AIMS AND METHODS OF TIIE STATE COLLEGE. 23 



of modern science which writes with the electric flash and sends 

 its messages through the depths of the sobbing ocean to distant 

 lands, which spins, weaves and sews with such wondrous facility 

 with iron fingers, which paints with the solar rays, which analyzes 

 by the spectroscope the light from celestial worlds, and forces it to 

 tell of what material these orbs are made, can adorn the soul with 

 its brilliancy, and fit it for the broadest activities of life. To such 

 studies therefore we look for discipline of the mental powers, as 

 well as for the practical advantages they afford. 



The study of modern languages will not only unlock the rich 

 stores of knowledge contained in their literature ; it will better 

 prepare the student to understand and use our own language, and 

 thus answer one great end of classical studies. The practice of 

 translating from one language to another gives a facility in the 

 use of words. That style is best which comes freighted with the 

 richest thoughts, most clearly and purely expressed. Such a 

 style can only be secured by a thorough study of English litera- 

 ture and ihetorical practice. 



The higher mathematics both pure and mixed have such obvious 

 utility in their application to scientific investigation and to the 

 practical arts, while the effort put forth in the attainment of this 

 kind of knowledge is such an excellent discipline of the reasoning 

 powers, that all systems of education give a prominent place to 

 this important branch of study. Mental and moral sciences are 

 demanded as essential to a thorough course of education. We 

 should thoroughly understand the laws of our mental action, and 

 study those faculties on which the great Creator has placed his 

 own imprint. % 



Military instruction is also an important element of a thor- 

 ough education. Before the late civil war the study of military 

 tactics was entirely ignored in our institutions of learning, except 

 at the national academy at West Point. The extent of the igno- 

 rance which prevailed among our people in the art and science of 

 war was one of the strong inducements that led the conspirators 

 to engage in the great rebellion. This neglect and ignorance cost 

 our nation so much of humiliation, the loss of so many millions of 

 treasure, and so many precious lives, that there is now no doubt 

 of the expediency of the thorough military drill of all our educated 

 young men. 



The scheme of study adopted by the Trustees of the Maine 

 State College has made ample provision for all these great depart- 



