STANFORD LIBRARY

THE ELEMENTARY PRINCIPLES

OF

EDUCATION.

BY ELIZABETH HAMILTON,
Author of the Memoirs of Modern Philosophers, &c.

IN TWO VOLUMES.

VOL. II.

THIRD AMERICAN EDITION.

BOSTON :

SAMUEL H. PARKER, 164, WASHINGTON-STREET.

1825.

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IC LIBRARY

LETTER I.-Page 7.

SEP 30.03

On the necessity of obtaining a knowledge of the intellectual faculties,

in order to them proper cultivation. How this knowledge is to be ac-

quired. Futility of endeavouring to cultivate the faculties out of the

order prescribed by Nature. A short analysis of the plan to be

pursued. Reflections.

LETTER II.-Page 24.

PERCEPTION.

Progressive development of the faculties. Perception explained.

Hints towards its cultivation in early infancy. Its connexion with

the benevolent affections.

LETTER III.-Page 38.

ATTENTION.

The power of attention in improving the perceptions. The velocity of

its operation so great as to render it frequently imperceptible. The

influence of the passions upon attention. Illustrations by example.

LETTER IV.-Page 60.

CONCEPTION.

Introductory observations. Mr. Locke's definition of discernment ap-

plicable to conception. The evils arising from the want of clear

and accurate ideas. How these are to be obtained. Conception

to be exercised in early life, on the objects of perception. Books.

Peculiarity of temperament. The conceptions of melancholy per

sons languid. Observations,

LETTER V.-Page 77.

CONCEPTION.

Possessed in different degrees of vigour. How it may best be cultivat-

ed in those of slow capacity. Exemplified in a variety of instances.

Difference betwixt a memory of perception, and the recollection of

ideas. The advantage of cultivating the latter. Illustrations.

LETTER VI.—Page 96.

CONCEPTION.

Lively tempers particularly liable to inaccuracy. How this fault is to

be obviated. The proper exercise of memory in early life consider-

ed. Illustrations.

LETTER VII.-Page 115.

JUDGMENT.

First begins to operate upon the objects of perception. Necessity of

exercising it upon sensible objects. Illustrations. How it may at

first be exercised on moral propositions. Party prejudice inimical to

its cultivation. Observations on this head. The use of history.

LETTER VIII.-Page 133.

JUDGMENT.

Observations upon the method to be pursued in reading History. Pre-

mature cultivation of imagination hurtful to judgment. Other obsta-

cles to its improvement examined. Mode of female education for-

merly adopted, more favourable to judgment than the modern.

Examples.

LETTER IX.-Page 153.

JUDGMENT.

Farther illustrations on the method of cultivating this faculty. Ed-

ucation of the lower orders. Religious instruction of the poor, and of

the rich.

LETTER X.-Page 170.

IMAGINATION AND TASTE.

Imagination defined. Necessity of its operations being guided by

judgment. Illustrations. Definition of taste. Mistakes concerning

the cultivation of this faculty. Union of conception and judgment

essential to its cultivation. Illustrations.

LETTER XI.-Page 193.

ABSTRACTION.

Different modes of reasoning. Use of general terms.

tion; its peculiar advantages illustrated.

of abstraction: its consequences, &c.

Generaliza

Deficiency in the power

LETTER XII.-Page 210.

ABSTRACTION.

Character of those who object to the cultivation of the reasoning fac

ulty in the female sex. Other objections stated and examined.

Means to be employed in preparing the mind for the exercise of

abstraction.

early life. Inutility of reflection, when not exercised under the in-

fluence of religious principle. Illustrations. Conclusion.