370 On the Utility of Early Elementary Instruction. 



extremely simple, — chiefly consisting of moderate labour, tem- 

 perance, cleanliness, ventilation, muscular exercise, serenity of 

 mind, and an elementary knowledge of the structure and func- 

 tions of the principal organs of the human body. It is much 

 to be regretted, however, as justly remarked by Mr Thackrah, 

 that subjects like these find no entry at present in the books of 

 our merchants or tradesmen ; they, intent on their avocations, 

 strangely overlooking the very means necessary for pursuing them 

 with pleasure and success ; whereas, had they a taste for Natu- 

 ral History, its pursuits would be a recreation not only delight- 

 ful, but likewise highly beneficial in every profession. " We 

 may only add," says he, " that a man addicted to pursuits like 

 these, — the various pursuits, I mean, of natural knowledge, — 

 can scarcely be a bad man. A judicious parent would be far 

 more anxious to give his family a taste for natural knowledge 

 than for literature. They might gain neither present nor ulti- 

 mate fame, but they would obtain that moderate and serene en- 

 joyment, that ' tranquillitas aninii,'' the ' animus sine perturha- 

 tione^ to which Seneca repeatedly and justly refers as the great- 

 est of temporal blessings." 



On the Scenery of Italy ^ as contrasted with that of Germany ; 

 the Geognosy of Albano^ near Rome; and the General 

 Structure and Tr achy tic Rocks of Etna. In a Letter of 

 Professor Friedrich Hoffmann to M. Gerhard at 

 Berlin. 



Xhe indulgent attentions which you have always so liberally 

 evinced on my behalf, encourage me to send you a few of the 

 particulars which I have as yet been able to collect in the course 

 of my scientific researches in Italy. For although these are far 

 from realizing the ideal picture which I had formed of them 

 previously, perhaps in a moment of too great exaltation, yet 

 they are by no means so destitute of general interest, as to be 

 unworthy of being submitted to your paternal inspection, or to 

 the criticism of a mind so deeply imbued as yours with a taste 

 for the science of Nature. 



Italy is, in my opinion, very far from being so beautiful as it 



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