390 On Genius. 
TION may do much to render its subjects 
moral, intelligent and well informed; but, 
after all its efforts, there is a warmth and 
readiness of feeling—a glow of fancy—an 
energy of soul—which no art can bestow; 
and which, whatever shape the subsequent 
character may assume,—to whatever pursuits 
the mind may be directed—will remain un- 
changed, and indicate the child of Genius. 
NaTUuRE supplies the material; the hand of 
education and circumstance may chisel it 
into any form, but cannot alter the material 
itself. The habits of the mind are the result 
of education; nor does there seem much diffi- 
culty, when we consider the various influence 
of circumstances, in accounting for the varieties 
of character. But there is still a difference 
in the original power—the innate capacity— 
of the mind, which circumstances are inade- 
quate to explain, and the probable occasion 
of which has been suggested in the foregoing 
supposition. 
We have already mentioned quickness, 
variety and extensiveness of association, as 
characteristic of Genius; qualities which are 
the foundation of fancy and inyention. It 
may be shewn then, I conceive, how these 
several functions, or rather habits, of the 
mind are dependent on the strength of :those 
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