Abbildungen der Seite
PDF
EPUB

opinion, after very many years' experience in teaching them, is, that in their case we cannot consistently adopt the ordinary routine of school system; - because, in the first place, a thoroughly good and useful officer of large practical experience, but who is ignorant of the higher principles of science, may do credit to his profession, although it is certain that such an officer, if better educated, would do very much more credit; and secondly, because time can scarcely be spared by them for elaborate investigation of principles, until some favourable opportunity occurs after having actually entered upon their duties afloat. It is then in the' judicious direction of the earlier studies, that the best scholastic advice, and a book carefully prepared for the purpose, are needed by the class referred to: not, indeed, for them only, but such a work as will be useful to sea officers in Her Majesty's Service, and the mercantile marine generally.

[ocr errors]

That the public judgment will be freely called into exercise upon the consistency of the author of such a book is probable; for he must relinquish (for a time) many conventional points of routine, and advise with an independence which involves great professional responsibility; such, indeed, as to the reputation of the mere teacher or the mere engineer, might be hazardous. But be it so the course has been successfully tested. It cannot really be inconsistent to condense information, and to lighten labour, so long as the main object, that of clearness, and a proper illustration of principles, be kept in view. A certain amount of drudgery, which is supposed to be essential to the progress of the heedless boy, cannot be necessary for the thoughtful, mature, and earnest aspirant who, already in

the service of his country, looks to his future as dependent on his professional acquirements. And yet what distinction have educational works as yet recognised?

We all know that elementary study after our school-days have passed is a long and dreary railway of monotony, but when we can scatter about the occasional "stations," or necessary resting-places, a few little patches of flowers, and glimpses of higher cultivation, these are the little oases which refresh, and the reliefs which strengthen the mind and purposes for increased progress. Occasional peeps, therefore, into the higher branches of study will be allowed in the course of the work; and thus, in our voyage of discovery (as it were), we shall often take soundings, when the not very clear waters in which we are sometimes obliged to sail will hide the bottom from our eyes. That course of study is the best, which keeps us the nearest to principles, while we are actively engaged with practical illustration. For the main distinction between the man of science and the mere smatterer lies in their comparative knowledge and appreciation of the "Why and Wherefore."

[merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small]
« ZurückWeiter »