LANCASTER, Joseph. Improvements in Education 1803

7/30/2019 LANCASTER, Joseph. Improvements in Education 1803

1/22

IMPROVEMENTS

IN

EDUCATION,

AS IT RESPECTS THE

INDUSTRIOUS CLASSESOF THE

COMMUNITY:

CONTAINING,

A SHORT ACCOUNT OF ITS PRESENT STATE, HINTS TOWARDS ITSIMPROVEMENT,

AND A DETAIL OF

SOME PRACTICAL EXPERIMENTS CONDUCIVE TO THAT END.

By JOSEPH LANCASTER,

London:

PRINTED AND SOLD BY DARTON AND HARVEY, GRACE-CHURCH-STREET; J.MATHEWS, STRAND 5 AND W. HATCHARD, PICCADILLY.

1803

INTRODUCTION.

THE rich possess ample means to realize any theory they may chuse to adopt in theeducation of their children, regardless of the cost; but it is not so with him whose

Subsistence is derived from industry. Attention to this as a primary object, ignorance, andincapacity, often prevent his having proper views on the important subject of education,

and when he has, slender resources as often prevent their being reduced to practice; yet,among this class of men, are found many who are not only useful members, but ornaments

of society: and from the labours of these it is, that the public derive the conveniences, and

many of the comforts of life: but while they are toiling for the production of those comforts,their children are left destitute of a suitable education. Therefore, it has long beenacknowledged, that education, as it respects those who are unprovided with it, ought tobecome a national concern: and this has been so long the public opinion, that no doubt it

would have become so, had not a mere pharasaical sectmaking spirit intervened to preventit; and that in every party.


2/22

A system of education, which would not gratify this disposition in any party, is requisite, in

order to obviate the difficulty, and the reader will find a something said to that purpose inperusing this tract.When I view the desolating effects produced amongst the

unprotected and unbefriended orders of society, what shall I say? Alas! my brethren and

fellow Christians, of every denomination, you have been contending whose influenceshould be greatest in society, while a national benefit has been lost, and the poor objects ofit become a prey to vice, to an extent, that all your praiseworthy, but partial benevolence,

can never repair. A national evil requires a national remedy; let not this any longer bedelayed: let your minds expand, free from every narrow principle, and let the public good

become the sole object of your united Christian efforts.

Above all things, education ought not be made subservient to the propagation of thepeculiar tenets of any sect, beyond its own number; it then becomes undue influence, like

the strong taking advantage of the weak; and yet, a reverence for the sacred name of Godand the scriptures of Truth, a detestation of vice, a love of veracity, a due attention to duties

to parents, relations, and to society: carefulness to avoid bad company, civility withoutflattery, and a peaceable demeanor, may be inculcated in every seminary for youth, without

violating the sanctuary of private religious opinion in any mind.

When obedience to the Divine precepts keeps pace with knowledge, in the mind of any

man, that man is a Christian; and when the fruits of Christianity are produced, that man is adisciple of our blessed Lord, let his profession of religion be what it may. The propagation

of this knowledge, and the production of those fruits, increase the number of trueChristians, which is far better than the increase of party to any extent; and, at the fame time,

proves beneficial to society, in the improved principles and conduct of its members; and inprivate life, by the steadiness and amiable disposition of parents, masters, and children,

who are influenced by its mild and benignant precepts.

Impressed with these sentiments, I feel a wish, as every friend to mankind must, that namesmay perish, but truth prosper.

IMPROVEMENTSIN

EDUCATION.

IN THREE PARTS.

PART I,

An introductory Account of the State of those Schools in which the Children of Mechanics,&c. are generally educated.


3/22

INITIATORY SCHOOLS.

THESE are a description of schools that abound in every poor neighbourhood aboutLondon: they are frequented by boys and girls, indiscriminately, few of them above seven

years of age: the mistress is frequently the wife of some mechanic, induced to undertakethis task, from a desire to increase a scanty income, or to add to her domestic comforts. Thesubjects of tuition are comprised in reading and needlework. The number of children that

attend a School of this class is very fluctuating, and seldom exceeds thirty; their pay veryuncertain. Disorder, noise, &c. seem more the characteristic of these schools, than the

improvement of the little ones who attend them.

These unpleasant circumstances effectually prevent schools of this kind being opened bymany females, who possess abilities and goodness of heart. While this is the cafe, the

public will easily conceive the state they must consequently be in, and the small degree ofadvantage which can possibly result to the poor children who attend them.

From the information I possess, I could easily heighten the colouring of this view; but itwould only exhibit the fame objects in different degrees of shade, which I deem needless,

as the evil in each is nearly similar, bearing the fame features, if not a perfect likeness. Letus turn from the disgusting scenefrom these graves of genius, even in its cradle; let us

fee what they would be under proper regulations, which, modified, and carried into effectby prudent hands, would soon direct the public attention to them, as institutions pregnant

with real usefulness. It is very evident, that by the excellent modes of preparatoryeducation, (frequent in the more respectable circles,) much invaluable time is saved, and the

foundation of instruction so well laid, that when the pupil is removed to a superior school,much of the drudgery of education is over, and the pupil being ready formed to the master's

hand, to good order and prompt obedience, his future progress is considerably accelerated.

Why not realize this idea among the poor? Why should not they partake of its benefits?Iam an advocate for this class of schools; (women generally manage them,) the female heart

is so well qualified, by its tenderness, to feel for, to sympathise with, the innocent childrenwho attend these schools, at so early an age, that they cannot be placed under better care.

The infancy of their pupils requires a combination of the school and nursery, and theseschools answer that description, when under proper management: for, to those who are just

beginning to sip of learning's stream, its pleasant draughts should not be embittered bystern-browed severity.

But it is of peculiar importance to the poor, that these schools should be better regulated, asmany children of that class have no education but what they obtain in them, and that at anearly age, when totally unfit for other employ: to these, it is of consequence that they

should acquire all the knowledge they can while there, for many poor children never obtaina second opportunity.Frequently their parents are so circumstanced that they must place

them out to work as soon as they are fit for it, and then farewell to school, to whichsome would never have been sent, had they been fit for any thing else. It is of consequence


4/22

to all children, that no time should be spent without improvement, whether they ever attend

school afterwards or not. It is of advantage in another point of view: the sober, steady, poorman, cheerfully unites with the endeavours of the benevolent, for his childrens' welfare: but

there are others, so insensible to all idea of gratitude, that they indignantly spurn the

proffered benefit. This mostly happens when their children are able to assist them at work:but when they are too young for work, and are apt to be troublesome at home, their tenderage requires a nurse; but nothing can be devised by their parents as a substitute for one, but

fending them to an initiatory school, where they are taken care of at a small expence. Thisis, perhaps, the only opportunity that presents for their instruction during life. Their parents

are of the lowest class, by conduct as well as poverty: and would sooner fend them to apackthread ground, or other nursery for vice, where their minds are in danger of ruin, for

the fake of trifling present gain, than to school, where their morals might be formed aright,and they trained to future usefulness, to themselves, and to the community. Being thus

destitute of principle, at another period of their children's age they would, most likely,spurn the offers of benevolence: but when so young, necessity dictates that they be sent to

school. To those, therefore, who have no other opportunity of education, their propermanagement is of the greatest importance. At the early age at which such children are sent,

their manners are particularly innocent and engaging, of course their parent's affectionflows in copious streams, and a hope for the future good of their offspring, held out at such

a seasonable time, might induce them to fix them at school, and thus preserve their moralsand innocence. I think I am warranted in my conclusion, from the passions of the human

heart: the expectation of Good, is denominated Hope; the expectation of Evil is called Fear;and the prospect of either, exceeds the possession of the object desired, or the probation

dreaded. I believe this observation will apply to human nature universally, but in particularto objects whose only friend is Charity. It may easily double the good intended to be

produced, without increasing the expence. I conceive, the improvement children make inthese schools Would be greatly increased by their being placed under good regulations,

supplied with proper mistresses, to whom encouragement might be extended according tomerit, also to the scholars, by the fame rule. They might be animated to learn reading,

writing on slates, and some small portion of arithmetic, at a very early age.

I recommend these three objects to be pursued in conjunction: nothing conduces so much togood order, or so effectually prevents the natural vivacity of children from becoming

troublesome in school, as the active employment of every boy in it. This liveliness,combined with the usual waste of time, makes these schools disgusting scenes of noise and

riot. When the attention of children is occupied, quietness unavoidably follows, and thatwithout the aid of rigour to enforce it.

The proposed plan of reformation will fill its proper place in a succeeding page; this is onlya brief account of the nature of these schools, which I conceive to be so numerous about

London, as to contain an aggregate of several thousand children: but I cannot close thisintroduction, without calling the public attention to a distinct, and almost friendless part of

the community. I mean the poor children who are in parish workhouses, who are oftenfriendless, and immured in those receptacles of poverty, depression, and vice; without

education and without hope; children, for whom it may be said, the fun never shines: to


5/22

whom curses and ill treatment are too often substitutes for parental smiles, or maternal care.

How often have I viewed you, ye poor oppressed children, when pacing, with solemn stepsand downcast eye, along the streets to a place of public worship! How has the fettled

gloom of unhappiness, visible on some of your countenances, attracted my sorrowful

attention, and forced from my eyes the unavailing tears of pity?

And you, ye guardiansof the poor, who have families of your own, how is it you do not feel for these? Fromwhom had they their spirits? Whose workmanship are they? How will you appear before

the Judge of quick and dead, under a sense of your neglect? And, how is it possible, ifyou possess common sense, that you can lull your consciences so quietly to sleep, while

you feast and riot on the portion of the poor? How can you dare to appear before those whoknow your misconduct? But it cannot be helped: some men have frontlets of brass!

Is it not a horrid thing, that the enormous sum of millions sterling, should swell the amount

of our poor's rate and chanties, and yet the poor children be deprived (with some fewexceptions) of even an initiatory share of education, and of almost any attention to their

morals whatever.

As a citizen of the world, and a friend of mankind, actuated by no sectarian motives in my

conduct, but animated by the love of my country, I see, with regret, her noble hearted sons,madly pursuing wealth, and grasping at gain, almost to perdition's door. Are not virtue,

integrity, and offices of brotherly kindness, the source of all the comforts we derive fromsocial intercourse?Are not religion, knowledge, and good morals, the very bands of

society?Why then so eager in the pursuit of riches? and why not rather pay thatattention to the infant poor, which their wants requires? I wish the enormous wealth of our

country may neither prove a scourge to mankind, nor a canker-worm to destroy her ownbowels.

Was the one thousandth part of that care, which is daily bestowed in attaining the fine gold,

which may "become dim," or the garment that is liable to be moth-eaten, only given toimprove the welfare of the rising generation! by giving them a guarded education, that

would early form their minds to virtue, how should we flourish? how would the trueancient spirit of hospitality and mutual good will revive amongst us, and our nation become

as a nation of virtuous brethren!

"Full many a gem of purest ray serene, The dark unfathom'd caves of ocean bear; Fullmany a flower is born to blush unseen, And waste its sweetness on the desert air."

SECOND CLASS OF SCHOOLS.

THE masters of these are often the refuse of superior schools, and too often of society atlarge. The pay and number of scholars are alike low and fluctuating; of course there is little

encouragement for steady men, either to engage, or continue in this line: it being impossibleto keep school, defray its expences, and do the children regular justice, without a regular

income. Eventually, many schools, respectable in better times, are abandoned to men of any


6/22

character, who use as much chicane to fill their pockets as the most despicable pettifogger.

Writing books, &c. scribbled through; whole pages filled with scrawls, to hasten thedemand for fresh books. These schools are chiefly attended by the children of artificers,

&c. whose pay fluctuates with their employ: and is too often withheld by bad principle.

Debts are often contracted that do not exceed a shilling, then the parents remove theirchildren from school, and never pay it: the smallness of the sum proving an effectual bar toits rerecovery: the trouble and loss of time being worse than the loss of money in the first

instance. It is to be regretted, that some especial act of the legislature has not effectuallysecured the pay of the teachers of youth, that they might be secure of having that bread, for

which they have laboured with almost unceasing toil.

The complaint of bad pay, and difficulty in obtaining it, is almost generally reiteratedthrough every department of education. It operates powerfully to depress and discourage

the energy of the teacher's mind: in particular, when (as is commonly the case,) much ofthat part of the business of school, which is merely mechanical, falls on the master's

shoulders: it becomes indeed, laborious, with the addition of a poor consolation, that, it isworse paid for than any other employ in London.

When a man settles himself to this line as an employ, his prospects are often bounded forlife. A merchant may extend his dealings, a tradesman may increase his customers, but the

teacher's income depends solely upon the number of his scholars. If he is a just man, heought not to exceed a certain number, without assistance in tuition of some kind. Here then

is the ne plus ultra of his expectations, which prove as remote from what they ought to be,as the pillars of Hercules are from the Pacific Ocean. It is not much to be wondered at, if

these discouraging circumstances often produce deviations from strict rectitude, whereprinciple is not deeply rooted in the mind, which prove very oppressive to parents and

scholars; as, in some instances, permitting the boys to write five or six copies in anafternoon, obviously, that more books may be bought of the master, to his profit, &c. In

some schools the pens are scarcely ever mended, and, in general, the poor children aremuch stinted in this article. It is very essential to their improvement, that their pens should

be good: and it operates on their minds in a very discouraging manner when otherwise. Iam credibly informed, that some masters use pinions in their rough state, neither dutched

nor clarified; of course they split up, with teeth like a saw, and write just as well. Suchconduct deserves severe reprehension, and admits of no excuse, except the poverty that

sometimes occasions it. I have seen writing books, in which it was plain the poor boy hadnot had one good pen in twenty copies. The reader, who is sensible of the advantage which

arises to learners from a plentiful supply of good pens, will easily conceive howdiscouraging this must be. But encouragement of any kind is seldom adopted from

principle, or any other motive, in this class of schools.

Some teachers plead for the lash, the only proper governing medium of well regulatedseminaries, in their estimation , and that with as much zeal as the partizans of Robespierre

did for the guilotine. Indeed, I am sometimes inclined to doubt whether some men consideryouth as rational and intelligent beings, with minds capable of expansion, and talents

formed for usefulness. It is a natural inference, from their obvious conduct, that this must


7/22

be the case; or, at least, if by strange mischance, such a thought did steal into their heads, it

was looked at as carefully as an artful lawyer looks at an old musty title deed, with ajealous eye, and then replaces it carelessly on the same shelf, to gather dust for succeeding

generations. But to return to the subjectThe desks children write at are often badly

suited for that purpose, the school rooms close and confined, and almost all theaccommodations unfit for the purpose. Independent of the bad effects such places produceon the children's health, many having to date the ruin of their constitutions from

confinement therein, the drunkenness of a school-master is almost proverbial. Those whomean well, are not able to do so: poverty prevents it; and the number of teachers, who are

men of liberal minds, are few; yet, not being sensible of the incalculable advantages arisingfrom system and order, it is no wonder if it is at a very low ebb among them. The poor

parent often becomes sensible that something is amiss, but knows not what; and, inducedby this motive, hurries his child from one school to another frequently, and thereby makes

bad worse: and is eventually disappointed as much as ever. The want of system and order isalmost uniform in every class of schools within the reach of the poor, whose indifferent

attainments at school, often arise as much from equal impatience and unsettled dispositionin their parents, as deficiency of care in the masters, or want of order in their schools. In

fact, there is little encouragement for masters, parents, or scholars: and, while this is thecase, it is no wonder that ignorance prevails among the poor. Is it strange, that the chariot

wheels move heavily, when clogged with mire and dirt? I am aware, that a schoolmastermust be a very drudge, who seriously endeavours to discharge his duty, and has the chief

burthen of a large school resting on himself solely; and hence that disgust which arises inthe minds of many against this employ, and that unwillingness the upright man feels to

enter into a profession which bears an unpleasant prospect of toilsome labour, above hisstrength to support, however useful.But why should it be so? Why the education of

youth a more unpleasant employ than one, in which the individual is connected andsurrounded with dull inanimate objects? What can be more agreeable, more amiable, or

pleasing, than a large school of orderly and docile youth, whose minds are daily expandingby their own efforts, under a master's paternal care. The disgust that has arisen in some

minds against school-keeping, as a toilsome employ, applies not to a school conducted by aregular system, but is the consequence of that disorder which is so very prevalent in

schools; and the natural effect of the whole responsibility and care resting on the master;who, without method and order in the daily management of his school, is perplexed and

harassed like a bull baited by dogs.

The mental powers of boys are similiar to those of men; but in embryo. The samestimulus that animates men to action, will have a proportionate effect on juvenile minds.

"The hope of reward sweetens labour," and the prospect of something to be attained infuture, is very pleasant to the human mind: no man, or class of men are more useful to

society, or rendered more happy by their labours, than those whose hopes depend solely ontheir own exertions. In proportion as this expectation increases, so does exertion keep pace

with it, almost beyond conception. The very nature of expectation, is to operate as a wire-drawing machine to human industry. In proportion as this sweetener of human toil is

intermingled in our cup, so do we remit, or increase, our activity. Would the merchanttrade, the mariner toil, or the husbandman plough, without the hope of profit, port, or


8/22

harvest?Every man has a stimulus to action, which varies with his prospects of

retribution; and it is not in the power of our minds to conceive a more unhappy being, thanhe who has no wants; whose wishes are completely gratified, or evidently incapable of

gratificationsuch a being desponds from mere listlessness. To be destitute of hope,

either from repletion or want, is to tread the threshold of despair.

To conclude, as theschoolmaster and scholars we have been treating of, are mostly destitute of properincitements to industry, the state they are consequently in may be easily conceived.

In these schools, the number of scholars which attend them increases so much in summer,

that it is impossible for the master to do them justice; therefore, an assistant becomesnecessary, but he cannot retain one long; for, as the scholars decrease in the winter, his

income, of course, shrinks by their non-attendance; and perhaps poverty and misery starehim in the face. With these dreary prospects, who would be a schoolmaster? What man of

feeling for a beloved wife, and, perhaps, equally beloved children, would make such asacrifice?And, if men whose feelings do honour to human nature, decline this task from

prudential or commendable motives, in whose hands then is the education of the poorentrusted?In the hands of those who would not do their duty if they had power; and of

those who could not do it if they would, from inability; besides, system and order, theharbingers of success, are almost unknown among them. At a moderate calculation, among

a million of persons inhabiting the metropolis, there are, at least, twenty-five thousandchildren who attend these schools, and cost their parents as many pounds sterling, per

annum. What a noble fund for education would this be, if properly employed. And howlamentable a thing it is, that a very large portion of it should be wasted, from irregularity in

the parents, or want of judgment in the master: when the virtuous poor man toils, and stintshimself, perhaps, in food, that his children may obtain useful learning, and they yet remain

ignorant; their invaluable time lost beyond retrieve, and the fond parent cruellydisappointed.

May this plain statement of facts prevail on the friends of the rising generation to interposefor their welfare; that the education of children may no longer be to parent and master a

lottery, in which the prizes bear no proportion to the enormous number of blanks.

PART. II.

Hints respecting the Formation of a Society for improving the State, and facilitating theMeans of Education among the industrious Classes of the Community.

IT

appears, from the preceeding accounts, that reformation in these schools is absolutelynecessary: it remains to consider the means best suited to that end. As a friend of youth, Ipresume to suggest such as I have long thought adapted to the purpose, in hope that, at

least, it may pave the way for some better observations on the subject, from persons ofmore information and discernment than myself.


9/22

A spirit, breathing the language of independence, is natural to Englishmen, few of whom

are disposed to brook compulsion, or submit to the dictates of others, when not softened byreason, or tempered with kindness.

I am sometimes sorry to hear sensible, intelligent men, talk of reformation in this respect bya compulsive law. Coercion of any kind, which grates upon our very hearing it, is the mostdisgusting, uncouth word in the British vocabulary, I wish always to submit with deference

to the opinions of those I respect; but I am likely to continue decided in the opinion, thatteachers of any spirit will not bear attempts to cudgel them into reformation, however

respectably sanctioned.

I introduce these remarks, from a fear that rich men sometimes presume too much upon

their riches; holding out the dictatorial language of lordlings, when doing the poor an act ofkindness, instead of performing it as a duty, incumbent on them as men and Christians, let

their stations in society be what they may. I am persuaded, that if any attempt is made to

improve the education of the poor, and such an unmanly spirit should guide the resolutionof a society or committee for that purpose, it would render the design abortive. Successwould depend upon the leading persons concerned in promoting such an undertaking. It is

not to be supposed, a design of its magnitude could be carried far into effect without publicaid and concurrence. In such a case, it would be almost sure of success, if the active

members of a society established for that purpose, were inclined to meet the poor as men,as brethren, and as Christians.

The sincere teachers of their youth should be met, not with an intention to dictate to them,

but to give additional force to their well-meant endeavours, and raise them to publicesteem.

Let me add, that a society for this purpose should be established on general Christian

principles, and on them only. Mankind are divided into sects, and individuals think verydifferently on religious subjects, from the purest motives; and that gracious common

Parent, who loves all his children alike, beholds with approbation every one who worshipshim in sincerity. Yet it cannot be reasonably expected that conscientious men should

promote a religious opinion directly contrary to their own; a Presbyterian, Baptist, Quaker,or any other, cannot, with sincerity, sacrifice their opinions to those of their amiable and

Christian brethren in the establishment. Neither can the last, conscientiously, unite entirelyin opinion with those of other denominations: but the grand basis of Christianity alone, is

broad enough for the whole bulk of mankind to stand on, and join hands as children of onefamily. This basis is "Glory to God, and the increase of peace and good-will amongst men."

It is the duty of every man to imitate the conduct of the good Samaritan. Where is the

sincere Churchman or Dissenter that would not readily unite to pour the oil and wine into

the poor man's wounds. Ah, then! let the friends of youth, among every denomination ofChristians, exalt the standard of Education, and rally round it for their preservation; laying

aside all religious differences in opinion, and pursue two grand objects: The promotionof good morals: and the instruction of youth in useful learning, adapted to their respective

situations.


10/22

This metropolis abounds with many charitable institutions, which nobly display that grand

characteristic of the British Nation,Humanity. We have many societies, whosebenevolent exertions contribute much to the public good: but among them, I know of none,

except the Sunday School establishment, which operates, in a general way, to instruct the

poor, and improve their morals: and that, from the short time the children attend school, isbut limited in its effects. Indeed, it is not to be wondered at, that no general plan of thiskind has been adopted: there are few things in which it would appear, at first sight, that the

different religious interests of sectarians would clash more: and so they must, if a plan ofthis kind is eagerly pursued by one or more parties, with a view to increase proselytes, or

make it a vehicle to convey their favourite tenets. It has been generally conceived, that ifany particular sect obtained the principal care in a national system of education, that party

would soon be likely to possess the greatest power and influence in the state. Fear that theclergy should aggrandize themselves too much, has produced opposition from Dissenters to

any proposal of the kind; on the other hand, the Clergy have opposed any thing of thisnature which might originate with Dissenters, locally or generally, fearing an increase of

the dissenting influence might prove likely to prejudice the interests of the establishment.

This difference has frequently produced bitterness and rancour, not consistent with the

religious professions of either party; whose conduct ought to adorn the doctrines of theirLord and Master. When we view the consequences, they appear very mortifying to the

benevolent mind, completely degrading to human nature, and unworthy of any place in thebreasts of Englishmen.

Many thousands of youth have been deprived of the benefit of education thereby, their

morals ruined, and talents irretrievably lost to society, for want of cultivation: while twoparties have been idly contending who should bestow it. However, there is hope yet left;

the common ground of humanity is adapted to all, none can conscientiously scruple to meetthere. All are agreed, that the increase of learning and good morals are great blessings to

society. If they cannot unite to do good in every particular instance, let them be fellowhelpers as far as they can, and cordially assist to do it with one mind; that society at large

may no longer suffer loss, by a set of the most valuable and useful men our nation canboast, employing themselves to little better purpose, than to declaim, or make wry faces at

one another.

The principal evils attendant on the usual mode of education among the poor, are, first,

Improper and immoral persons having youth under their care: secondly, The poverty oftendistinguishing many teachers of this class, and the consequent want of that respect from

parents, which contributes materially to support the master's authority: thirdly, What is ofequal magnitude, the uncertainty, not only the poor, but persons in circumstances rather

superior, are under, as to the character of the teacher they send their children to; whichgenerally proves like a lottery, in which a solid good, in possession, is staked against one

entirely speculative: fourthly, The bad accommodations common school rooms afford tothe poor children who attend them; many of whom suffer materially in health, by the

confinement in places, that, in summer, may be compared to a baker's oven*; in winter, tothe peak of Derby: fifthly, The almost total want of system, and a proper stimulus to action

in the minds of teachers and scholars: sixthly, The diversity of methods of teaching used in


11/22

different schools, which very much retards the improvement of the scholars; and when it is

found needful to remove them from one school to another, they are obliged to lose a portionof their invaluable time, in retracing their former steps to little purpose. The object of the

society proposed, should be to remedy these, and other attendant evils.

* This will be easily understood as a figurative expression.

What is proposed as conducive to this end, is applicable to initiatory, charity, and mostother day schools, with some trifling variations, adapted to the occasion. Female schools

might be comprised in the list of those worthy the public patronage, with great propriety. Itis conceived, that if female education was better regulated, amongst the lower orders of thepeople, the lives and happiness of many of those poor abandoned females, who now infest

and disgrace the streets of this metropolis, would be preserved. Female schools, therefore,call for attention and reformation in a particular manner.

The first object of the proposed society, should be to provide suitable masters andmistresses for any schools they might chuse to establish, and to encourage such personswho have schools of their own, to do their duty by the societies (respectable) patronage,

which properly bestowed, and avowed publicly, would (with its attendant benefits,) be veryvaluable, and conduce much to the credit of the teachers possessing it: so, on the other

hand, it would tend to expel immoral and wicked teachers from the profession, as suchmust ever remain destitute of its protection.

Here, at once, a solid benefit would, in a considerable degree, be insured to masters,

parents, and scholars. To the first, a degree of credit in his neighbourhood: to the second, atolerable certainty of finding a good teacher for his child, and but little chance, that the

pittance he is able to spare from his hard earned wages, will be lost (as it often is,) in acommendable endeavour to give his child an education. Also to the scholar, a certainty that

his invaluable time will not be wasted under an ignorant and unqualified teacher. I feeldiffident in laying these things before the public, but, to me, they appear important objects.

I do not think it a commendable thing for any body of men to infringe the rights ofindividuals; therefore, it would not be proper for a society to dictate to teachers having

schools of their own, how, or what they should teach. I conceive any person, whose moralcharacter and abilities were likely to make him serviceable to the rising generation, should

be an object of the society's protection, let his denomination of religion be what it may; andlet him pursue whatever methods, of religious or other instruction, his sincere and best

intentions may dictate. I am an advocate for kind treatment on the part of the proposedsociety, and flatter myself, that the good sense of perrons engaged in the education of

youth, would induce them to try, or adopt, such measures as the society might recommend,if the advantage was obvious, and practice easy: and this too, without being cudgelled into

obedience.


12/22

The patronage of such a society would stimulate to exertion many worthy men, who now

linger and despond, being without hope. How often is it seen, not only in the variouspursuits of life, but in the revolutions of empires, that particular prospects of success not

only present the opportunity of action and advantage, but often animate the mind to

embrace it?

So would teachers of youth, well fitted for their employ, be daily formed, ifthe cheering hope of reward animated their labours. But it is very poor encouragement for aman, having a family, to pass laboriously away the prime of his days with the cheerless

expectation of ending them in a workhouse or prison. To remedy this, a friendly societymight be formed, composed of perrons who were teachers, under the patronage of the

society proposed for the reformation of schools, and its funds might be formed into a veryrespectable stock by the addition of public donations. I conceive, some perrons better

skilled in this matter than myself, would easily point out a method whereby a moderatecapital would accumulate, till the stock was sufficient to defray the expence of sickness and

funerals; and, perhaps, a liberal and honourable support for old age.

In addition to this, a fund might be established for the occasional relief of deservingteachers in distress, or it might be done by private benefactions, if deemed more eligible;

but, at any rate, it is a duty the public owe to those concerned in the education of youth: aduty that by no means ought to remain undischarged. This would be very serviceable in

cases of sudden and pressing necessity, but should only be used as a dernierresort, andwithout wounding the feelings of the party relieved.

We daily witness the beneficial effect produced to the community by the institution ofpremiums, held out to encourage the inventions of ingenious mechanics. As the human

mind is nearly the fame in every class, allowing for the partial influence of habit on men ofparticular professions, it is rational to suppose, that similar encouragement would produce a

similar, if not superior effect among the teachers of youth, many of whom are, naturally,men of amiable and liberal minds, but discouraged by the depressing circumstances of their

employment.

If a society, for encouraging the commendable exertions of teachers, and bettering the stateof schools, was established, and gold or silver medals, &c. given, as rewards for merit, it

would be requisite that the distribution should be made as public as possible. It might beproper that the society should publish in the newspapers, the list of prizes, &c. with the

names and dwellings of the parties who obtain them: for the same reason, handbills shouldbe printed at the society's expence, and distributed about the neighbourhood wherein the

teachers resided. These should contain a statement of the delivery of the gold or silvermedal, and for what given, at the same time, stating the satisfaction the society possessed,

in having the opportunity of rewarding such distinguished merit; and to conclude byrecommending him and his school to the respect and patronage of the public in his

neighbourhood.

This outline would admit of qualification, according to different degrees of merit; but, it isconceived, it would so effectually establish the reputation of the schoolmaster in his

neighbourhood, as to increase the number of his scholars, and also his income, in a


13/22

considerable degree. Thus, perhaps, a medal, of a value not exceeding five guineas, would

prove more valuable to a master, from the honourable circumstances attending its delivery,than a donation of fifty guineas given in privacy and silence.

The whole body of teachers might derive considerable benefit from the benevolentexertions of the society proposed, in another respect. Schoolmasters are at continualexpence for Bibles, Testaments, slates, spelling, writing, and other books, quills, &c.: it is

conceived, that large impressions of particular books might be printed off, and considerablepurchases made of other articles, which should be retailed without profit, at the society's

expence, for ready money, in aid of those teachers only, whose connection with the society,and attention to their duty, should entitle them to such a privilege; it is thought, if such

bargains were made with prudence, that many masters might save ten guineas per annumby it, on a very moderate calculation *: a sum that is of great consequence to persons

having families to maintain. Now, if ten guineas were offered as a donation to some men,their independent spirit would make them decline the offer; but few would object to

purchase a bargain whereby so much would be saved. If it should happily prove the publicdisposition to encourage the worthy teachers of youth, I presume it would be thought best

to do it in a manner that would not hurt the feelings of any individual. If this idea should bejudged expedient for adoption, I conceive, the funds appropriated to this purpose would

remain undiminished, except a trifling annual expence for the person employed in vendingthem, while one thousand or fifteen hundred pounds might be saved to teachers under the

society's patronage; and this piece of service would be more grateful to them, from theconviction that it was the consequence of their own industry and merit. I flatter myself, that,

if found needful, a wise and benevolent government would readily concur in encouraging asociety of this kind, and, perhaps, readily allow a drawback of the total duties on writing

paper, for the use of teachers under the society's protection. This would make a materialaddition to their fund, and the degree of their usefulness to those they might chuse to

protect.

* In large schools much more might be saved.

To facilitate the means of rewarding pupils for good behaviour, attention to their studies,

&c. by having medals struck (of silver, and inferior metal) in variety, and adapted to theoccasion, a diversity of means might be suggested whereby teachers should be enabled to

encourage and reward their pupils, without burthening themselves and their families withan imprudent expence.

The institution of a public library, containing books on education, would be well adapted

for the information of teachers, many of whom are not able to purchase expensivepublications on those subjects.

To endeavour to gain all the information on the subject of tuition, which the peculiarsituation of the society, as patrons of education, would most likely afford, in an extensive

manner, the publication of which would be attended with great usefulness, and prove a


14/22

desirable object. It most probably would not be thought proper to insist upon, or enforce,

any particular modes of tuition, religious systems, or creeds. If a teacher was honest,assiduous, and careful, it is as much as any society ought to expect from him. It may be

remembered, that this proposal goes not to establish a new order of schools*, which would

be attended with great expence, but to reform those we already have, by enabling andencouraging the masters to do their duty. Therefore, every master must be left at libertyto pursue the path of his own choice, and yet partake of the expected reward at the end of

his toils. But there remain one or two things which the public opinion will sanction aright to enforce: viz. A due attention to health, cleanliness, and morality.

* Though, if some schools were established under the society's immediate care, where they

are most wanted, I conceive it would not be foreign to their plan of facilitating the means ofeducation to the poor.

The object is not, by more than Herculean labour, to produce either a new establishment, or

assume an improper power in the old one, but to cause the schools of which it consists toapproximate nearer to public utility; and that only by mild, manly, and Christian conduct,on the part of the society.

If such a society should be formed, great care will be needful in admitting members, but

abundantly so in chusing the committee.

Such a society, from its great usefulness, would soon become the most beneficial, reflected,and popular of any in the kingdom. Its objects, by a proper definition and limitation, might

be circumscribed, so as to avoid giving offence, even to narrow-minds, while all itsbenevolent objects would be accomplished, in some hundreds of schools, amongst many

thousands of children, at an expence, that, probably, would not exceed fifteen hundredpounds per annum.

An additional object would be worthy the society's notice: to enforce, as much as possible,the regular attendance of the children at school, and that as near the time appointed as can

be. It might be worth while to take a select number of scholars, who were fit to beapprenticed, from every school under the society's patronage: the qualification on the

pupil's part should be a regular attendance at school, at the proper hour, for a great length oftime; these to draw lots for apprentice fees. Five hundred pounds would suffice to

apprentice near one hundred boys, which should be done, not as an act of charity, but aduty, to deserving youth, which it would be an happiness to the society to fulfil.

Premiums might be instituted, at the public expence, for boys whose improvement in

learning should merit it. We frequently witness a considerable abuse of those rejoicingtimes in schools, called breaking-up; disorder, and even accidents often occur, merely from

the boys not being previously trained to walk in order; by training them to this practice, Ihave taken one hundred and forty, a walk of five miles and back, while they travelled as

regular as I could wish, although they reached so far, that on turns or windings of the road,


15/22

more than one half the number were out of sight. A discipline of this sort might be easily

introduced into every school in London, without loss of time; and an exercise of this sort isso agreeable to boys, that they would come into it with cheerfulness.

It is probable, such a society would be productive of much good, at a comparatively smallexpence, and the influence of all parties concerned remain nearly the fame in society as atpresent. Having done my part, I commit it to the disposal of a wise and gracious

Providence: and to its own merits, with a discerning and benevolent public.

PART. III.

Some Account of the Rise and Progress of an Institution for improving the Plan, and

facilitating the Means, of attaining primary Education amongst the industrious Classes ofthe Community, established in the Borough Road, Southwark: wherein near Three Hundred

Children are educated, and trained to habits conducive to the Welfare of Society.

IT is difficult to speak or write with becoming moderation or propriety, on topics to whichwe are biased by prejudice, interest, or even principle. Vanity seems insensibly entwined

about our nature, and, mingling with our best performances, often debases their sterlingvalue. A degree of confidence in our own powers is a useful and necessary incentive to

action; but that confidence, heightened by unusual success, frequently degenerates into self-conceit, as unperceivedly, as sweet sleep steals on the weary traveller. If an unusual and

unexpected degree of success should have tinctured my sentiments with proofs of theseunamiable and unmanly qualities, I trust to my reader's candour and benevolence for an

excuse; as I wish to write with becoming diffidence, and not intentionally to express myselfmore positively than facts warrant me in doing.

The institution, which a benevolent Providence has been pleased to make me the happy

instrument of bringing into usefulness, was begun in the year 1798. The intention was, toafford children of mechanics, &c. instruction in reading, writing, and arithmetic, at about

half the usual price. As soon as the institution became known it was well attended byscholars, whose number soon exceeded eighty. In this situation, as master of the school, I

have continued to this time.

During several years, the number of scholars continued to vary with the circumstances of

their parents, who severely felt the exigencies of the times. The season of the year, andconsequent inclemency of the weather, often contributed to reduce them. In summer, one

hundred and twenty was common: in winter, they would sink to fifty or sixty. In a tryingseason of recent scarcity, many of them were provided with dinners gratis, chiefly at the

expence of a noble and generous minded body of friends. From forty to sixty children at atime were supplied to general satisfaction.

To return from this digression. During several years I had essayed to introduce a better

system of tuition into the school, and every attempt had failed. The non-attendance of


16/22

many in winter, I had reason to fear, originated in poverty. As an individual, it would not

have been proper for me to alleviate the evil to a large extent at that time: I did a little, andhappily knew who were able and willing to do much: and, of course, did not remain long

without their liberal co-operation.

From this time the internal organization of the school was gradually and materially alteredfor the better. The public reputation of it also increased, to such a degree, that more than

two hundred scholars were admitted in about eight months.

As one of the chief deficiencies, in this class of schools, is a defective stimulus toemulation, it became my duty, (having the power) to remedy it in my own.

Commendation, joined to a consciousness of merit, has a powerful effect; of this I wasaware, I therefore engaged the bookbinder to make some leather tickets, gilt and lettered

differently, expressive of the various degrees of merit they were intended to distinguish;

these were suspended, by a small piece of ribbon, from the button of the wearer's coat, as abadge of peculiar approbation. So far of commendatory tickets; but, as they are only a linkin the chain, it became necessary to combine "solid pudding with empty praise;" for boys,

(any more than authors,) cannot subsist entirely on air. I endeavoured to combinecommendation and reward together; and, as good in expectation, is often more desirable

than good in possession, expectation being a powerful motive to action, was, with somepropriety, united with them. We have near two hundred of these tickets. As to the method

of distributing them, I inspect the writing, arithmetic, &c. and distribute paper tickets, No.1, 2, 3, &c. according to merit.

This number, one, two, three, &c. is a small, square piece of paper, numbered,

corresponding with a similar number of the (leather) gilt commendatory ticket the bearer isto receive: he carries this to the monitor appointed for that purpose, who gives him the

ticket he is entitled to, and registers it in a book. When a scholar has, by merit, obtained afixed quota of those numbers and commendatory tickets, he is entitled to a prize of an

appropriate value. These tickets vary, from No. 1, to be obtained six times before the bearerobtains a halfpenny prize; to No. 6, forty times, entitled to a shilling prize. The numbers are

a valuable paper currency, and the boys who obtain them go to present them to the monitor,with as much avidity as a miser converts his paper into hard cash. The prizes consist of

bats, balls, and kites, &c. &c. in great variety;thus they are kept on the tip-toe ofexpectation. One says, "I wonder what number I shall get to day?" Another rejoins, "I

have had No. 3 twelve times: only four times more, and I shall have a four-penny prize."

I was induced to establish several orders of merit, from conviction that emulation, well

directed, becomes a useful servant; and, that the latent genius ofsome youth is more easilybrought into action this way, than by the more sordid gratification of self-interest.

The members of these honorary orders of merit are also distinguished by a badge, worn

daily, until forfeited by bad behaviour. And the effect these marks of distinction have upon


17/22

the youthful mind, is very powerful: so far beyond my expectation, that I think I should

scarcely have believed it, unless convinced, as I am, by experience. This system ofencouragement proves serviceable as a preventive of punishment, the attainment of the

tickets being a reward, the forfeiture of them the reverse; and, as such, boys seem often

more affected by their loss than by coercion. The influence a master has over his scholars isvery great; the veneration wherewith they regard him is almost equal to idolatry, and thatsimply by his conduct in his station; so much so, that they are all his willing servants, and

doubly proud to be his ambassadors on trivial occasions: his smiles are precious, and evenbitter things are sweet, when bestowed by his hand.

The following quotation may be worthy the reader's attention:"By way of sport, or to

try the dexterity of the pupils, the master leads them to a clump of trees, and, while he iscounting fifteen, every one must climb up some tree, so high, as to be out of the reach of his

cane: all exert themselves, with much laughter, to escape the stick, as if some wild beastwere at their heels; if any one be defective in agility, he will be reached, and receive the

penance of a few playful strokes."

Salzmann's Gymnastics for Youth, page 225.

These playful strokes, from a companion, or an equal, would most likely produce a tough

battle, and black eyes; but from a master, a beating, we read, is taken very pleasantly. Theeffects of approbation, or the contrary, expressed by the senior boys to lesser, seem to carry

a degree of weight, almost similar to that of their master. Whenever a neat, ingenious trick,of a mischievous nature, has been played, we may be sure some arch wag, who officiates as

captain of the gang, perhaps a Franklin *, was the original and life of the conspiracy. Thepredominant feature in the youthful disposition is an almost irresistible propensity to

action; this, if properly controlled by suitable employment, will become a valuableauxiliary to the master, but, if neglected, will be apt to degenerate into rebellion. Active

youths, when treated as cyphers, will generally shew their consequence by exercisingthemselves in mischief; this is often the cause of that unpleasant riotous disposition evinced

at our public schools, where the pupils brave every thing but the censures of their friends,or the disgrace of expulsion.

* "When embarked with other children, the helm was commonly deputed to me,

particularly on difficult occasions; and in every other project, I was almost always theleader of the troop, whom I sometimes involved in embarrassments.I shall give an

instance of this, which demonstrates an early disposition of mind for public enterprizes,though the one in question was not conducted by justice. The mill pond was terminated on

one side by a marsh, upon which we were accustomed to take our stand, at high water, toangle for small fish. By dint of walking, we had converted the place into a perfect

quagmire. My proposal was to erect a wharf, that should afford us firm footing, and Ipointed out to my companions a large heap of stones, intended for the building a new house

near the marsh, and which were well adapted to the purpose. Accordingly, when theworkmen retired in the evening, I assembled a number of my play-fellows, and by

labouring diligently, like ants, sometimes four of us uniting to carry a single stone, weremoved them all, and constructed our little quay. The workmen were surprized next

morning at not finding their stones, which had been conveyed to our wharf. Enquiries were


18/22

made respecting the authors of this conveyance: we were discovered; complaints were

exhibited against us; many of us underwent correction on the part of our parents; andthough I strenuously defended the utility of the work, my parents at length convinced me,

that nothing but what was strictly honest could be useful." See Life and Works of Dr.

Franklin, Vol. i.

Aware of these things, I have endeavoured to render the degree of knowledge I possess

subservient to the interest of the institution, by reducing theory into practice. My school isattended by near three hundred scholars. The whole system of tuition is almost entirely

conducted by boys; the writing books are ruled with exactness, and all the writers suppliedwith good pens by the same means. In the first instance, the school is divided into classes,

to each of these a lad is appointed as monitor: he is responsible for the morals,improvement, good order, and cleanliness of the whole class. It is his duty to make a daily,

weekly, and monthly report of progress, specifying the number of lessons performed, boyspresent, absent, &c. &c*. As we naturally expect the boys who teach others to read, to

leave school when their education is complete, and do not wish that they should neglecttheir own improvement in other studies, they are instructed to train other lads as assistants,

who, in future, may supply their place: and, in the mean time, leave them to improve inother branches of learning. To be a monitor is coveted by the whole school, it being an

office at once honourable and productive of emolument: "Solid pudding, as well as empty,praise."

* SPECIMEN OF REPORTS.

FIRST CLASS,December3, 1802.

SPELLING.

Began at Preceptor, Sub. master,

Universal Spelling Book.

Words

Each

Boys Abs. Total

Words

Left off at Retinue, Sub. attendants. 61 42 10 2562

READING.

Began at the nth page of Turner's Artsand Sciences.

Pages

Each

42 10 Total

Pages

Left off at the 61st page ......... l do. do. 50

SECOND CLASS,December3, 1802.

SPELLING.

Began at Throb, New Guide SpellingBook.

WordsEach

Boys Abs TotalWords


19/22

Left off at Slash .................. 203 55 11 11165

READING.

Began at the 1st page of Trimmer's

Introduction ............... ..

Pages

Each

Total

Page

Left off at the 55th page ............ 1 55 11 55

We have, beside, other lucrative offices of trust. A monitor delivers out the leather

commendatory tickets; a second, the tickets of the order of merit; another has a generalcharge as to cleanliness, &c. and a fourth has the care of near three hundred slates. Thus,

every duty has its respective officer, and the fidelity and assiduity displayed in itsdischarge, by these younglings, is surprizing. This system of tuition is mutually for the

advantage of the lads who teach, and those who are taught; by it the path of learning is

strewed with flowers: for the monitors have rewards attached to the proper discharge oftheir respective duties. Thus, if a lad in one class is qualified, by improvement, for removalto a higher, he receives an appropriate reward, and his monitor also a similar one. The same

regulation takes place in arithmetic, on going into a new rule. The advantage, derived fromthe daily reports of progress made by each class being regularly booked, is great; it obliges

the monitors to go straight forward, and not wander from one lesson to another; it affords,by inspection, a true account of the lessons, &c. performed by every boy; and also a

retrospective view of the general progress of the whole school. But it is now time to givesome account of our improved methods of tuition: they may, possibly, prove a public

benefit. The method of spelling seems to be the most excellent, it being entirely an additionto the regular course of studies, without interfering with, or deranging them in the least. It

commands attention, gratifies the active disposition of youth, and is an excellentintroduction and auxiliary to writing. It supersedes, in a great measure, the use of books in

tuition, while (to speak moderately) it doubles the actual improvement of the children. It isas simple an operation as can well be conceived. Thus, supply twenty boys with slates

and pencil, and pronounce any word for them to write, suppose it is the word "ab-so-lu-ti-on;" they are obliged to listen with attention, to catch the sound of every letter as it falls

from their teacher's lips; again, they have to retrace the idea of every letter, and thepronunciation of the word, as they write it on the slates. If we examine ourselves, when we

write letters, we shall find that writing is so much affociated and connected withorthography, that we cannot write a word without spelling as we write, and involuntarily

correcting any inaccuracy that may occur.

Now these twenty boys, if they were at a common school, would each have a book, and,

one at a time, would read or spell to their teacher, while the other nineteen were looking attheir books, or about them, as they pleased: or, if their eyes are rivetted on their books, by

terror and coercion, can we be sure that the attention of their minds is engaged asappearance seems to speak it is. On the contrary, when they have slates, the twentieth boy

may read to the teacher, while the other nineteen are spelling words on the slate, instead of


20/22

sitting idle. The class, by this means, will spell, write, and read at the same instant of time.

In addition to this, the same trouble which teaches twenty will suffice to teach sixty or ahundred, by employing some of the senior boys to inspect the slates of the others, they not

omitting to spell the word themselves, and on a signal given by them to the principal

teacher, that the word is finished by all the boys they overlook, he is informed when todictate another to the class. This experiment has been repeatedly practised by 112 and 128boys at once; and judicious persons, good judges on the subject of education, who were

present, were convinced that the same trouble was sufficient to teach 200 boys, or more, onthe same plan.

But if the individual advantage derived from this method in tuition is great, what must the

aggregate be? If 20 boys spell 200 words each, the same number spelt by 60 boys mustproduce a great increase of total.

Each boy can spell 100 words in a morning: if 100 scholars do this 200 mornings yearly,

the following will be the total of their efforts towards improvment:

100 words

200 mornings

20,000 words each boy per ann. 100 boys

2,000,000 Total words spelt by 100 boys, per ann.

The repetition of the same word many times serves to rivet it firmly in the memory, and

thus produces the total; for the intelligent reader will readily perceive, that the same troublewill occur in teaching 1,000 words distinctly, twenty times over, as would happen inteaching 2,000 distinct words, containing an equal number of syllables, only once over.

I have avoided exaggeration in the above statement, for, if applied to my school, with morethan double the number of boys and lessons, it would produce an increase of total to the

amount of some millions.

When we consider that this is entirely an addition to their other studies, without the leastadditional trouble on the part of the teacher, in tuition: without any extra time of attendance

being requisite from the scholar; without deranging or impeding his attention to otherstudies; at least doubling his efforts towards proficiency, and possessing these advantages,

that it effectually commands quietness, by commanding attention: and as certainly preventsidleness, by actively employing every boy in the class at the same instant of time. That so

simple a thing should abound with so many advantages is scarcely to be supposed at a firstglance, but that it does I am well convinced, by daily experience of its usefulness.


21/22

In education nothing can be more important than economy of time, even when we have a

reasonable prospect of a good portion of it at our disposal; but it is most peculiarlynecessary in primary schools, and in the instruction of the poor: cases wherein the pupil

seldom has too much on his hands; and very often a sine genius or noble talents are lost to

the state, and to mankind, from the want of it. If we wish to do the best for the welfare ofyouth, and to promote their interest through life, it will be well for us to study economy oftheir precious time. "Be careful of time," says the philosopher, "for time is the stuff life is

made of." In this respect, I would recommend the teachers of youth, for example, to theindustry of the Chinese waterman, who plies one oar with his right foot, another with his

left hand, dexterously guiding the fail, in the mean time, with his right hand, while heenjoys his whiff of tobacco seemingly quite at his ease. To return from this digression to

the method of tuition I have been describing.I believe it will be found useful in anyschool, and equally so with any number of scholars, many or few: but I cannot speak from

experience of its advantage in connection with any other system of tuition, &c. but my own,which, I flatter myself, has given a degree of life to the exertions of my boys, not frequently

witnessed, and yet I have no doubt but the same means will uniformly produce the sameeffect.

The system of rewards, and the new method of teaching to spell are, I believe, original.

Some attempts have been made to introduce a more easy and better mode of teaching thefirst rules of arithmetic, which has been very successful, but is not yet sufficiently mature to

meet the public eye; When it is, if of apparent utility, it will be cheerfully at their service. Amethod of teaching to write has also been invented, and carried into effect at considerable

pains and expence; it proves very useful in general, but beginners in writing derive thegreatest benefit from it. Youth of this description frequently have a good idea of the

formation of letters, but not of the distance at which they ought to be joined together.Sometimes they are very apt to make them too upright, or the reverse, having no conception

of the angle letters should incline upon. This invention prevents both, by regulating thedistances with almost mathematical nicety; and, at the same time, describes the angle of

inclination so plainly, that they cannot deviate unless wilfully. Thus much for the outlinesof this method: but it is attended with so much trouble in the execution, that I consider it to

be more local, and not of that importance to the public, with the method of spelling whichhas been detailed, independent of the difficulty of conveying clear ideas of the minuti of

the thing, arising from the nature of the instruments wherewith it is done.

The books made use of in this school, as reading lessons, are the Bible, Testament, Turner's

Introduction to the Arts and Sciences, Trimmer's Introduction to the Knowledge of Natureand Reading the Scriptures, Martinet's Catechism of Nature, and Watts's Hymns for

Children.

I ought not to close my account, without acknowledging the obligation I lie under to Dr.Bell, of the Male Asylum at Madras, who so nobly gave up his time and liberal salary, that

he might perfect that institution, which flourished greatly under his fostering care. Hepublished a tract, in 1798, entitled, "An Experiment on Education, made at the Male

Asylum at Madras, suggesting a System whereby a School or Family may teach itself,


22/22

under the Superintendence of the Master, or Parent." Cadell and Dames, Strand, price is.

From this publication I have adopted several useful hints; I beg leave to recommend it tothe attentive perusal of the friends of education and of youth. I am persuaded, nothing is

more conducive to the promotion of a system than actual experiment. Dr. Bell had two

hundred boys, who instructed themselves, made their own pens, ruled their books, and didall that labour in school, which, among a great number, is light; but resting on the shouldersof the well-meaning and honest, though unwise teacher, often proves too much for his

health, and embitters, or perhaps costs him his life. I much regret that I was not acquaintedwith the beauty of his system, till somewhat advanced in my plan; if I had known it, it

would have saved me much trouble, and some retrograde movements. As a confirmation ofthe goodness of Dr. Bell's plan, I have succeeded with one nearly similar, in a school

attended by almost three hundred children.

I have yet another duty to discharge before I close this essay: to return my public thanks tothose amiable and deserving boys, who, by seconding my exertions in a proper manner,

have materially contributed to the welfare and success of the institution. I have no doubt,that if they continue to be actuated through life by the same love of rectitude, diligence in

business, and propriety of behaviour, they will become useful members, and distinguishedornaments of society, as well as a peculiar source of felicity to their relatives and

connections.

FINIS.

LANCASTER, Joseph. Improvements in Education 1803

Documents

Transcript of LANCASTER, Joseph. Improvements in Education 1803