Rec.apitulaiion\ 305 



troduced during this period, and have contributed 

 greatly to extend the taste and the means of read* 

 -ing; and, finally, periodical publications, and a 

 variety of other small works, which might be pro- 

 cured at a trifling expense, and understood by 

 moderate capacities, or with little previous infor- 

 mation, broke down the large masses of science 

 and learning, presented their component materials 

 in small and convenient portions, and thus fitted 

 them to be received by every mind. 



9. But, notwithstanding the wonderful multi- 

 plication of books, the last century may with pro- 

 priety be styled THE AGE OF SUPERFICIAL LEARN- 

 ING. Emiditioiiy strictly so called, has been evi- 

 dently on the decline, from the commencement 

 of this period to its termination. The number of 

 readers, indeed, and of those who assume to them- 

 gelves the title of literary men, was doubtless far 

 greater at the close of the century than ever be- 

 fore, since reading was known : but the number 

 of the truly and profoundly learned was perhaps 

 never so small, in proportion to the whole number 

 who rank with men of letters and science. This 

 is probably owing, in a great measure, to the fol- 

 lowing circumstances. 



The artificial, luxurious, and dissolute character 

 of the age was not favourable to laborious and 

 patient study. Few can be expected to devote 

 themselves habitually to that kind of reading 

 which requires deep reflexion, and long-conti- 

 nued attention, amid the solicitations of com- 

 pany and pleasure, and the thousand dissipating 

 attractions which an age of refinement and of 

 greatly extended intercourse presents. 



Vol. in. X 



