thus forcibly and eloquently expresses himself upon the undue preponderance which mathematics have here obtained : "In the immediate instance of the Irish University, it is unfortunate that the mathematical sciences form the chief source of distinction; unfortunate for the double reason, that they are not the best teachers of a national mind, and that they are most peculiarly unpalatable to the prominent taste of the Irish mind. The country of Berkeley cannot be suspected of wanting any acuteness that may be requisite for the more exact sciences; but still, unquestionably, the finest efforts of the national faculties have taken a different direction. Poetry, eloquence, vigorous dissertations in the sciences of politics, morals, theology, and history, have been the favourite triumphs of the Irish mind. The indica tions of natural power in those pursuits, ought to have guided the system of the University, and to the extent of largely abandoning the barren toils of mathe matics, a science in which not one Irishman out of millions has sought for or acquired distinction-a science which, from its ab- sity, as such, teaches the professions; law and physic are left to their peculiar schools, or are at best branches and additions to the general course. Let Ireland reflect by whom has her glory been chiefly augmented in Europe; and while she gives the tribute of enlightened and willing homage to the memory of her orators, poets, and statesmen; her Burkes, Goldsmiths, Swifts, Sheridans, and the long line of eminent men who have made her name synonimous with all that is brilliant, vivid, and vigorous in the human mind; let her throw the whole force of her collegiate system into the formation of characters fitted to sustain their office, and render their services to the empire." We give this extract at length, because it is beautifully just; it is written with the spirit of a statesman and a philosopher; worth whole pages, aye, whole volumes of the heavy and which has found its way into the pages prolix prosing upon the same subject, of some other periodicals. the end of all political institutions; and The happiness of the community is to adapt existing, or to mould new establishments to the forwarding of this, is the object of the science of the politician. The connection between the means and the end is very frequently intricate and obscure; and it is this which constitutes all the difficulty of politics. But, perhaps, in few instances is the investigation attended with less complicated inquiries than that in which we are at present discussing. Let it be once admitted that Universities should endeavour to communicate that knowledge which will be most generally useful, and we apprehend there can be but little controversy as to what it is. The chief requisite for the inquiry is an unprejudiced mind—a mind that will be content to estimate the value of every science and every study, not by any false and adventitious importance which has been attached to it by the rewards that existing institutions bestow, but by its absolute tendency to minister to the good of society. Those, for instance, who have obtained affluence and honour by their superiority in mathematics, cannot, without a strong and vigorous effort, be impartial judges upon the real merits of those sciences. What has been associated with all the ambitious aspirations of ardent youth, must preserve an influence even over the cool 66 calculations of deliberating age. When long accustomed to regard a study as a means of our personal aggrandizement, the transition is a natural one, to consider it as intrinsically important. It is thus that we feel no little difficulty in advocating the cause we have undertaken, before judges whose habits and impressions, retained long after the pre-disposing causes are forgotten, all urge them to decide against us. It is not easy for men in the maturity of their age to divest themselves of the predilections of youth, and to arrange the system they controul, so that all the studies shall be restricted, over which they toiled themselves with assiduity and success, Quod juvenes didicere senes perdenda fateri." Besides, there is peculiarly attached to mathematical ability, a proud consciousness of superiority, which not unfrequently prompts its possessors to look upon all species of talent, but that which bears upon lines and quantities, with contempt. Account for it as we will, there is no man less inclined to allow talent, different from his own, its merit, than the mathematician. We know, then, the difficulties that we must contend with, but we know also that they are not insurmountable. We know that the body of men to whom we appeal are the most enlightened, perhaps, in the civilized world: and earnestly, yet respectfully, do we entreat of them to consider if the time now devoted to, and the encourage ment held out for, the study of the mathematical sciences, might not be more profitably employed, both for the advantage of the student and the honour of the University. These too, be it remembered, are peculiar times times when we are persuaded the su premacy of rank can only be maintained by the superiority of intellect. A mighty impetus has been given by the diffusion of information to the energies of the lower classes; and if the middling and upper classes desire to maintain their elevation, they must keep pace with the spirit of improvement. When the village schoolmaster and mechanic has information that a century ago would have been thought erudition in the parson or the squire, the parson and the squire must receive an education very far beyond that which was sufficient for their grandfathers. When the schoolmaster is abroad among the lower ranks, the University must bestir herself with the higher. She must train their young men to compete with the march of intellect, and to sway the wills of the multitude by the mere moral power of superiority of attainments-by the virtue of that unalterable law by which matter is subjected to mind, and force is made subservient to reason. We seeevery reflecting person sees-that perilous times are nigh; times when mighty interests will be discussed, and mighty energies will find employment. And is it inconsistent with the wisdom, or beneath the dignity of the University, to prepare the sons of our nobility and our gentry for the conflict? How, then, is she to train the men who will have the moral energy to rebuke a nation's madness, and the intellectual power to overrule a nation's perverse will? How will she create a second Burke, to send back to its hell the spirit of revolution, when it manifests itself at home? In the hour of danger, it is not the mathematician that will stand forward as the asserter of her rights and the repeller of her assailants. These are considerations that now press upon us with peculiar weight, when every day seems big with changes, of which we cannot see the end. But, apart from all such motives, her duty calls on her to alter her system,-her duty to the country that has so liberally endowed her—her duty to those, the studies of whose youth she is bound to direct. We put the question to the consciences of her rulers, does she direct them for the best? What young man, about to enter on the theatre of the world, and to bear his part in the busy and the trying scenes of life, would not prefer to an acquaintance with the rules for the solution of spherical triangles, or the differential calculus itself, an intimacy with the laws and constitution of his country, a knowledge of those events which form the subject of modern history, or those principles upon which is based the science that treats of the wealth of nations? Yet, if in his academic days his youthful ambition leads him to seek those honours which are placed within his grasp, he will find at the termination of his course, that four years of the best part of his life have been spent in amassing knowledge which will positively be a dead weight in the race that he is about to run; and that if he pants for any fame beyond the mere celebrity of a college, or aspires to any higher elevation than that which is connected with a fellow's life, he must begin again anew, he must divest himself of those habits and predilections which scientific reading has formed in his mind, and toil in acquiring the less cumbrous and abstruse, but far more profitable information, upon the possession of which he discovers, perhaps too late, that he must rest his future hopes of competence and fame. We almost imagine that we hear the angry voice of some sturdy stickler for ancient systems, no matter how little suited to the wants of modern times, exclaim, "Would you have political economy introduced into the college course?" and we answer candidly that we would, and so would Dean Burrowes forty years ago; and had his advice in this and many other respects been taken, the University would have since far more efficiently discharged her duty to the country that has so munificently provided for her support. But let him speak for himself: "I have made objections to many of the treatises now read, and I have ventured to recommend a considerable introduction of new matter, particularly in the departments of natural and moral philosophy. The discoveries of these in latter times have been so considerable, as to be well entitled to a place in a general academic course. Chemistry in the one, and the science whose object is the wealth of nations, in the other, are in such general repute, that no person can form any pretension to a literary character, or hold almost any communication with the world, without being acquainted with their fundamental principles; yet these and other branches of knowledge, of no less importance, form at present no part of our course. "I should wish to place the student, at his entrance into the world, not below those of his own age, in actual information, and at the same time by a judicious course of academic institution, to give him considerable advantage in the capability of extending his knowledge beyond the limits which the necessary shortness of a general university course must unavoidably prescribe. I should wish him to possess all that preliminary information which might qualify him to comprehend the explication of whatever might come before him in practical science, or what he might hear in ordinary conversation, on subjects nearly related to those esteemed scientific ; that he should readily apprehend the construction of any machine, and account satisfactorily for its movements; that he should be acquainted with those ordinary chemical processes, by which the ornamental arts, and all the variety of useful trades are carried on, and should be able to point out the respective advantages and disadvantages of projects for improving the of his country." manufactures, or extending the commerce Dean Burrowes very judiciously observes, that few or any of the treatises extant upon general subjects, are calculated for the text-book of an examination. Such a work should be clear and concise; it should indulge in no long and eloquent dissertations-it should enter into no discursive argumentsit should hazard no original conjectures-its only object should be to convey the greatest quantity of elementary information in the fewest words. This, however, cannot be expected in a writer, whose essays are intended for general perusal, who has to state his own opinions, and answer objections. And, as a text-book for an academic examination is a thing sui generis, so it should be prepared expressly for the occasion, and by persons appointed expressly for the work. The system of a combination of extracts from the most approved writers upon the different subjects, is what the Dean appears to recommend, while the interstices, if we may use the expression, might be filled up with matter, which would seem to connect the quotations into some unity of design, and at the same time exhibit a general view of the progress and advancement of the science. treatises in the sciences of metaphysics The compilation of such and ethics was already recommended by our correspondent Palæus, in our number for August. But the fact is, that though at the time we gave insertion to our friend's communication, we thought that he went quite far enough in recommending the preparation of such treatises as an introduction to these sciences, we are persuaded, from the perusal of Dean Burrowes's pamphlet, and from our own reflections upon the subject, that such treatises alone should form the subject of the examination of the οι πολλοι, while from the candidates for honours, a knowledge of the authors "The third examination should begin with the doctrine of right, and the consideration of man's natural state, and proceed to the original constitution of government, its various species, its separate parts, and the modes of its dissolution, from Locke. To this may be added some of Paley's observations on Locke's principles, with some remarks on the nature and characteristical spirit of the different forms of government from Montesquieu. The rejection of Locke's repetitions, and reserving the chapter of property for the next examination, where it will come in more systematically, will leave room for the addition of some useful matter from the other writers, and particularly from the author of the spirit of laws, on the subject of government and legislation; chiefly as to what relates to administration of justice; matter, mode, and execution of law; crimes, and punishments; support of government; and military force. "The fourth examination should comprise that science, the object of which is the wealth of nations; a science wholly new in our course, but for its general estimation and real importance, well-deserving a place in it. The subjects it treats of are connected and interwoven so much with each other, that it is not very easy to compile a treatise on them so strictly methodical, as that no one part shall anticipate another. Perhaps the following arrangement, by pursuing a natural order of connection between the subjects, will comprise them all with as little confusion as any other:— "To form and compile a course agreeable to the plan here recommended, will certainly be a matter of some difficulty; but its great importance to the kingdom at large, and the celebrity it will add to our College, will, I make no doubt, induce all individuals of the society to unite in the task. I have consulted several of them, and have found them ready to undertake whatever part may be assigned to their charge. În truth, the duty they owe to the nation, which has provided liberally for their support and protection, demands it of them. Their ambition might, perhaps, be more highly gratified, by the pursuit of their individual studies in the separate branches of science; but their labours can in no other way be so usefully directed. They are maintained, not for solitary study, but for public instruction; not so much that they may write books, extending the boundaries of science, as that they may teach well what is already known. Whatever can tend to promote this end, merits in the highest degree their attention, and claims their utmost diligence. Each course being committed to such three or four members of the society as may, from the known direction of their studies, be most capable of undertaking it, all parts may go on together; and the co-operation of the whole body will encourage all, and make the labours of each inconsiderable. There can be no doubt but that they would re- "3d. Luxury-intercourse with foreign ceive also assistance from such gentlemen nations-commerce--coin---balance of as have been formerly Fellows of Dublin trade-exchange-regulations respecting College, and from many others, eminent in the several walks of literature. With such motives to recommend, and such assistance towards executing it, to say that proper treatises could not be drawn up to carry an useful and respectable plan of education into effect, is a gross libel against the University." "İst. A view of the progress of civil society, from the simplicity and rudeness of the earliest time, to the refinements of modern cultivation. "2d. Original foundation of property in the products of the earth-in the earth itself-limitations of property-introduction of money--regulations respecting succession and inheritance. The Dean recommends the preparation of treatises on politics and political economy, (which we need a hardly say, are by no means identical) to embrace the following subjects : commerce. "4th. Protecting bounties-dutiestaxes in general-revenue-finance. "5th. Inquiry into the sources of national wealth-population-industry— agriculture-manufactures-arts. "6th. Objects of a statesman's attention -security of property-personal liberty— provisions-education-religion." "The first of these might be made more useful by viewing the subject, not barely in theoretical, but also in an historical light; thus giving the student an habit of deducing political systems from fact rather than fancy, and giving him an insight into the genuine uses of history. Particular attention should be paid to the refined periods of antiquity, compared with those of modern times; to the change of manners consequent to the overthrow of the Roman empire by the Goths; to the revival of letters, and to the feudal system. Robertson, in his introduction to the history of Charles the Fifth, has everything valuable on these latter points; and Ferguson and Miller have considered the subject of the first division, or chapter, at large in the abstract. The matter of the other five chapters, which a bare communication of the topics must evince of the utmost importance, may be all found in Stewart's Political Economy, and Smith on the Wealth of Nations." Modern history might, in pursuance of the Dean's hint, be very fairly introduced as supplemental to the first of these courses. We would wish to see extracts from Blackstone introduced, or, perhaps, De Lolme's work on the English constitution. It reflects very little credit on any British University that her alumni are permitted to leave her walls, without the slightest pains being taken to apprize them of those privileges which, as the sons of British men, are their birthright, or to inform them of the nature of that constitution, to whose spirit, as British subjects, it is their duty to conform. The Dean deduces from an examination of the ancient statutes, and a reference to the original intention of the founders of the University, that the scheme of her course of instruction should be "that of an elementary course for general education; to instruct students in the elementary principles of most of the sciences, without going continually into detail, or pursuing any of them to their more remote consequences; a course of science which only lays the foundation of all, but leaves the superstructure to the fancy of the individual." The Dean regards the University in the single aspect of an institution for the purposes of general education: rewards should be added, to excite the students to pursue whatever study their own inclinations leads them to. It is a curious coincidence, that our correspondent, to whom we have already alluded, derives the same result from a very different consideration. We cannot refrain from transcribing his remarks, Vol. III. even at the hazard of appearing to quote from ourselves : "A writer, in a cotemporary periodical, has well laid down the objects of a University as two-fold:-first, to furnish to the youth of the country, generally, a liberal education; and, secondly, to promote the interests, and advance the progress of science and literature. "If this division be correct, unquestionably the enlightened princiciple, upon which a college system should be framed, would be to require from the students a moderate knowledge of all the subjects, which may be thought proper to form a part of their course of education, but to give rewards for distinguished proficiency in any." This, we confess, is the principle which we wish to see adopted-to require from the students an elementary knowledge of all the different branches of knowledge, but to give rewards, aye and liberal ones, for distinguished proficiency in any; this is the principle which would combine in its practical development the two great ends of all academical institutions-which would both furnish instruction, solid and useful instruction, to the generality of the students, and hold out ample inducements to those who had talents for any particular pursuit, to advance the bounds of science and literature, and shed a reflected lustre upon the University itself. Poetry and oratory have already their peculiar prizes; prizes not distributed, perhaps, in the manner best calculated to be effective; but still their institution is sufficient to defend us from the charge of recommending novelties, and to bestow upon our proposition the sanction of precedent. Why should there not be Vice Chancellor's prizes for distinguished proficiency in political economy or modern history, as well as for poetic compositions? Why should not the Algebraist, the Metaphysician, or the Linguist, all meet with particular encouragement and reward, as well as the man who reads the church liturgy with proper emphasis, or expresses his ideas well upon a subject of which he has not thought? Thus, while the compulsory and regular examination would be the test of the student's general proficiency, annual, or perhaps more frequent, examinations in each particular department, might be held, at which only those who chose should present themselves. At these examinations liberal pre M |