In thufe problems which include days of the month, fuch have been felected, though undoubtedly not always with equal felicity of choice, as deferve the notice of the learner on account of fome memorable or interesting occurrence which happened on thofe days. The principal particulars of thefe occurrences (for which a reference must be made to the CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE) the pupils should, at the conclufion of each operation, be alfo enjoined to recite, in order that their progress in the interesting paths of biography and history may become more rapid; paths in which, it may be expected, they will gain at once habits of virtue and vigour of intellect. Of the Chronological Table, an advantageous use may likewise be made, not only when it is applied as above directed to the immediate elucidation of particular problems on the globes, but as the feveral months and days. therein mentioned fucceed each other in the ftream of time*.

To thofe who mean to avail themselves of this part of the plan in its full extent, the author begs leave to recommend the enlarged edition of his Chronological Table, a new edition of which is now in the prefs.

The

The fcholars, while performing the problems of the celeftial globe, fhould be directed to give a brief account of the feveral constellations as they occur. To facilitate this part of the plan, they fhould, at ftated periods, recite to the inftructor (the number being varied according to the size and capacity of the clafs) a dozen or two of the words from the INDEX, which was defigned as well for that purpose as for a direction to the pages where the various articles of mifcellaneous information are found. I may be permitted to add, that such of my pupils as have made any confiderable proficiency in the use of the pencil, have, in the copying of the conftellations from drawings which I have put into their hands, experienced not only great advan tage but much pleasure. As the chief stars, and their characters, muft at the fame time be inferted, the feveral figures on the celestial sphere will be thus familiarized to the eye, and the pupils will attain no small degree of quickness in difcovering them, as they lie fcattered on the furface of the globe. This promptitude in distinguishing will, in fome measure at least, be transferred to the heavens, A 4

and

and the names and fituations of the most celebrated conftellations, and the most brilliant. fingle stars which are visible in our hemifphere, be referred to without embarrassinent and without mistake.

..That children learn nothing effectually, except by frequency of repetition, every one concerned in the bufinefs of education is fully apprized. A great variety of examples, illuftrative of both the globes, I have therefore fupplied; and, in confequence, indulge the hope, that, provided the directions I have fuggefted are followed, not only much general knowledge may be incidentally acquired, but an acquaintance with the most useful problems may be indelibly imprinted on the memory.

If it should be thought that I am too anxious and too fanguine about the fuccefs of fuch a trifling publication, I may plead, as an excufe, the great importance of my object, and expatiate on the powerful influence of female charms, which, when exerted under the guidance of fuperior virtue,

tend

tend more to the advancement of excellence among men than any other human incentive. According as they are directed or employed, do they not shape man into the worst or best of beings? Every thing connected with female education I confequently regard as of the utmost importance, not only to the present, but to future generations. That female charms, however, may gain a permanent afcendancy, those favoured with them muft not only poffefs beauty, but acquire knowledge; and with exterior accomplishments must be blended the culture of the mind and of the heart. Their combined influence would, indeed, be irrefiftible. "A fenfible man," fays an elegant writer," requires fome powers of mind to "fix those impreffions which may have been originally received through the medium of "the fenfes. Whether women are defirous "to secure a permanent intereft in the hearts "of men after the charms of youth and

beauty are faded, or whether they wish to "extend the circle of their own rational gra"tifications, they will most certainly effect "their purpose by cultivating the fame men"tal and focial talents by which the most 66 enlightened

"enlightened men engage the respect and "esteem of their fellow-citizens, and by "qualifying themselves to become instructive, "amiable, and interefting companions. It "ought to be an additional inducement with

women to the improvement of their minds,

"that the welfare of fociety materially de"pends on their conduct: if they were to "fet the example of manners and attain. "ments truly civilized, ignorance and barba"rifm would be chafed out of the world*."

Of the materials of the following Work, fome were collected previously to my entertaining any idea of publication; and it is incumbent on me to ftate, that the language of the authors whom I at different times confulted, has been occafionally employed in the prefent performance. Since a few tautologies or even mistakes (befides thofe noticed in the corrections) may perhaps be detected, I must obferve, in extenuation, that it was written and fent to the prefs in fragments, and at diftant intervals of time, amidst the inceffant duties of a very laborious profeffion, which entirely * Mr. Malkin's Effays.

excludes