intelige baht *ming I'm her ending amusement with instruction, and 22-248 Alang 2 ingres de life and heart of those for whom they are de Sa Se righe sulf the type, paper, binding, &c., though these will Saves. She perfectly coincide with Mr. Wilcox, in the above written **2 * Scs of School Books." Mr. W. has justly remarked that som vid inttraction;" and while I am writing, some little boys Kangy absorbed in the perusal of these, as they style them-"real pretty ambula a insens in vocal music, and of simple popular tunes, is also an salona mur plan, inasmuch as the harmony of sounds is naturally calcusue the samedides harsh and jarring feelings of children to flow together Yours, A. N. DOUGHERTY, Jr. * SWRRIES concord. News New Jersey, November 26th, 1841. St. Louis English and Classical High School, April 13th, 1844. Sanders Dear Sir, I have examined with some care your Primer, Spelling Book, Card and Fourth Books of Reading; and in expressing an opinion upon ahat manis need only say that I concur with the general testimony of those whose renadons of the series are already made public. It is my intention as soon as eryped tank, de aztroduce them into my school. Respectfully, EDWARD WYMAN, Principal. A. Chute, Principal of Public School, St. Louis. Sanders, Sir, I have examined your series of School Books, and unhesitatingly that in my opinion they are decidedly preferable to any thing of the kind yet off the public. Socis, April 8th, 1844. J. R. Dayton, Principal Public School, Quincy, Ill. ANGUS CHUTE. Quincy, April 30th, 1844. Str,-I have examined with considerable care your "Series of School Books." The yogressive arrangement of the exercises cannot fail greatly to facilitate the progress of the pupil. The reading lessons are admirably calculated to instruct and to please and render the task of learning to read, a pleasant and intellectual exercise. Their practical utility will introduce them to the favorable notice of parents and teachers. I take pleasure in adding the testimony of my approbation, to the numerous recommendations they have already received. Resp'y yours, J. R. DAYTON. At a meeting of the Board of Committee of the Middletown (Conn.) City School Society, held on the 26th of July, 1845, it was unanimously Voted-That it is expedient to introduce into the several schools in this school society, Sanders' series of School Books for the use of the schools as they may be wanted. HAMILTON BREWER, Secretary. From the Principals of Public Schools in the city of Buffalo. Having examined with interest "Sanders' Series of School Books," so far as pub lished, we deem them worthy of our unqualified approval, and in view of their great merits, we cheerfully unite in recommending them to the favorable consideration of all who feel an interest in the cause of primary instruction. The facilities they afford the scholar in acquiring correct habits of reading, and at the same time a thorough knowledge of the first principles of our language, render them truly a valuable series, and one that should find a place in our best public schools. Hiram Chambers, D. P. Lee, Loring Danforth, J. S. Brown, Buffalo, August, 1841. David Galusha, A. Dean, Board of Education, of the city of Rochester, August 25 1841. The President, from the committee on the selection of books, reported that the committee recommended the following to be adopted as a uniform series of elementary text books for the use of public schools, and that the same be procured in all the schools as soon as practicable, viz. Sanders' Primary School Primer, 66 School Reader, First Book, Sanders' School Reader, Third Book. Porter's Rhetorical Reader, &c. Which on motion, was unanimously adopted, and ordered printed. I certify the above to be a true copy of a report presented and adopted at the Board of Education of the city of Rochester, August 25, 1841. I. F. MACK. 1 Superintendent of common Schools in the City of Rochester. Extracts from notices of Sanders' Series, received by the publishers, bearing date July 1845. "I believe them to excel in several respects any series before the public."-Principal of a High School. "One striking excellence of these books is the attractive character they offer to young minds, by which they are allured to their task, rather than compelled; while at the same time if the plan of the author is carried out by the teacher the pupil will be taken through a rigid mental exercise."-Principal of an Academy. "I am pleased with the arrangement of the lessons both in spelling and reading. There is an easy transition from the simple to the more difficult, and taking the series as a whole I think it the best I have ever seen. The tone of the lessons is high and well calculated to impress favorably the mind of the young."-Principal Femule Institute. "I think these books excel all other School Books of their kind now in use. I would particularly notice the very easy manner in which the pupil is led along from the Alphabet to a finished style of reading." * * *--Principal Primary School. "Particularly do I approve of the Spelling Book as altogether the best in use,, Teacher in District School. PORTER'S RHETORICAL READER. The Rhetorical Reader, consisting of instructions for regulating the voice, with a Rhetorical notation, illustrating inflection, emphasis and modulation, and a course of Rhetorical Exercises. Designed for the use of Academies, and High Schools. By Ebenezer Porter, D. D., late President of the Theological Seminary, Andover, Mass. Two HUNDRED AND FORTIETH EDITION, with an Appendix; 1 vol. 12mo. Spp. pp. 304. *** The popularity of this work is almost without bounds, as the number of editions through which it has passed, sufficiently testify. From Rev. John Todd, Author of "Students, Manual," "Index Rerum," &c. I have but one opinion respecting it, viz: that in the hands of a competent teacher, there is no work of the kind, which will compare with it as a medium to teach youth to read understandingly, and of course correctly. For simplicity, for clearness of illustration and for beauty of composition, this selection stands almost unrivaled. I hardly know where so much genuine eloquence of thought and of expression can be found in an uninspired volume. And I should hail the time with unaffected joy when it should find its way into every District School in the land, as the standard book for reading. From a Notice by the editor of the Boston Recorder. In this respect, (adaptation to rhetorical purposes,) this selection has a very decided advantage over all other selections of reading lessons that we are acquainted with. From the New York Journal of Commerce. We have no hesitation in saying that this is the best work of the kind, for the pur, poses mentioned, within our knowledge. From S. R. Hall, Principal of Teachers' Seminary, Plymouth, N. H. I have used the Rhetorical Reader ever since it was first published, and consider its influence on the habits of reading in the seminary as decidedly beneficial. As a friend to education, I earnestly desire the introduction of the work, not only into Academies and High Schools, but into well regulated district schools throughout the country, From the Boston Advocate. The numerous editions through which this work has passed, and the many reputable institutions in which it is employed, sufficiently evince its well merited popularity. The principles which it inculcates are simple and philosophical, the language in which they are set forth is neat and perspicuous. The selections exhibit good judgment and fully indicate the author's regard for the moral as well as the mental improvement of pupils. To this point, little attention is paid by many who prepare books for youth. NEWMAN'S RHETORIC. A Practical System of Rhetoric.-A practical system of Rhetoric, or the principles or rules of style inferred from examples of writing; to which is added a historical dissertation on English style. By Samuel P. Newman, Prof. of Rhetoric in Bowdoin College. Twelfth edition, 1 vol. 12 mo. pp. 312. - 62 1-2c. The above work has been republished in England and introduced into the schools of that country. Mrs. Phelps (now Mrs. Almira H. Lincoln) author of the popular treetise on Botany speaks in The Female Student' as follows: For a clear and interesting explanation of the elements of Taste, and of its three most essential qualities, refinement, delicacy and correctness, I would refer you to the valuable system of Rhetoric by Professor Newman. The author has taken up the subject in a philosophical and practical manner. He at once informs the student that the art of writing well is not to be obtained by a set of rules, but that the storehouse of the mind must be well filled, and he must have that command of his treasures which will enable him to bring forward whenever the occasion may require, what has been accumulated for future use.' He dwells particularly upon the necessity of mental discipline, especially the previous cultivation of the reasoning powers, and observes that the student who, in the course of his education, is called to search for truth in the labyrinth of metaphysical and moral reasonings, and to toil in the wearisome study of the long and intricate solutions of mathematical principles, is acquiring that discipline of the mind which fits him to distinguish himself as an able writer.' The chapter on Literary Taste is well written, and calculated to give just ideas of the peculiar merits of different authors, it also illustrates the proper use of Rhetorical figures. The chapter on Style is an interesting exposition of the qualities of a good style, and the modes of writing which characterize different individuals. This liule work leads the pupil to a knowledge of the rules and principles of Rhetoric, in an easy and simple manner, and has the merit of more originality than many school books which profess to be improvements. R. G. Parker, A. M., Principal of the Franklin Grammar School, Boston, and author of "Progressive Exercises in English Composition," (a volume that has now reached its forty-fifth edition,) in notes appended to pages 98 and 99 of his work says, "The student is referred to a treatise upon Rhetoric, by Professor Newman, of Bowdoin College, recently published. The author of these exercises regrets that he had not the assistance of that valuable treatise, when he was preparing his volume. It was not until the present (third) edition was more than half through the stereotyper's hands, that he saw the work of Professor Newman. ** His work on Rhetoric presents an illustration of the various kinds of style which should be studied by all. His valuable treatise cannot be too highly recommended." Other notices of similar import might be given, but the general popularity of the work renders it unnecessary. OLMSTED'S RUDIMENTS OF NATURAL PHI LOSOPHY AND ASTRONOMY. 1 vol. 18mo. pp. 288. Price 62 cents. This small volume, recently given to the public by Professor Olmsted of Yale College, contains a plain, practical and instructive outline of the most important facts and principles both of Natural Philosophy and Astronomy, adapted to learners of every age, but especially designed for common schools, and the younger classes of academies. It has met with remarkable success at the East, having been introduced as a class-book into the public schools of Boston, N. York, and other principal cities, and into many academies and private seminaries. An edition is now in preparation, in raised letters, for the use of the blind of the Massachusetts Asylum, under the direction of the celebrated Dr. Howe of Boston. Among numerous recommendations; of the highest authority, in possession of the publishers, the following extracts are offered as specimens. From Cyrus Mason, D. D. Professor in New York City University, and Rector of the University Grammar School, and Lewis H. Hobby, Esq. Head Master. We are not accustomed to give testimonials of our approbation of books used in the Grammar School; but we are constrained to make an exception in favor of the Rudiments of Natural Philosophy and Astronomy. We have used this book from the day of its publication, with increasing pleasure to ourselves, and advantage to our pupils. It is preeminently adapted to the work of public instruction, clear, methodical, comprehensive, and satisfactory, incapable of being used by a master who does not understand it, or of being recited by a pupil who has not comprehended its meaning. In the preparation of this book, Professor Olmsted has made himself a benefactor of the schools of our country." From the Philadelphia North American. (From the pen of Rev. Albert Barnes.) This is the title of a book [RUDIMENTS, &c.] which has evidently been prepared with much care, and which is intended to be adapted to promote a very important object in schools and academies. Professor Olmsted has prepared, on the same general subject, a Treatise on Natural Philosophy, in 2 vols. 8vo., a Treatise on Astronomy in one vol. 8vo., a School Philosophy, and a School Astronomy, which have been received with great favor by the public, and which have passed through numerous editions. The little work whose title is given above, completes his plan, by adapting this kind of instruction to primary schools. The writer of this notice knows of no work of this description, at once so comprehensive and so clear, so full of important principles of science, and so attractive to the youthful mind. Its introduction into the schools of this city, and the schools and academies of this commonwealth, he would regard as a circumstance auguring most favorably for the promotion of the best interests of education. Indeed, many a man who graduated at College, and who has entered on his professional life, would find it a work in which he would be greatly interested and profited." From the New Englander. "An acquaintance with Professor Olmsted's larger treatises on Philosophy and Astronomy, together with the high reputation of the author as a scholar and practical teacher, led us to expect in these Rudiments a work of no ordinary merit, but we must be permitted to say, that upon a careful perusal of the work we find our expectations more than realized. Olmsted's larger Philosophy and Astronomy are used as textbooks, we believe, in a great majority of the colleges and universities in our country, and are enjoying an unexampled popularity, but, if we are not much mistaken, his Rudiments will become a text-book for more minds, and exert more influence on the intelligence and progress of the American people, than any of his preceeding works." From Rev. Henry Jones, Principal of Cottage School on Golden Hill, Bridgeport, Ct. "Professor Olmsted, far from presenting only a forbidding outline of abstract propositions, has every where laid down, in simple and agreeable language, the specific facts which constitute the materials of his science; and following the inductive and the only natural process, has drawn from these facts the general laws which are their only le gitimate expression. Hence, this little work proves to be at once the most intelligi ble, the most instructive, and the most entertaining class book which it has ever been my fortune to use." GALE'S PHILOSOPHY. Elements of Natural Philosophy; embracing the general principles of Mechanics, Hydrostatics, Hydraulics, Pneumatics, Acoustics, Optics, Electricity, Galvanism, Magnetism and Astronomy; illustrated by several hundred engravings. Designed for the use of Schools and Academies. Eleventh Edition. By LEONARD D. GALE M. D., Professor of Geology, Mineralogy, &c., N. Y. City University. 1 voi. 12mo, 621 20 Sheep, pp. 280, price Used in various portions of the Union, and recently introduced into the Public Schools of Cincinnati. GRAY'S CHEMISTRY. Elements of Chemistry; containing the principles of the Science, both experimental and theoretical. Intended as a text-book for Academies and Colleges. Illustrated with numerous engravings. By ALONZO GRAY, A. M., Prof. of Chemistry, etc., in Marietta College. (Seventh edition, revised and enlarged.) 1 vol. 12mo. Sheep, pp. 400, price 75 cents. What qualities should a text-book of Chemistry, adapted to our schools and acade mies, possess? It should be short, for the time necessary for its study in detail cannot be given to it; and again, all its principles, and all its important facts, can be expressed within the compass of an ordinary 12mo. The principal part of the book should be devoted to mineral chemistry, and but a small portion, camparatively, to vegetable and animal. for all the principles of the science are involved in the former, and the latter are shifting in their aspects from day to day. It should be perspicuously arranged, and in such a manner that no subject shall be alluded to unless it has been previously described. It should abound with illustrations and experiments, and the latter should be clearly described and neatly figured, and of such a character as to be little expensive in their performance. And lastly, it should be correctly printed, and with a type sufficiently large to be read without fatigue. These qualities Mr. Gray's book possesses in a very high degree, more so, certainly, than any other with which we are acquainted. The work of TURNER is the only one that will compare with it, for clearness of arrangement and fertility of illustration, but that is too extensive to be introduced into our schools and academies. Large portions of it are usually omitted in the colleges where it is studied. The author, after a very full and lucid exposition of the imponderable elements and the laws of chemical affinity, has very judiciously divided the ponderable elements into, 1. Non metallic, and their primary compounds. 2. Metals, and their primary compounds. 3. Salts. To these succeeds a very succinct, but sufficiently copious, exposition of vegetable and animal chemistry, and the work concludes with a chapter upon chemical analysis. Thus the whole subject is exhausted, and by this simple classification, and by arranging the different substances which are ranked under each class, in such an order that he is never obliged to assume as known, what has not been previously described, he has made this science. usually so perplexing to the student, a task of very little labor. And by the lucid style in which the work is written throughout, and by the numerous and well executed wood cuts with which it abounds, he has conferred an important and permanent benefit on this branch of education. |