COMMO.N IHIXGS. 237 



but we pass them by. In making* an estimate of this course of educa- 

 tion amongst the Spaitans, it must be admitted that it accomplished the 

 purposes for which it was intended ; so far it may be regarded as deserv- 

 ing our commendation. As a means to a proposed end, we must admit 

 that it reflects great honor on its autlior. But the question that is most 

 important to determine is, did it accomplish what is most necessarv in 

 the education of man.'' Was it based on correct views of the human 

 constitution, the design of our Creator in placing us here, and the high- 

 est interests of man ^ When examined in this way, although we cannot 

 refuse to it some commendation, we must pronounce it vitally defective 

 considered as a \vhole. It made hardy, brave soldiers, patriots, and good 

 citizens, but it did not produce philosophers, and poets, and historians. 

 It did not, it is true, aim at these things, and therefore we should not 

 look for them, but was it not a great defect that it did not aim at what 

 contributes so much to exalt human nature, and to confer lasting benefits 

 upon the race of man .'' We admire their devotion to truth, their hatred 

 of falsehood. No virtue is more necessary to man than this. Without 

 it, the social edifice cannot stand ; without it, human happiness is at an 

 end. 



COMMON THI-VGS, NO. IV. 



The four modes by which the decomposition of organized matter 

 may be retarded or prevented, are the chemical changes of the azotised 

 substances, the abstraction of oxygen, reduction of temperature, and ab- 

 straction of water. 



1. The chemical change of the nitrogenised substance may be ef- 

 fected by heat, acids, tannin, volatile oils, earthy and metallic salts, as 

 has been explained. 



2. As putrefaction cannot proceed without the presence of oxygen, 

 any mode by which the absorption of this gas can be effected will fur- 

 nish the means of arresting or preventing decomposition. It is not suf- 

 ficient, however, to remove the oxygen from the air which surrounds 

 the body, that which is diffused through the body itself must be expell- 

 ed, as this is sufficient generally to excite fermentation. 



The easiest way of effecting tliis expulsion is by a moderate heat 

 which removes a large part of the air and leaves the rest in a condition 

 less liable to change. 



Oxygenation may also be prevented and de-oxygenation sometimes 

 effected by contact with substances having a strong affinity for this gas. 

 Chemistry furnishes us with the names of several : amongst them sul- 

 phurous acid is perhaps the most smiple and efficacious, and it can easily 



