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Geometry may be divided into two parts— practical and theoretical: the practical bearing a similar relation to the theoretical that arithmetic does to algebra. And just as arithmetic is made to precede algebra, should practical geometry be made to precede theoretical geometry.

Arithmetic is not undervalued because it is inferior to algebra, nor ought practical geometry to be despised because theoretical geometry is the nobler of the two.

However excellent arithmetic may be as an instrument for strengthening the intellectual powers, geometry is far more so; for as it is easier to see the relation of surface to surface and of line to line, than of one number to another, so it is easier to induce a habit of reasoning by means of geometry than it is by means of arithmetic. If taught judiciously, the collateral advantages of practical geometry are not inconsiderable. Besides introducing to our notice, in their proper order, many of the terms of the physical sciences, it offers the most favorable means of comprehending those terms, and

impressing them upon the memory. It educates the hand to dexterity and neatness, the eye to accuracy of perception, and the judgment to the appreciation of beautiful forms. These advantages alone claim for it a place in the education of all, not excepting that of women. Had practical geometry been taught as arithmetic is taught, its value would scarcely have required insisting on. But the didactic method hitherto used in teaching it does not exhibit its powers to advantage.

Any true geometrician who will teach practical geometry by definitions and questions thereon, will find that he can thus create a far greater interest in the science than he can by the usual course; and, on adhering to the plan, he will perceive that it brings into earlier activity that highly-valuable but much-neglected power, the power to invent. It is this fact that has induced the author to choose as a suitable name for it, the inventional method of teaching practical geometry.

He has diligently watched its effects on both sexes, and his experience enables him to say

that its tendency is to lead the pupil to rely on his own resources, to systematize his discoveries in order that he may use them, and to gradually induce such a degree of self-reliance as enables him to prosecute his subsequent studies with satisfaction: especially if they should happen to be such studies as Euclid's "Elements," the use of the globes, or perspective.

A word or two as to using the definitions and questions. Whether they relate to the mensuration of solids, or surfaces, or of lines; whether they belong to common square measure, or to duodecimals; or whether they appertain to the canon of trigonometry; it is not the author's intention that the definitions should be learned by rote; but he recommends that the pupil should give an appropriate illustration of each as a proof that he understands it.

Again, instead of dictating to the pupil how to construct a geometrical figure—say a square —and letting him rest satisfied with being able to construct one from that dictation, the author has so organized these questions that by doing justice to each in its turn, the pupil finds that,

when he comes to it, he can construct a square without aid.

The greater part of the questions accompanying the definitions require for their answers geometrical figures and diagrams, accurately constructed by means of a pair of compasses, a scale of equal parts, and a protractor, while others require a verbal answer merely. In order to place the pupil as much as possible in the state in which Nature places him, some questions have been asked that involve an impossibility.

Whenever a departure from the scientific order of the questions occurs, such departure has been preferred for the sake of allowing time for the pupil to solve some difficult problem; inasmuch as it tends far more to the formation of a self-reliant character, that the pupil should be allowed time to solve such difficult problem, than that he should be either hurried or assisted.

The inventive power grows best in the sunshine of encouragement. Its first shoots are tender. Upbraiding a pupil with his want of skill, acts like a frost upon them, and materially

checks their growth. It is partly on account of the dormant state in which the inventive power is found in most persons, and partly that very young beginners may not feel intimidated, that the introductory questions have been made so very simple.

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