OF A LIBERAL EDUCATION IN GENERAL; AND WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE LEADING STUDIES PART I. PRINCIPLES AND RECENT HISTORY. BY WILLIAM WHEWELL, D.D., MASTER OF TRINITY COLLEGE. ΤΟ GEORGE BIDDELL AIRY, ESQUire, ASTRONOMER ROYAL. MY DEAR AIRY, It gives me great pleasure to make the present volume the memorial of a long and valued friendship, by dedicating it to you. But even without such a motive, I might fitly have placed your name in the front of my book, on account of its subject; for though it is now several years since you were called from a sphere of academical to one of more direct national influence, we still enjoy the benefit, both in our scientific activity, and in our educational methods, of the paths which you traced for us, and of the spirit which you diffused among us. I know too that you continue to take a lively interest in the proceedings and character of your ancient home. I will further add, as another reason for offering my Reflections to you, that with regard to the kind of Mathematical Studies most suited to the University, and especially with regard to the destructive effect of mere analysis upon the mind, I know that your views agree with my own. That you may long continue your noble career of scientific distinction and national usefulness, is the hearty wish and prayer of, MY DEAR AIRY, Yours most truly, W. WHEWELL. TRINITY LODGE, Oct. 10, 1845. |