260 THE CANADIAN NATURALIST. [Jan. 



information about the ordinary phenomena of nature, such as the 

 simple facts of astronomy, of geology, of physical geography, and 

 of elementary physiology. On the other hand, the scientific habit 

 of mind, which is the principal benefit resulting from scientific 

 training, and which is of incalculable value whatever be the 

 pursuits of after life, can better be attained by a thorough 

 knowledge of the facts and principles of one science, than by a 

 general acquaintance with what has been said or written about 

 many. Both of these should co-exist, we think, at any school 

 which professes to offer the highest liberal education ; and at every 

 school it will be easy to provide at least for giving some scientific 

 information. 



1. The subjects that we recommend for scientific information 

 as distinguished from training, should comprehend a general 

 description of the solar system ; of the form and physical geography 

 of the earth, and of such natural phenomena as tides, currents, 

 winds, and the causes that influence climate ; of the broad facts of 

 geology ; of elementary natural history, with especial reference 

 to the useful plants and animals ; and of the rudiments of physio- 

 logy. This is a kind of information which requires less preparation 

 on the part of the teacher ; and its effectiveness will depend on 

 his knowledge, clearness, method, and sympathy with his pupils. 

 Nothing will be gained by circumscribing these subjects by any 

 general syllabus ; they may safely be left to the discretion of the 

 masters who teach them. 



2. And for scientific truiuiuy we are decidedly of opinion that 

 the subjects which have paramount claims are experimental 

 physics, elementary chemistry, and botany. 



i. The science of experimental physics deals with subjects 

 which come within the range of everybody's experience. It 

 embraces the phenomena and laws of light, heat, sound, electricity 

 and magnetism, the elements of mechanics, aud the mechanical 

 properties of liquids and gases. The thorough knowledge of these 

 subjects includes the practical mastery of the apparatus employed 

 in their investigation. The study of experimental physics involves 

 the observation and collation of facts, and the discovery and 

 application of principles. It is both inductive and deductive. It 

 exercises the attention and the memory, but makes both of them 

 subservient to an intellectual discipline higher than either. The 

 teacher can so present his facts as to make them suggest the 

 principles which underlie them, while, once in possession of the 



