44 Classic Literature, 



But notwithstanding the declining state of clas- 

 sic literature during the eighteenth century, this 

 period was distinguished by a few events and cha- 

 racters which attracted considerable attention, 

 and which are worthy of being noticed in the pre- 

 sent sketch. 



The labours of learned men, during the age un- 

 der consideration, to facilitate the acquisition of 

 the Latin language, have been numerous and use- 

 ful. Dictionaries, Grammars •, and other similar 

 works have been executed on new and improved 

 plans, with great diligence, perseverance and suc- 

 cess. A number of scientific publications have 

 been made in this language, in various parts of 

 Europe, in the course of the century, which will 

 long remain monuments of the learning and taste 

 of the age. A few publications of this description 

 have been made in Great- Britain; but by far the 

 greater number on the continent of Europe. Well 

 executed and useful helps for acquiring the Greek 

 language have also been multiplied during the 

 eighteenth century, and have contributed to the de- 

 gree of cultivation which it received. 



Before the commencement of the eighteenth 

 century, it is believed, the Latin language was 

 always taught by means of grammars written in 

 the same language. In other words, a plan of 

 instruction was adopted which presupposed the 

 knowledge of that which was meant to be acquired. 

 This absurd custom subjected youth to unnecessary 

 labour, and burdened their memories with words 

 to them altogether unmeaning. In the course of 

 the century a considerable improvement in this 

 respect rook place. Grammars and Dictionaries 

 in the popular language became more common. 

 And what is worthy of remark, in this century, 

 a Lexicon for enabling those who understand no 

 other language than English, to acquire the know- 



