1 68 THOMAS HENRY HUXLEY 



sharp boundary. The subjects taken should include, — 

 reading and writing, drawing, the elements of physical 

 science, of morals, of politics and of sociology, also 

 EngUsh History (with incidental geography) taught in a 

 rational way. 



As to the aesthetic side, using the English language as 

 an instrument : — 



" If a man cannot get literary culture of the highest kind out 

 of his Bible, and Chaucer, and Shakespeare, and Milton, and 

 Hobbes, and Bishop Berkeley, to mention only a few of our 

 illustrious writers — I say, if he cannot get it out of those writers, 

 he cannot get it out of anything." 



Pupils should also be taught to use English, " with 

 precision, with force, and with art." Translations of 

 classical works might well be read. Music or painting 

 should be reserved for children of special faculty : — 



" With that outfit, an Englishman, within the limits of English 

 life, is fitted to go anywhere, to occupy the highest positions, to 

 fill the highest offices of State, and to become distinguished in 

 practical pursuits, in science, or in art." 



Latin and German are mentioned as desirable addi- 

 tionals, should the limitations of time permit. 



Beyond the essential and eminently desirable subjects, 

 let each take up some special line which appeals more 

 particularly to him. 



The Medical Acts Commission, of which the object 

 was to suggest how best to adjust the numerous possible 

 qualifications, reported this year. It recommended 

 Divisional Boards for the three Kingdoms, which would 

 be concerned with the registration and final examination 

 of students, successful candidates for the latter to be 

 licensed by the General Medical Council, to be elected 

 by the Boards themselves. No provision made for the 



