EDUCATION. 93 



Another kindred improvement, is the system of mutual instruc- 

 tion ; introduced, in 1797, by Rev. Dr. Bell, who borrowed it from the 

 natives of Madras, in Hindoostan ; and in the promulgation of which 

 he was greatly aided by Mr. Lancaster. By employing the advanced 

 pupils to instruct the younger, under the careful inspection of the 

 Superintendent, it imparts the greatest possible amount of knowledge, 

 where there is a deficiency of teachers. We have no room to de- 

 scribe the national systems of education, in Prussia, France, Scotland, 

 and other European countries ; or even in the different states of our 

 own republic ; but would refer, for information concerning the former, 

 to the recent and able report of Prof. Bache, on Education in Europe ; 

 a like report to which, on American Education, is still a desideratum. 



We proceed to consider the branch of Education, under the heads 

 of Physical, Intellectual, Secular, and Religious ; concluding with 

 some brief views of Public Education, as compared with Private, 

 and the provisions required for its support. 



1. Physical Education, includes the instruction and supervi- 

 sion which are required for the health, strength, and developement of 

 the body ; depending on the principles of Anatomy, Physiology and 

 Hygienics ; the study of which in full belongs to the department of 

 Androphysics. We can here only allude to the effects of air, tempe- 

 rature, clothing, cleanliness, diet, exercise, rest, and regular and pro- 

 per habits, on our physical wellbeing. The air which we breathe, 

 yields oxygen to the blood ; without which, life would soon become 

 extinct ; as in cases of drowning, or suffocation. The oxygen of 

 the air, is partly exhausted by the first breathing, and still more by 

 a second and third : hence the absolute necessity of pure and fresh 

 air, to preserve health and life. Confinement in a close room, espe- 

 cially in a crowd, or with a close fire, is a frequent cause of debility 

 and disease ; and its effect soon becomes visible upon the countenance, 

 as well as the feelings, of the person thus confined. If the weather 

 be not too damp and cold, it is doubtless better that children should 

 pass much of their time in the open air. 



The temperature which children require, varies with their constitu- 

 tion ; but, generally, we think it best that they should be frequently 

 exposed to as great extremes as they can safely bear : the effect being 

 to make them more hardy and vigorous. The limits of safety will 

 vary much with their constitution and habits ; for the same exposure 

 which would be beneficial to one, might be injurious or fatal to an- 

 other. Their clothing should of course be adapted to the tempera- 

 ture ; and not too tight. Neither should it be too warm ; but yet 

 warm enough to guard them against being chilled, by sudden changes 

 of the weather; especially when they are fatigued, or perspiring 

 freely. On this account, flannel is preferable for the underdress ; 

 while it is less dangerous in case of its taking fire. Personal clean- 

 liness, and frequent bathing, are also important ; in promoting the 

 insensible perspiration, so necessary to health. 



The diet, should be such as is easily digestible ; neither too coarse, 

 nor too dainty. On this subject more will be said, in treating of Hy- 

 gienics : but whatever be the diet, it should be taken at regular inter- 

 vals, and never in excess. Exercise, is no less essential to the 



