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boundless. The organs of animals adapted to their convenience and preservation: illustrated by the formation of the eye. Prospect of the dominion of man over the inferior animals. Some parts of the creation apparently inconsistent with the benevolence of nature, and yet may be reconciled to her general economy. P. 88-111.

CHAP. V.

THE SUBJECT CONTINUED.

The connecting links of the chain of animals and vegetables. An inquiry into their analogy leads to the science of botany. Its nature. The sexual system was established, not discovered by Linnæus. The structure of plants. Local usefulness of particular vegetables. The prospects of vegetable nature highly gratifying as a subject of taste. Mineralogy. Chemistry. The works of nature raise the mind to the consideration of their great author. Concluding address to the Supreme Being. P: 111-147.

CLASS V.

POLITE LITERATURE AND THE FINE ARTS.

CHAP. I.

TASTE.

Definition of taste. Its principles are implanted in every mind distinguished by good sense. Taste is capable of high cultivation. Its proper limits and standard. Individuals, as well as nations, improve their taste, in proportion to the progress of knowledge and refinement. P. 148-168.

CHAP. II.

THE SUBJECT CONTINUED.

The character of a critic who is a man of taste. Exam. ples: Horace, Quintilian, Vida, Addison, Spence, Lowth, the

Wartons, Gray, Reynolds, Winkelman.

The chief provinces

of taste: I Music. II. Painting. III. Poetry. The beauties The pleasures which result from the exercise P. 169-193.

of the classics.

of a refined taste.

CLASS VI.

THE SOURCES OF OUR NATIONAL PROSPERITY, &c.

CHAP. I.

AGRICULTURE.

Has been esteemed an object of great importance by distinguished persons both in ancient and modern times. Eminent writers upon the subject: Hesiod, Xenophon, &c. It has been most flourishing in the soil of liberty. Gradually improved as old errors have been exploded, and new experiments tried, and adopted. The best method of forming general principles upon this subject. Population is limited by the means of subsistence. The character and relative importance of the husbandman. The general advantages of agriculture: Its superiority to commerce as a source of national good, and permanent power. P. 194-210.

CHAP. II.

THE SUBJECT CONTINUED.

The state of Agriculture in England compared with that of France, Ireland, and America. Causes of the superiority of England. Plans of farther improvement suggested. All other arts are inferior in point of utility to that of causing the earth to bring forth a copious produce for the support of mankind. P. 211-224.

CHAP. III.

COMMERCE.

The extensive prospect of industry exerted in every part of Great Britain excites our curiosity to inquire into, I. The advan

merce.

tages. II. The principles. III. The comparative state of comThe natural advantages of the island of Great-Britain as a commercial country have been gradually improved by great public works. The influence of commerce upon agriculture. Character of the English merchant. The methods which have been adopted for the promotion of commerce. A comparison between the present and former state of England proves the beneficial effects of commerce. The obstacles opposed to its farther improvement may be removed. Great Britain superior to most countries in the requisite means for a widely extended P. 224-249.

commerce.

CHAP. IV.

FOREIGN TRAVEL.

Its chief advantages. The qualifications necessary for a gentleman who visits foreign countries. The curiosities of his own island to be previously viewed. Bad effects of going abroad too young. Haste in passing through different countries, and ignorance of foreign languages censured. Eminent modern travellers; Gray, Howard, Sir Joseph Banks, Sir William Hamilton, Moore, Young. The traveller gratifies his taste by treading on classic ground. He visits places celebrated in the writings, and distinguished by the actions of the ancients. He views the ancient and modern specimens of the fine arts: architecture, sculpture, medals, pictures, books. He investi. gates the state of government, religion, commerce, agriculture, &c. and remarks their combined effects upon the manners, customs, and prosperity of nations. The general result of his travels shown by their beneficial influence upon his opinions and conduct. P. 249-274.

CHAP. V.

THE PROFESSIONS.

Classical learning and the elements of science and philosophy are highly beneficial to those who do not follow a profession, as well as afford the only solid foundation for professional knowledge. The attainments requisite for, I. The barrister. II. The physician. III. The clergyman.

P. 274.

THE CONCLUDING CHAPTER.

Final exhortations to the improvement of the faculties of
the mind, and the acquirement of useful knowledge, arising
chiefly from the circumstances of the present times.

P. 304-320.

SUPPLEMENT TO CLASS II, CHAPTER II. VOL. I.

On the propriety of learning the English language as an in-
troduction to foreign languages.
P. 320-324.

END OF THE GENERAL TABLE OF CONTENTS.

THE INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.

Levia quidem hæc, et parvi forte si per se spectentur momenti; sed EX ELEMENTIS constant, ex principiis oriuntur omnia; et ex judicii consuetudine in rebus minutis adhibita, pendet sæpissimè etiam in maximis vera atque accurata Scientia.

CLARKE PRAEF. IN ILIAD.

To separate some of the most useful and the most beautiful parts from the great mass of human knowledge; to arrange them in such regular order, that they may be inspected with ease, and varied at pleasure; and to recommend them to the careful examination of 'young men who are studiously disposed, constitute the design of the author of this work.

It is likewise his object to make the most useful to pics of literature familiar and easy to general readers, who have not had the advantage of a learned education.

The more he reflects upon the PRESENT STATE OF SOCIETY, the VARIOUS FACULTIES of the mind, and the GREAT ADVANTAGES which arise from acquiring an AMPLE FUND OF VALUABLE IDEAS, the more he is convinced of the utility of engaging in the pursuit of general knowledge, as far as may be consistent with professional views, and particular situations in life.

The custom has prevailed of late years, much more than it did formerly, of introducing young men at an

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