1868.] SCIENTIFIC EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS. 257 



BRITISH ASSOCIATION. 



SCIENTIFIC EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS. 

 xMr. Griffith read the report which had been prepared by the 

 Committee on this subject, the members of which were: — The 

 general officers of the Association, the Trustees, the Rev. F. W. 

 Farrar, M.A.,F.R.S., the Rev. T.N. Hutchinson, M.A., Pro- 

 fessor Huxley, F.R.S., Mr. Payne, Professor Tyndall, F.R.S., 

 and Mr. J. M. Wilson, M.A. 



1. A demand for the introduction of science into the modern 

 system of education has increased so steadily during the last few 

 years, and has received the approval of so many men of the highest 

 eminence in every rank and profession, and especially of those who 

 have made the theory and practice of education their study, that 

 it is impossible to doubt the existence of a general, and even 

 national, desire to facilitate the acquisition of some scientific 

 knowledge by boys at our public and other schools. 



2. We point out that there is already a general recognition of 

 science as an element in liberal education. It is encouraged to a 

 greater or less degree by the English, Scottish, and Irish Universi- 

 ties ; it is recognized as an optional study by the College of Pre- 

 ceptors ; it forms one of the subjects in the local examinations of 

 Oxford and Cambridge ; and it has even been partially introduced 

 into several public schools. We have added an appendix containing 

 information on some of these points. But the means at present used 

 in our schools and universities for making this teaching effective, 

 are, in our opinion, capable of great improvement. 



3. That general education in schools ought to include some 

 training in science is an opinion that has been strongly urged on 

 the following grounds : — 



1. As providing the best disciptiue in the observation and col- 

 lection of facts, in the combination of inductive with deductive 

 reasoning, and in accuracy both of thought and language. 



2. Because it is found in practice to remedy some of the defects 

 of ordinary school education. Many boys on whom the ordinary 

 school studies produce very slight effect, are stimulated and im- 

 proved by instruction in science ; and it is found to be a most 

 valuable element in the education of those who show special 

 aptitude for literary culture. 



Yol. III. Q .No. 4. 



