord. 1829. 12mo. pp. 104.

The National Orator, consisting of Selections adapted for Rhetorical Recitation. From the Parliamentary, Forensic, and Pulpit Eloquence of Great Britain and America. Interspersed with Extracts from the Poets. By Charles Dexter Cleveland. New-York. White, Gallagher, & White. 1829. 12mo. pp. 300.

Exposition of the System of Instruction and Discipline pursued in the University of Vermont. By the Faculty.

Books for Children.

The Tales of Peter Parley about America. With Engravings. Second Edition. Boston. S. G. Goodrich & Co. 1829. 18mo. pp. 160.

This entertaining little volume is now adapted for use in primary schools, by the addition of questions at the foot of each page, and an appendix of explanations, embracing some important parts of elementary knowledge connected with the stories. The plan of this work is calculated to render it useful as an attractive introduction to more advanced stages of education; and its copious engravings furnish many sources of pleasure for the imaginative minds of children. Some of the cuts, however, those in particular which represent scenes of cruelty and suffering, might be advantageously exchanged, in another edition, for delineations of objects or events connected with happier associations.

Game of Characteristics. [Arranged on Cards.] A. H. Maltby. New Haven.

This is a contrivance intended to illustrate the subject of biography. It consists of a selection of several of the most eminent names of ancient and of modern times, along with a number of terms expressive of characteristic traits of disposition, temper, or conduct. Each of the latter, as well as the former, is printed on a small card; and the game furnishes entertainment and instruction, by requiring, (in a form described on the envelope of the cards,) the application of the characteristics to the individuals whose names happen to be selected. An occasional hour of the time allotted to sedentary amusement, may be pleasantly and usefully spent in this way; and, especially if, in every

instance, an anecdote were read or recited, to illustrate the application of the characteristics.

[The following publications have been received; and notice will be taken of them as opportunity shall admit.]

Annot and her Pupil, a simple Story. First American from the Edinburgh Edition. Salem. Whipple & Lawrence. 1829. 18mo. pp. 148.

The Good Children, or the Day. First American Edition. & Co. 1828. 18mo. pp. 60.

Duties and Amusements of a
Lancaster. Carter, Andrews

The Black Velvet Bracelet. By the Author of The Shower,' &c. Boston. Bowles & Dearborn. 1828. 18mo. PP. 164.

Isabella, or Filial Affection, A Tale. By the Author of the Prize, &c. Boston. Bowles & Dearborn. 1828. 18mo.

Pp. 160.

Mary Jones. Boston. Bowles & Dearborn. 1829. 18mo. Pp. 107.

Bos

Procrastination. By the Author of the Shower, &c. ton. Bowles & Dearborn. 1828. 18mo. pp. 44 James Colman, or the Reward of Perseverance. Author of John Williams. Boston. Bowles & Dearborn. 1828. 18mo. pp. 46.

By the

Thomas Mansfield. By the Author of the Pet Lamb. Boston. Bowles & Dearborn. 1828. 18mo. pp. 13.

The Happy Valley. By the Author of Helen and Maria. Boston. Published by the Boston Sunday School Society. pp. 40.

1829. 18mo.

Mary and her Sister. By the Author of Helen and Maria. Boston. Wait, Greene & Co. 1829. 18mo. pp. 17.

The Warning. By the Author of the Well Spent Hour. Boston. Wait, Greene, & Co. 1829. 18mo. pp. 96.

Reformed Edward, or the House of Reformation. A True Story. Boston. N. S. Simpkins & Co. 1829. 18mo. pp. 18.

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AMERICAN

JOURNAL OF EDUCATION.

No. III.

MAY AND JUNE, 1829.

VOL. IV.

Of the

ART. I.-The Two Books of Francis Lord Verulam. Proficience and Advancement of Learning, Divine and Human. London. Pickering. 1825. 8vo. pp. 402..

[Continued from page 242.]

In our previous notice of this work, we have made liberal extracts from the author. We do not allude to the fact for the purpose of apologising for the course we have taken in this respect; for we are well satisfied that those who take interest enough in our views to follow us in our speculations, will be pleased to see these quotations. They contain much evidence of the peculiar character of Bacon's understanding; and with what we shall now give, will afford abundant proof of his deep and thorough knowledge of the powers and capacities of the human mind. Indeed, his writings are much more remarkable for this quality, which seems to pervade almost every page, than for the views they contain of natural philosophy. We express our strong conviction when we say, that Reid, and Stewart, and Brown, though they have built up what is called a philosophy of mind upon induction, have yet bút skimmed the surface of the profoundness of Bacon's views. It was from a knowledge of the powers of the human mind, that he deduced the true laws of philosophizing. The vast discoveries to which these laws have led in natural science, have again in their turn enlarged and enriched the philosophy of mind. By the philosophy of mind, we mean the general state of the science of metaphysics, as it is understood in the learned world. In say

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ing that Bacon was far in advance of the writers of the present age in his knowledge of the human mind, we are well aware that we are saying what many will be unwilling to admit. But we think that a little more examination would satisfy them of the truth of this assertion. We have said that the modern discoveries in natural science have improved the general state of the science of metaphysics. Indeed, we regard natural science as the true ultimate and foundation of metaphysics. And as the accurate knowledge which is now possessed, of the laws of nature, was not disclosed to Bacon, his views of mental philosophy must have wanted the strength and precision, which an enlightened consciousness of this foundation alone can give. But without this aid, they were far more deep and penetrating than those of many who regard the science of metaphysics as altogether built up since his day. There are states in which the mind, as it were by inspiration, catches a glimpse of what it is afterwards to receive, and rationally and systematically to comprehend. Bacon stands with respect to the present state of science, in a relation somewhat analogous to that of this state of foretaste or conception, to the state of full possession. How bright and clear his anticipations were, few can realize. But that he was enabled to make them from his knowledge of mental philosophy, is not mere matter of conjecture. There was no other ground upon which he could stand and survey the pretensions of science, and pronounce upon their deficiencies. There was no other ground upon which he could stand, and point out as upon a map, the subjects of legitimate examination and the process of inquiry. We do not mean to say that he was infallible and free from error. He fell into many errors which his knowledge of natural philosophy could not correct. But there are only few men who would thus have erred; for there are but few who possess his power of sustaining a flight into the region of causes and activities. But this was the atmosphere in which Bacon lived and breathed.

We are well aware that there are those who call themselves philosophers, Baconian philosophers too, who are conversant, and profess to be conversant only with effects. But this is a most grievous abuse of names. Though Bacon taught us to observe effects, and to make experiments with a view of establishing theories, and thus apparently to reason from effects to causes, yet this process with him was not the end; but having gained this vantage-ground, he would again descend from causes to effects with the light and certainty of living

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