ticular account of his method of conducting the business of his class; and to some valuable suggestions for improvement in this and other departments of university business.

The leading peculiarity of the professor's method, was a progressive series of compositions or themes on the subjects of his lectures. These afforded a useful exercise in recalling and considering the subjects which the professor investigated, and thus training the mind to the invaluable habits of attention and reflection. But this was not the only benefit of such exercises: they cultivated, at the same time, a facility and accuracy in writing, which was farther aided and improved by the collateral exercise of recapitulating, orally, the substance of each lecture-a practice which tended greatly to facilitate the habit of extemporaneous address. Another valuable exercise consisted in giving, in presence of the professor and the class, an oral abstract of whatever author a student might happen to be reading at his leisure hours; another in giving full and accurate definitions on subjects proposed without premeditation; and another, in mutual instruction applied to composition and criticism.

Professor Jardine's discipline and general management were peculiarly happy. An account of these may be found in the United States Literary Gazette, for December 1st, 1825.

The character of professor Jardine as an instructer cannot be more justly or more happily given, than by applying to himself a passage from his own work.

• The possession even of professional knowledge, and the art of communicating it successfully to others, are two very different things ;though the former, as has just been remarked, is often held as an apology for the want of the latter, or even as superseding the necessity of such a qualification. The professional art, however, so to call it, comprehending that of managing a numerous class of young persons, requires an assemblage of qualities which are not always found united. An ardent and diligent search for the particular knowledge requiredthe arrangement and adaptation of it to the purposes of those to whom it is to be communicated-the kind, prudent, and discreet management of different characters-the wise administration of discipline-firmness and self possession in bestowing praise and inflicting censure-readiness to meet unexpected demands for information-the removing of obstacles, and the solving of difficulties-are all, in their turn, required of the teacher of philosophy."

In all these characteristics of an accomplished instructer, professor Jardine was a model of excellence which,--if we are at liberty to use the term, when speaking of human beings,—we might justly call perfect. It has seldom, perhaps, fallen to the lot of

man to labor so long in a useful office, or with so distinguished success, or with so profound respect and heart-felt gratitude from those for whom he labored. The good old age of this venerable man differs but little from his earlier years. Though in retirement, he is still zealously employed as a reformer in education-still enjoys the light of a serene and cheerful mind, beaming a pure and exalted happiness on all within its sphere of intercourse.

The Moral Characters of Theophrastus, in the Graeca Majora, literally translated into English, to which are subjoined Explanatory and Philological Notes. For the Use of Students. Andover: 1826. 8vo. pp. 36.

THE author of this little work has acquitted himself ably of the task he has undertaken. The translation, though literal, is in general neat and classical, and much of the vigor and spirit of the Greek satirist may be found in the corresponding English.

The general remarks on translation, contained in the preface, are we think, just. An ambitious and industrious student will make such a work useful, without permitting it to be necessary to himhe will judge of it, as of the original, for himself, and will render it subservient to his views, without an undiscriminating adherence to its decisions. Employed in this way, a translation, instead of doing harm, will be productive of much good; and to those who would abuse one by making it the substitute for exertion, the apologies and means of negligence are ever abundant. To students therefore who wish to become familiar with the meaning of this agreeable writer, we cheerfully recommend our author's work, as a judicious auxiliary to their efforts for this purpose.

'It has been remarked by an elegant and learned writer* upon classical education, that "translations are the bane of scholarship."But this general truth, to which all scholars will heartily assent, may have its exceptions; for there are studied at our colleges, extracts from, at least, one Greek author, at a time when the student, from his limited knowledge of Greek, cannot fully understand them, without something more than the ordinary facilities of grammars and lexicons. This author is Theophrastus. From the abruptness of his style-from the present corrupted state of his text-from his frequent allusions to customs, festivals, and religious rites-and from his using words and

Shepherd, Joyce, and Carpenter's Systematic Education, Vol. I. Introductory Essay.

phrases not found in any other author; or, if found, not used in the same sense, I am convinced, from my own observation, that it is seldom that a student at college, in his Freshman year, understands this author thoroughly, or relishes him with taste. I have therefore presented to him a literal English version of the extracts from The Moral Characters of this author in the first volume in the Graeca Majora; and have subjoined to it, numerous critical and explanatory notes. For having done this, I do not deem it necessary to offer any apology to the instructers of our youth. For while they cannot deprecate, more than myself, a general and free use of translations among students; as tending to destroy critical scholarship, independence of thought, patient and laborious research, and one of the great benefits derived from the study of the dead languages-the sharpening and disciplining of the mental powers; they must be aware, that the peculiarities of Theophrastus require peculiar aids. For to understand his frequent allusions to local customs, reference must be made to many books, to which few students have access.

In the translation, I have endeavored to be as literal as possible, without doing violence to our own language; and to give to every Greek word, its best and most appropriate word in English; and whenever the sense of a word in the Greek, cannot be expressed without using three or four in English, these are connected together by hyphens. It would have been a much easier task to have written an elegant and free translation of this author; for in that case, one would not be restrained by the peculiarities of his style, but would take his thoughts, and mould them into what form he pleased. Such a version might have sounded better to an English ear-but would not have been Theophrastus.

The extracts from Longinus, in the Majora, I have partly prepared in the same manner. But as the difficulties of this author consist, chiefly, in his language and thought, they may be surmounted by patient and vigorous application. I have therefore hesitated to complete and publish this work, thinking that it might not subserve the cause of Classical Literature.'

The hesitation of the translator, in this case, is creditable to his diffidence of his own judgement; but we hope, it will not have an ultimate influence on his decision. The truth had better be frankly told at once, that in many seminaries in this country, not only the pupil but the teacher needs such helps as are afforded by translation and copious explanatory notes. If judiciously used, these will be highly beneficial; and if not, the blame does not lie with the translator. A translation and a collection of notes, such as are appended to Theophrastus, if carried through a large proportion of the harder authors, would be serviceable, in a high degree, to the efforts both of learners and teachers.

The arrangement of the text, translation, and notes, in the present publication are remarkably convenient; and the execution of the work, by its beauty and accuracy reflects credit on its publishers.

INTELLIGENCE.

LONDON GYMNASTIC INSTITUTION.

A numerous and respectable meeting of persons resident at the East End of the metropolis was recently held to take into consideration the practicability of forming a Branch Establishment of the London Gymnastic Institution for those resident in this part of London.—Dr. Gilchrist was called to the Chair.

The Chairman said that if the practice of the ancients, and the successful cultivation of gymnastic exercises in Germany, and various other parts of Europe, were not decisive of the utility and practicability of such Institutions, they had now the decisive fact that such an institution had been successfully introduced in this metropolis. The projectors have, in consequence of the distance of the Gymnasium from persons resident in that district, desired to try the practicability of a Branch Institution for the Eastern part of the metropolis. Upwards of seven hundred respectable young men had experienced the benefits of the parent Institution. He had lately been informed by Mr. Hume, that efforts would, in a short time, be made to form a Branch Establishment in the west end of the town, and he had no doubt that another would be instituted in Surrey. He concluded by adverting to the testimony of persons of high medical reputation as to the benefits that must be derived in crowded cities from the pursuit of such exercises.

Dr. Black, in moving the first Resolution, declaring the beneficial nature of gymnastic exercises, stated that the advantages were self evident.

The seconder of the motion spoke from experience of the great effects of the system. He had been a poor, emaciated, hungry looking figure of a man, with most weak hams, and the exercises of the Gymnasium had given him bulk and strength and respectability of appearance. A few morning's exercise had put to flight a complaint brought on by sedentary habits, which medicine bad failed to remove, and he stood forth like one regenerated. It was generally supposed that early rising, and walking or riding, would fully suffice-this was a mistake. The Gymnasium had put into motion muscles which were never disturbed by ordinary exercises. It was, besides, no easy matter, especially for a young man, to pursue any solitary exercise for any length of time. It was supposed, most erroneously, by some, that the exercises were of a pugilistic nature. No better proof could be adduced than the fact, that many of the society of Friends were members, and most zealously performed their exercises. The resolution was carried unanimously.

Captain Morrison, of the R. N., proposed the resolution, declaring the necessity of a Branch establishment for that part of the Metropolis. Dr. Paris, who bad ably written on the subject of public health, had expressed great pleasure at the prospect of such institutions being established in the Metropolis. He could, with the gentleman who had last spoken, bear the testimony of his experience to the efficacy of the system of gymnastics, and to the highly pleasurable nature of the exercise.

Mr. Jones, in seconding the motion, said, that no higher authority would be produced for the adoption of these exercises than that of Dr. Birkbeck, whose skill in his profession was unrivalled; that gentleman was prevented by his engage ments from attending, but he had written a letter on the subject, one passage of 79

VOL. I.

which was worthy the particular attention of the meeting. The doctor said, "It has long appeared to me a desideratum to obtain for the inhabitants of this crowded metropolis, safe, efficient, and animating methods of attaining that exercise which is so essential to the preservation of the health and strength of our population: a very large portion is confined through the day, in occupations which are quite sedentary, and often requiring very unfavorable, nay, even mischievous positions of the body, during their continuance. To counteract this preponderance of sedentary, over active pursuits, London furnishes very little invitation or opportunity, and hence it happens, internal excitement, in the most inviting forms, being abundantly provided, that the majority of those thus circumstanced are led to attempt the removal of languor, exhaustion, and torpor, by having recourse to internal stimuli instead of active cheerful exercise. The multiplied evils which flow from this ill contrived method to remedy the daily dif.ficulties arising from sedentary occupation, I need not detail to you—with the catalogue, both physical and moral, you have too many opportunities to become accurately acquainted. In conclusion the doctor said, My confidence, I may remark, does not rest upon the influence of the exercises of the Gymnasium upon the inhabitants of the Grecian States, as proclaimed by their poets and historians, but upon unquestionable inductions from the nature of man, as a sensitive organised being, together with the results of the few scattered experiments furnished by our own times. I need not add that I fully believe your plan must succeed, introduced under the very powerful auspices of Professor Voelker, and strongly appreciating the wants of our fellow citizens, I cannot admit the possibility of failure in the very interesting attempt to improve energies of the British nation.' The motion was carried by acclamation.

Mr Reynolds, the Master of the Seminary near Pentonville, stated, that he had been recommended by Mr. Lawrence to try the effect of gymnastic exercises to eradicate a disordered system, contracted in the pursuit of his avocations; he had tried it with the utmost success.

A number of gentlemen spoke with great ability on the subject, and resolutions" for the formation of a Branch Institution, were carried unanimously. The members are to manage it by a Committee, and it was stated, that the Central Institution would give it every assistance in its power. Thanks were voted to the Chairman and to Professor Voelker; and after a considerable number of persons had enrolled their names, and subscribed liberally, the meeting separated.

National Gasette.

AMERICAN SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.

[The interesting intelligence contained in this article is extracted from the Second Annual report of the American Sunday School Union. We regret that our limits restrict us at present in our extracts from this report; and we would embrace the opportunity of inviting the attention of our readers to the whole article, as given in the American Sunday School Magazine for the month of June. Speaking from observation, we can safely say that in Great Britain no means have been found so effective as Sunday Schools for elevating the moral and intellectual, as well as the religious, character of the great body of the people. The same thing, to a considerable extent is true, of the cities at least, in this country.]

The demands of your Society on the labors of its managers are of so varied a character, that we have felt it necessary to appoint committees from our own number, in order to conduct its business with greater precision and despatch.

The Committee of Publication, which came into existence with the Philadelphia Sunday and Aduit School Union, has a large and important field of exertion allotted to it in the operations of your board. Fifteen hundred copies of the American Sunday School Magazine, issued under the superintendence of this committee, have been published monthly during the past year.