The present volume is in great part a reprintof articles contributed to Reviews. The principalbond of union among them is theirpractical character. Beyond that, there is littleto connect them apart from the individualityof the author and the range of his studies.
That there is a certain amount of novelty inthe various suggestions here embodied, will beadmitted on the most cursory perusal. Thefarther question of their worth is necessarilyleft open.
The first two essays are applications of thelaws of mind to some prevailing Errors.
The next two have an educational bearing:the one is on the subjects proper for CompetitiveExaminations; the other, on the presentposition of the much vexed Classical controversy.
The fifth considers the range of Philosophicalor Metaphysical Study, and the mode of conductingthis study in Debating Societies.
The sixth contains a retrospect of the growthof the Universities, with more especial referenceto those of Scotland; and also a discussion ofthe University Ideal, as something more thanprofessional teaching.
The seventh is a chapter omitted from theauthor's "Science of Education"; it is mainlydevoted to the methods of self-education bymeans of books. The situation thus assumedhas peculiarities that admit of being handledapart from the general theory of Education.
The eighth contends for the extension ofliberty of thought, as regards Sectarian Creedsand Subscription to Articles. The total emancipationof the clerical body from the thraldomof subscription, is here advocated without reservation.
The concluding essay discusses the Procedureof Deliberative Bodies. Its noveltylies chiefly in proposing to carry out, morethoroughly than has yet been done, a fewdevices already familiar. But for an extraordinaryreluctance in all quarters to adapt simpleand obvious remedies to a growing evil, thearticle need never have appeared. It so happens,that the case principally before the publicmind at present, is the deadlock in the Houseof Commons; yet, had that stood alone, theauthor would not have ventured to meddlewith the subject. The difficulty, however, iswidely felt: and the principles here put forwardare perfectly general; being applicable whereverdeliberative bodies are numerously constitutedand heavily laden with business.
ABERDEEN, March, 1884.
Error regarding Mind as a whole—that Mind can be exerted withoutbodily expenditure.
Errors with regard to the FEELINGS.
I. Advice to take on cheerfulness.
Authorities for this prescription.
Presumptions against our ability to comply with it.
Concurrence of the cheerful temperament with youth and health.
With special corporeal vigour. With absence of care and anxiety.
Limitation of Force applies to the mind.
The only means of rescuing from dulness—to increase the supportsand diminish the burdens of life.
Difficulties In the choice of amusements.
II. Prescribing certain tastes, or pursuits, to persons indiscriminately.
Tastes must repose as natural endowment, or else in prolonged education.
III. Inverted relationship of Feelings and Imagination.