9-864 S-HW IN LECTURES: DESIGNED TO RENDER ITS PRINCIPLES EASILY ADAPTED PUBLISHED BY R. BARTLETT AND S. RAYNOR, BOSTON :-MONROE AND FRANCIS. PHILADELPHIA:-AUNER. - 1833. Entered, according to Act of Congress, June 7th, in the year 1831, by Lorenzo F. Hamlin, in the office of the Clerk of the Northern District of New-York. AMONG the numerous recommendations from instructers and literary gentlemen, are the following: Extract of a letter from the Hon. James Hayward, (formerly Professor at Harvard University,) Cambridge, and Chairman of the Committee of Public Schools, Feb. 11, 1832. "DEAR SIR-I have examined your Grammar, and can say that I am pleased with its general arrangement and simplicity. The transfer of a class of words called " Adjective Pronouns," to the category of Adjecjectives, I think a very proper change. There are other improvements which might be specified," &c. Extract from Mr. McAdams of Philadelphia, Pa. "Persuaded of its merits, I have determined to introduce it into the English Department of the University of Pennsylvania.” Extract from the Rev. Mr. Center of Albany, N. Y. "The Author has stripped the subject of those superfluities which appear too often in other works, and which tend to perplex the learner.” Extract from Mr. E. L. Colby, Principal at the Hopkinton Academy, N. H., Nov. 2, 1832. Speaking of the work, he writes," It contains all the important prineiples of Murray more coucisely expressed than they are found perhaps in any work of the kind. I like the manner in which you have disposed of what are generally called " Adjective Pronouns.” You have so condensed the leading principles of Grammar that they can be easily committed and retained by young scholars. I shall recommend it to my pupils, and think it peculiarly well adapted to our primary schools." Extract from Rev. S. Adams, Preceptor of a Female Seminary, at Portland, Maine. "It appears to me te ve well adapted as a text-book to be accompani⚫ ed with oral instruction. I have no where met with so full, and at the same time so concise a statement of the principles of the language. "I fully concur in the opinion above expressed. S. ADAMS." B. CUSHMAN," Preceptor of Academy, Portland. Extract from J. Furbish, Principal of a Female Seminary at the same place." Its remarkable simplicity and conciseness ought to recommend it to the notice of all teachers and school committees. Portland, Sept. 13, 1832." From O. H. Allen, Principal of the High School at Walpole, dated October 24, 1832. "MY DEAR SIR,-I have carefully perused your Grammar. I find it an excellent work. I think you have said all that is necessary, in a work intended as this is, for Common Schools and Academies. It is plain and clear. It may be readily understood and easily digested. I shall introduce it into my High School, and use all means in my power to introduce it into the common schools of this town and vicinity.” UNIVERSITY 04-70172 PREFACE. THE author is aware that there are already extant, a number of Grammars of considerable merit. Much improvement in the method of teaching this important branch of literature has recently been made; yet the thought has struck him, that there is still room for further improvement. The author does not claim the merit of inventing a new theory of English Grammar; he thinks that innovations in science are dangerous, and never should be attempted, unless a full, clear, and comprehensive reason can be assigned. The science of letters is not the invention of a single genius, however great he may be; nor the offspring of a single day, however enlightened it requires the hand of Time to cultivate its gradual growth, the touch of many a genius to polish its rudeness, and the smooth and plastic fingers of refined Society, to bring it to perfect maturity. All that the individual can do, is, not to produce a new system, but to devise the best means of cultivating the old; and to remove those superfluities which impede its advancement. Hence all needless distinctions should be avoided, as in every other science; and the line of distinction between the several parts of speech, should be laid down with the greatest precision and accuracy, that the pupil may never be involved in inexplicable mystery. It is for this reason, that the author has ventured to deny the existence of "adjective pronouns ;" but he does not do it without presenting his reasons; and he has the confidence to believe, that those who will take time to examine the subject, will be satisfied that the author is correct. The author has made some other innovations, which he considers improvements; he has endeavoured to be distinct in his definitions, and particular in giving examples to explain every principle; concise, yet comprehensive, that the pupil may see nothing but what is clear, and may view the whole in a short time, and in a small compass. Whether the author has succeeded in his undertaking, he respectfully submits to the impartial critic, and candid teacher; and, though he may not have made very great improvement in the science, he hopes at least, that he has accomplished what he intended-to facilitate the process of acquiring a thorough practical knowledge of English Grammar. This the author deems to be its principal, if not its only useful and legitimate end. |