422 Edward Livingston Youmans. 



represents the present state of knowledge, and affords a 

 varied cultivation and a harmonious discipline, shall at 

 the same time best prepare for the responsible work of life. 

 For this the study of languages and mathematics is neces- 

 sary, but far from sufficient. Other sciences are to be sup- 

 plied and a curriculum framed, which, conforming to the 

 true logical order of subjects on the one hand, shall equally 

 conform to the order of unfolding the mental faculties on 

 the other, thus reaching an integral discipline through liv- 

 ing and applicable knowledge. 



There is great significance in the fact that the prevail- 

 ing higher culture is without a foundation. Professing to 

 devote itself exclusively to the moulding and evolution of 

 mind sinking knowledge itself into nothingness in com- 

 parison with this effect its method does not reach back to 

 those beginnings of culture which far outweigh in impor- 

 tance all subsequent action. And this is no trifling criticism 

 of that method. Is it possible for a truly philosophical 

 system of training the mental powers to have been organ- 

 ized for centuries in all the higher institutions, and not 

 have reacted with controlling power upon the processes of 

 primary instruction ? Here a true method must begin, and 

 here scientific education does begin. Commencing early, 

 and commencing with Nature, it lays the foundation of cul- 

 ture in the systematic exercise of the observing powers. 

 In childhood there is a vast capability of accumulating sim- 

 ple facts. The higher forms of mental activity not having 

 come into exercise, the whole plastic power of the brain is 

 devoted to the storing up of perceptions, while the vigour of 

 cerebral growth insures the highest intensity of mental ad- 

 hesiveness. The capability of grasping relations being low, 

 it makes but little difference at first what objects are pre- 

 sented to attention ; words or things, with meaning or with- 

 out, and in the most arbitrary order, stick readily in the 

 memory. Skilful guidance at this period is of the very 



