i2*28 Classic Literature, [Chap. XIIL 



classic authors which were before unintelligible or 

 obscure. For these improvements we are chiefly 

 indebted to the critics of Great Britain, Germany, 

 and Holland. 



The labours of learned men, during the age 

 under consideration, to facilitate the acquisition of 

 the Latin language, have been numerous and use- 

 ful. Dictionaries^ GrammarSy and other similar 

 works, have been executed on new and improved 

 plans, Avith 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 appeared 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. 

 degree 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 m 

 the same language. In other words, a plan of in- 

 struction was adopted which presupposed the know- 

 ledge 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 took place. Grammars and Dictiojiarics. 

 in the .popular language became more common. 

 And, what is worthy. of remark in this century, 



