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VI. ON TASTE.

Introduction. The various views which may be take of a human being (enumerate).

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1. One of these-a capacity of being pleasurably, c otherwise, affected by external things.

2. This power-taste—is it inherent or acquired ? 3. Difference between a delicate and a correct taste. 4. Applied in all matters of art,-poetry, music, paint ing, composition.

5. Cultivation of taste modifies the matter-of-fact. 6. A great embellishment of life. Refers to beauty proportion, form, grace, colour, tone, &c.

7. Importance of cultivating taste in the young. 8. Conclusion. General views on this subject.

VII. ON LEARNING.

Introduction. The many forms and sources of know

ledge.

1. In what does learning consist, and where are we to look for it?

2. What is meant by the 'classics?'

3. Show that there are modern as well as ancient classics.

4. Why is this study so strongly recommended?

5. Why should book-knowledge be superior to many

other forms?

6. Who are the most learned people in Europe? and for what are we indebted to them?

7. To what institutions of this country do we look for learning?

8. Conclusion.

Greek, Latin, mathematics, modern

languages, history, geography, science, &c.

VIII. ON LITERARY CRITICISM.

Introduction. To enjoy properly, we must have the power of discriminating and analysing.

1. Divisions of a subject to be criticised—not judge of the whole, but take the parts-separately.

2. Plot. Simple, well constructed-easily understood -action must move on naturally.

3. Episodes. Not too many, or they disturb the action : they must grow out of the subject.

4. Characters. Well drawn-consistent-true to nature-gradually developed, &c.

5. Language. Suited to the characters-generally clear, concise, flowing.

6. Figures. Forcible-well applied-illustrative, and uniform in expression.

7. Moral.

A healthy tone-a good lesson-true delineation, &c.

8. Conclusion. Critical examination points out defects, improves taste, and raises our appreciation of the true and beautiful.

IX. ON SCIENCE.

Introduction. Nature full of wonders; these gradually unfolded as they are discovered by philosophers. 1. Principles and laws of nature immutable and universal.

2. All art is built upon these principles.

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3. Difference between the abstract and practical

sciences.

4. Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, &c. (abstract); agriculture, chemistry, surveying, &c. (practical). 5. The application of science to the wants of social life. 6. Various divisions of physical science - natural philosophy.

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7. The natural and proper effect of the study of science: 'Look through Nature up to Nature's God.' 8. Conclusion. The study inexhaustible—the spirit in which it should be followed.

X. ON ASSOCIATION.

Introduction. Many sources of pleasure and pain. Reflections on past scenes, &c.

singly, but in a train.

Ideas never come

1. The power of linking ideas together, so as to produce a train of thought.

2. A great assistance to the memory; technical memories formed upon this principle.

3. Many causes of association; scenes, music, faces, even tastes (explain).

4. Whether association causes more pleasure or pain. 5. Pleasures of memory-pleasures of hope.

6. How it happens that contrast is a frequent source of association.

7. False associations-beware of forming them: because two qualities may be found in the same person, this is no proof that they are always found together, or that the one causes the other.

8. Conclusion. The general advantages of this power.

XI. ON CURIOSITY.

Introduction. A desire for knowledge is a strong principle in the human mind (explain).

1. The term เ curiosity' used in two senses-a welland an ill-directed curiosity.

2. The one is an abuse of the other (explain).

3. Some things not proper, other things not expedient, for us to know.

4. State and contrast the effects of both these feel

ings.

5. Science and literature both much indebted to this

desire.

6. In what cases is an idle curiosity shown?

7. On what subjects should we encourage this feeling?

8. Conclusion. Take care not to abuse the principle. Let us wish to know what is worth knowing.

XII. ON PHILOSOPHY.

Introduction. Some subjects much more extensive than others; this embraces everything-universal knowledge.

1. Philosophy-an inquiry into the nature of things. 2. Two divisions-physical and mental (explain). 3. Mention some branches of physical philosophy, and explain them.

4. Metaphysics-an inquiry into the nature of the mind and its faculties (explain).

5. Which of these two studies is the more difficult, natural or metaphysical philosophy?

6. Philosophy of the ancient Greeks. Mention some of their absurdities and their systems.

7. Philosophy of the middle ages-astrology, alchemy, elixir vitæ, &c.

8. Conclusion. A noble study; but let it be well directed.

LITERARY SUBJECTS.

I. ON LITERATURE.

Introduction. Studies which increase our knowledge of human nature hold a high rank: political history, biography, poetry, &c.

1. Literature-the lasting monument of a nation's mind-closely connected with the history of a

people.

2. Indication of passing events-national excitement revolution — religious or political struggles,

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&c.

3. Various forms of literature: epic poetry-ballads -the drama-history, biography, fiction, philosophy, &c.

4. The abuses of literature; various merits of writers. 5. Every phase of a nation's existence indicated in the passing literature of the day-ballads, journals, periodicals, reviews, &c.

6. Ages of English literature, and what produced them.

7. A general knowledge of European literature a necessary part of every good education.

8 Conclusion. The variety, extent, and advantages of this study.

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