92 NATURE STUDY. 



absorbed ; " actual," real, as distinguished from theo- 

 retical ; " experience," " practical acquaintance by per- 

 sonal observation," " continued and varied observation," 

 "personal trial and experiment." 



How much of the stock of information possessed by 

 the pupils in our schools will stand the test of these 

 definitions of knowledge? How much is "clear and 

 certain perception " ? How much is " familiarity gained 

 by actual experience " ? 



In the third place, elementary science is knowledge 

 classified or studied in its relations, arranged and 

 grouped by the children. Isolated facts of observa- 

 tion may be knowledge, they may be " clear and cer- 

 tain perceptions," but they are not science, they are not 

 classified. Until these facts are related and grouped 

 they are of comparatively little value to the mind. 

 Unless they are tied up in assorted bundles, the mind 

 that possesses them may be little more than a men- 

 tal junk-shop. When they are properly related and 

 grouped, each perception suggests a host of related 

 ideas, each fact or group of facts becomes typical of 

 the great class to which it belongs. 



Later we will discuss the various relations in which 

 our physical environment can be considered. 



To recapitulate, elementary science is: 



1st. Elementary, adapted in aim, plan, methods, and 

 materials to the capacities and needs of the children 

 in the elementary schools. 



2d. Knowledge, "clear and certain perception," "fa- 

 miliarity gained by actual experience." 



