Account of the School of Arts of Edinburgh. 205 
tomed to observe all those restraints which are the marks of 
good breeding and good education in the more elevated ranks 
of societjy could have conducted themselves with more perfect 
propriety and decor udi.” 
The following year the plan of instruction was in some degree 
changed, it having been found that the attention of the students 
had been too much distracted by variety ; and that, in order to 
make the institution really useful, by conveying solid instruction 
to the mechanics, it was necessary to direct their whole attention 
to the acquisition of the elementary principles of chemistry and 
mechanical philosophy ; as these were quite sufficient for all the 
time they could bestow, and were the branches of science of 
most general application in the mechanical arts. The Directors 
obtained also this year the powerful assistance of Professor Leslie 
in digesting their plan of instruction ; and upon his suggestion a 
class was established for the higher brandies of Arithmetic, and 
the elements of Algebra and Geometry, with their application. 
Without this instruction it was obvious, that the students could 
derive very little benefit from the lectures on Mechanical Philo- 
sophy, and what was of still more importance, without the know- 
ledge of Algebra they could make no use of some of the most 
valuable works in the library. 
The course of instruction during the second year was, a lec- 
ture once a week upon Chemistry, once a week upon Mechani- 
cal Philosophy, and the Mathematical Class met twice a week. 
This plan has also been followed during the last year, and the 
Drawing Class and Library continue on the same plan as the 
first year. 
The Institution continues to gain ground in the estimation of 
those for whose benefit it was established, and it has now as- 
sumed all the characters of a regular seminary of instruction. 
It is supported by the fees of the students, and an annual sub- 
scription among the inhabitants of Edinburgh, and other friends 
of the institution. The management of its affairs is conducted 
by Eighteen Directors, chosen annually at a General Meeting 
of the Subscribers. Many of the details are managed by Com- 
mittees of the students themselves, appointed by the Directors, 
who act gratuitously, and are found to conduct the business en- 
trusted to them with great assiduity and skill. 
