MATHEMATICAL STUPIES. 13 



LESSON 7. 



Usefulness of Mathematical Studies. 



Ax'ioms, maxims, self-evident propositions. 

 Anal'ogy, resemblance — see Hedge's or Jamieson's Logic. 

 Phys'ics, natural philosophy, or the doctrine of natural bodies, 

 their various appearances, affections, motions, operations, &c. 



Of all the sciences which serve to call forth the spirit of 

 enterprise and inquiry, there is none more eminently useful 

 than mathematics. By an early attachment to these elegant 

 and sublime studies we acquire a habit of reasoning, and an 

 elevation of thought, which fixes the mind, and prepares it 

 for every other pursuit. From a few simple axioms, and 

 evident principles, we proceed gradually to the most general 

 propositions, and remote analogies : deducing one truth from 

 another in a chain of argument well connected and logically 

 pursued ; which brings us at last, in the most satisfactory 

 manner, to the conclusion, and serves as a general direction 

 in all our inquiries after truth. 



Mathematical learning is likewise equally estimable for its 

 practical utility. Almost all the works of art and devices of 

 man, have a dependence upon its principles, and are indebt- 

 ed to it for their origin and perfection. The cultivation of 

 these admirable sciences is therefore a thing of the utmost 

 importance, and ought to be considered as a principal part 

 of every well regulated plan of education. They are the 

 guide of our youth, the perfection of our reason, and the 

 foundation of every great and noble undertaking. 



Mathematics are very properly recommended as the best 

 remedy to cure an unsteady and volatile disposition. They 

 teach us to reason in a clear and methodical manner. They 

 give a manly vigour to our understanding, and free us from 

 doubt and uncertainty on the one hand, and credulity and 

 rash presumption on the other. These studies are calcu- 

 lated to teach exactness and perspicuity in definition, con- 

 nexion and conclusiveness in argument, carefulness in ob- 

 servation, patience in meditation ; and from no exercises can 

 ihe scholar go better prepared and disciplined to the pursuit 

 of the higher branches of knowledge. The benefit to be 

 derived from them is thus stated by Mr. Locke : " I have 

 mentioned mathematics as a way to settle in the mind a 

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