ing her Pupils fluently to
communicate their Knowledge, 288

PART IV.

ON THE SELECTION OF PROPER TRUTHS AND SUBJECTS TO BE TAUGHT IN
SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES.

CHAP. I.

On the General Principles which ought to regulate our choice
of Truths and Subjects to be taught to the Young, 306

CHAP II.

On the particular Branches of Education required for Elementary
Schools, 317

CHAP. III.

On the Easiest Methods of Introducing these Principles, for
the first time, into Schools already established, 326

Notes, 331

PRACTICAL ENQUIRY, &c.

PART I.

ON THE PRELIMINARY OBJECTS NECESSARY FOR
THE ESTABLISHMENT AND IMPROVEMENT
OF EDUCATION.

CHAP. I.

_On the Importance of establishing the Science of
Education on a solid Foundation._

Education is at present obviously in a transition state. The public mind
has of late become alive to the importance of the subject; and all
persons are beginning to feel awake to the truth, that something is yet
wanting to insure efficiency and permanence to the labours of the
teacher. The public will not be satisfied till some decided change has
taken place; and many are endeavouring to grope their way to something
better. It is with an earnest desire to help forward this great
movement, that the writer of the following pages has been induced to
publish the result of much study, and upwards of thirty years'
experience, in the hope that it may afford at least some assistance in
directing the enquiries of those who are prosecuting the same object.

On entering upon this investigation, it will be of use to keep in mind,
that all the sciences have, at particular periods of their history, been
in the same uncertain and unsettled position, as that which Education at
present occupies; and that each of them has in its turn, had to pass
through an ordeal, similar to that which education is about to undergo.
They have triumphantly succeeded; and their subsequent rapid
advancement is the best proof that they are now placed on a solid and
permanent foundation. It is of importance, therefore, in attempting to
forward the science of education, that we should profit by the
experience of those who have gone before us. They succeeded by a strict
observ