380 Mr^ Supliens on British Chemical Instruction, [Nov. 



inasmuch as the labour of the head is more valuable than that of 

 the hands. 



The only inconvenience which in France has been found to 

 result from a pursuance of this system of " mutual instruction " 

 is, that the pupils by their combined efforts sometimes outstrip 

 their teachers, if the latter neglect to go hand in hand with them 

 in the race of knowledge : however the success of Pestallozzi's 

 mode of education (whose tutors in many sciences learn with, 

 or only one lesson before, their scholars) has almost overthrown 

 the necessity of instructors assuming scientific omniscience and 

 infallibility as indispensible attributes. 



It is delightful to observe what progress is made in any 

 science by social 'communication. In chemistry it is particu- 

 larly conspicuous. For example, Robert mentions a fact of 

 which Richard was ignorant, and which completely enables the 

 latter to understand another analogous case that was previously 

 incomprehensible to him for want of it. He joyfully announces 

 the new light which has burst upon him, and the enlarged views 

 it opens. Robert's fact is now illuminated by Richard's com- 

 mentary, and thus, returning with interest to the former, recipro- 

 cally extends his sphere of mental vision. In this way both 

 cheerfully climb the heights of discovery, alternately pulling or 

 pushing each other upwards, till they gain an elevation far be- 

 yond the power of either separately to attain : now confirming 

 each other's views by agreement; then rendering assurance 

 doubly sure by a difference of opinion which leads to a closer 

 investigation : frequently discovering and freeing each other 

 from long-cherished errors, which had hitherto like fetters im- 

 peded their ascent ; and which they would have borne, perhaps 

 through life, had they travelled singly and selfishly. 



Thus both reciprocally enjoy the double advantages attaching 

 to the characters of tutors and pupils. As comrades they assist, 

 and as councillors they advise. Their pursuits and intimacy 

 constitute them excellent judges of each other's notions, 

 proceedings, and general character, and insure to each in 

 turn the benefit of the sagacity of both. These advantages 

 seldom terminate with their common labours. The associates 

 have become warmly interested in each other's cares and amuse- 

 ments, sorrows and joys. Continually engaged in acquiring 

 a similarity of knowledge and identity of opinions, enjoying 

 the pleasure of assisting, as well as the benefit of assistance, 

 and observing in each other the various estimable qualities in- 

 duced by their peculiar course of study, their intimacy naturally 

 improves into a friendship built on the best foundations; partici- 

 pation of elevating knowledge which never satiates, interchange 

 of good offices, and respect for the talents or industry they 

 severally evince, and have constant occasion to appreciate. 



