x PREFACE. 



menced with greater facility, in consequence of 

 the early training ; and every incidental reference 

 to these subjects, which conversation or litera- 

 ture may present, will be more readily seized, 

 and more clearly comprehended. And may it 

 not be anticipated, that through the judicious 

 introduction of these branches of education into 

 our schools, the latent powers of genius may be 

 kindled, and talents elicited that shall push 

 forward the limits of science,* and force the 

 Proteus nature to reveal still more of her secret 

 truths ? 



C. MAYO. 



Cheam, June 15, 1832. 



* In confirmation of this idea it may be stated, that a very 

 ingenious improvement of the dissecting microscope, which has 

 merited a reward from the Society of Arts, has been invented 

 by a very young person brought up on these principles. I 

 have the more unmixed pleasure and honest pride in mention- 

 ing this fact, as it refers not to a pupil of my own, but to one 

 educated at Stanmore. 



