BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. 361 



CHAPTER X. 



Various Powers of Mind. Strengthened by Exercise. Education 

 adapted to Powers. Education of Children. Mind cannot be 

 prematurely strengthened. Action of Brain needs Attention to 

 other Organs. 111 Health of Students. 



832. It is plain that there are various faculties of the 

 mind, or the mind has power of application to various pur- 

 poses ; and the commonest observation will show that these 

 faculties are not equally strong in all persons. As the mus- 

 cular strength is unequally distributed to the several limbs, 

 so the mental and moral power is unequally distributed to 

 the several faculties of different persons. Thus one man is 

 strong for one purpose and weak for another. He may have 

 a genius for mathematics, but little power to comprehend 

 languages. He may excel in music, painting, or mechanics; 

 he may be a skilful machinist or financier, and make great 

 proficiency in any one of these subjects, while, in all others, 

 he may not be above the average of men. In regard to 

 these, as well as all other subjects to which the human mind 

 is applied, there is a great difference in the mental power of 

 men. This difference is partly native, and partly the re- 

 sult of education. 



833. As the phyiical powers grow and become strong by 

 proper use and exercise, and as any one of these becomes 

 stronger than the others if it is more used than they are, so 

 the mental and moral powers may be strengthened by similar 

 means. All proper education is progressive, and is adapted 

 to the state of the brain and mind which are to be educated. 

 It begins with the strength and knowledge already acquired, 

 and uses these as the means of acquiring more. Perfect edu- 

 cation brings forth and strengthens all the mental and moral 

 faculties, and gives them equal power. If these are original- 

 ly unequal, they will require unequal care and exercise for 

 their development. This plan of education of the various 

 powers is also adapted to the natural order of their appear- 



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