ÆäÀÌÁö À̹ÌÁö
PDF
ePub

RECOMMENDATIONS.

It is well known that the recommendations which generally accompany new books, have very little weight with the publick. This is as it should be, for that work which rests more on its written testimonials, than on its intrinsick merits for support, asserts no claims to permanent patronage. But recommendations which analyze the merits of a work, and which. by exhibiting its prominent features in a striking light, are calculated to carry conviction to the reader that the system recommended is meritorious, the author is proud to have it in his power to present in this volume. The following are some of the numerous testimonials which he has received, and for which he tenders his grateful acknowledgments to those literary gentlemen to whose liberality and politeness he is indebted for them. More than six hundred others presented to the author, and many of which are equally flattering with these, he has not room to insert.

The following notice of this work is extracted from the "Western Review." Thus journal is ably conducted by the Rev. Timothy Flint, author of "Francis Berrian," "History & Geography of the Miss. Valley," and many other popular and valuable

works.

We had not, at that time, seen Mr. Kirkham's "Grammar in familiar Lectures," but have since given it a cursory perusal. If we comprehend the author's desiga, it is not so much to introduce new principles, as to render more easy and intelligible those which have been long established, and to furnish additional facilities to an accurate and thorougl: knowledge of our language. In this we think he has been successful.

It is to be expected that a modest, unassuming writer, on presenting himself before the publick tribunal as an author, will, as far as consistent with his plan, avail himself of the authority of such as have written well on the subject before him. Mr. Kirkham has accordingly followed Mr. Murray in the oid beaten track of English writers on grammar, in the general principles of the science; endeavouring, at the same time, to avoid whatever appeared to be erroneous or absurd in the writings of that author, and adopting an entirely new arrangement. The most useful matter contained in the treatise of Mr. Murray, is embraced in this; but in the definitions and rules, it is simplified, and rendered much more intelligible. Though our author follows Mr. Murray, in the general principles of his work, he has, in numerous instances, differed from him, pursuing a course that appears to be his own, and introducing some valuable improvements.

Among these may be mentioned some additional rules and explanatory notes in syntax, the arrangement of the parts of speech, the mode of explaining them, manner of parsing, manner of explaining some of the pronouns, and the use of a synopsis which presents the essentials of the science at one view, and is well calculated to afford assistance to learners.

In his arrangement of the parts of speech, Mr. Kirkham seems to have endeavoured to follow the order of nature; and ve are not able to see how he could have done better. The noun and verb, as being most important parts of speech, are first explained, and afterwards those whicne cons dered in a secondary and suborainate character. By following this order, he was avoided the absurdity so common among authors, of defining the minor parts before their principals, of which they were designed to be the appendages, and has rationally prepared the way for conducting the learner by easy advances to a correct view of the science.

In his illustrations of the various subjects contained in his work, our author appears to have aimed, not at a flowery style, nor at the appearance of being learned, but at being understood. The clearness and perspicuity of his remarks, and their applicatien to familar objects, are well calculated to arrest the attention, and aid the understanding, of the pupil, and thereby to lessen the labour of the instructer. The principles of the science are simplified, and rendered so perfectly easy of comprehension, we should think no ordinary mind, having such help, could find them difficult. It is in this particular that the work appears to possess its chief merit, and on this account it cannot fail of being preferred to many others.

It gives us pleasure to remark, in reference to the success of the amiable and

dest author whose monk in hofono na that u

ate from the Gol edition

RECOMMENDATIONS.

opportunity is now presented which ought not to be neglected. Hav witnessed, in several instances, within the last ten months, the practical Mr. Kirkham's plan, I am enabled to give a decisive opinion of its mer extensive knowledge acquired in one course by his class in Pittsburgh, and proficiency evinced by his classes elsewhere, are a demonstration of the superiority of his method of teaching, and a higher encomium on him able to bestow.

The principles on which Mr. Kirkham's "New system of Grammar" i ted, are judiciously compiled, and happily and briefly expressed; but merit of his work consists in the lucid illustrations accompanying the princ the simple and gradual manner in which it conducts the learner along fro step through the successive stages of the science. The explanations blen the theory, are addressed to the understanding of the pupil in a manner se that they cannot fail to excite in him a deep interest; and whatever syste culated to bring into requisition the mental powers, must, I conceive, be p of good results. In my humble opinion, the system of teaching introduced work, will enable a diligent pupil to acquire, without any other aid, a knowledge of grammar, in less than one-fourth part of the time usually dev

My views of Mr. Kirkhain's system are thus publickly given, with th pleasure, on account of the literary empiricisms which have been so ex practised in many parts of the western country.

Cincinnati, April 26, 1826.

From Mr. Blood, Principal of the Chambersburgh Academy, Pa. Mr. Kirkham,-It is now almost twenty years since I became a teacher and, during this period, I have not only consulted all, but have used mar different systems of English grammar that have fallen in my way; and, assure you, without the least wish to flatter, that yours far exceeds any I

seen.

Your arrangement and systematick order of parsing are most excellent perience has convinced me, (having used it, and it only, for the last twelv teen months,) that a scholar will learn more of the nature and principle language in one quarter, from your system, than in a whole year from any ot previously used. I do, therefore, most cheerfully and earnestly recommend publick at large, and especially to those who, anxious to acquire a knowled language, are destitute of the advantages of an instructer.

Yours, very respectfully,

Chambersbürgh Academy, Feb. 12, 1825.

SAMUEL BL

From Mr. N. R. Smith, editor of a valuable literary journal, styled "The He Mr. Kirkham,

Sir, I have examined your Lectures on English Grammar with that d minuteness which enables me to yield my unqualified approbation of the w grammatical system. The engaging manner in which you have explained ments of grammar, and accommodated them to the capacities of youth, is a illustration of the utility of your plan. In addition to this, the critical atter have paid to an analytical developement of grammaticai principles, while it lated to encourage the perseverance of young students in the march of impro is sufficient, also, to employ the researches of the literary connoisseur. It your valuable compilation will be speedily introduced into schools and aca N. R. SMITH,

With respect, yours,

Pittsburgh, March 22, 1825.

From Mr. Jungmann, Principal of the Frederick Lutheran Academy:-F Having carefully examined Mr. S. Kirkham's new system of " English G in familiar Lectures," I am satisfied that the pre-eminent advantages it p over our common systems, will soon convince the publick, that it is not one feeble efforts of quackery which have so often obtruded upon our notice. ded superiority over all other systems, consists in adapting the subject-matte capacity of the young learner, and the happy mode adopted of communicat his mind in a manner so clear and simple, that he can casily comprehend the and the application of every principle that comes before him.

In short, all the intricacies of the science are elucidated so clearly, I am co

[blocks in formation]

Exuact: from De Witt Clinton, late Gov. of New-York. I consider the Compendium of English Grammar, by Samuel Kirkham, a work deserving encouragement, and well calculated to facilitate the acquisition of thi useful science.

Albany, Sept. 25, 1824.

DE WITT CLINTON

New-York, July 29, 1829.

S. Kirkham, Esq. I have examined your Grammar with attention, and with a particular view to benefit the Institution under my charge. I am fully satisfied, that it is the best form in which Murray's principles have been given to the publick. The lectures are ample, and given in so familiar and easy language, as to be readily understood, even by a tyro in grammar.

I feel it due to you to say, that I commenced the examination of your work, under a strong prejudice against it, in consequence of the numerous "improved systems" with which the publick has been inundated, of late, most of which are by no means improvements on Murray, but the productions of individuals whom a "little grammar has rendered grammatically insane." My convictions, therefore, are the result of investigation.

I wish you, Sir, success in your publication.

Respectfully,

EBER WHEATON,

Pr. of Mechanick's Society Senool. With the the opinion of Mr. Wheaton respecting Mr. Kirkham's English Gram mar, we heartily concur.

Newburgh, Aug. 4, 1829.

NATHAN STARK, Pr. Acad.

(Rev.) JOHN JOHNSTON,
(Rev.) WM. S. HEYER.

From the Rev. C. P. McIlvaine, and others.

So far as 1 have examined the plan of grammatical instruction by Samuel Kirkham, I am well satisfied that it meets the wants of elementary schools in this branch. and deserves to be patronized. Brooklyn, July 9, 1829.

We fully concur in the above.

CHARLES P. McILVAINE.

ANDREW HAGEMAN,
E. M. JOHNSON.

EXTRACT.

From the partial examination which I have given Mr. S. Kirkham's English Grammar, I do not hesitate to recommend it to the publick as the best of the class I have ever seen, and as filling up an important and almost impassable chasm in works on grammatical science. D. L. CARROLL.

Brooklyn, L. I. June 29, 1829.

We fully concur in the foregoing recommendation.

From A. W. Dodge, Esq.

B. B. HALLOCK, • E. KINGSLEY, T. S. MAYBON.

New-York, July 15, 1829.

The experience of every one at all acquainted with the business of instruction, must have taught him that the study of grammar, important as it is to every class of learners, is almost invariably a dry and uninteresting study to young beginners, and for the very obvious reason, that the systems in general use in the schools, are far beyond the comprehension of youth, and ill adapted to their years. Hence it is, that their lessons in this department of learning, are considered as tasks, and it committed at all, committed to the memory, without enlightening their understandings; so that many a pupil who has been through the English grammar, is totally unacquainted with the nature even of the simplest parts of speech.

The work of Mr. Kirkham on grammar, is well calculated to remedy these evils, and supply a deficiency which has been so long and so seriously felt in the imperfect education of youth in the elementary knowledge of their own language. Byla simple, familiar, and lucid method of treating the subject, he has rendered what was before irksome and unprofitable, pleasing and instructive. In one word, the grammar of Mr. Kirkham furnishes a clew by which the youthful mind is guided through the intricate labyrinth of verbs, nouns, and pronouns; and the path which has been

[blocks in formation]

Philadelphia, Aug. 10, Having for several years been engaged in lecturing on the science of gra and, during this period, having thoroughly tested the merits of Mr. S. Kir system of English Grammar in Familiar Lectares" by using it as a textmy classes, I take pleasure in giving this testimonial of my cordial approba the work. Mr. Kirkham has attempted to improve upon this branch of s chiefly by unfolding and explaining the principles of grammar in a manner s and simple, as to adapt them completely to the understanding of the young 1 and by adopting a new arrangement, which enables the pupil to commit the ples by a simultaneous application of them to practical examples. The publi rest assured, that he has been successful in his attempt in a pre-eminent deg make this assertion under a full conviction that it will be corroborated by candid judge of the sciènce who becomes acquainted with the practical adva of this manual.

The explicit brevity and accuracy of the rules and definitions, the nov striking, the lucid, and critical illustrations accompanying them, the peculi advantageous arrangement of the various parts of the subject, the facilities pr by the systematick mode of parsing" adopted, the convenient and judicious duction and adaptation of the exercises introduced, and the deep research critical investigations displayed in the "Philosophical Notes," render this s of grammar so decidedly superiour to all others extant, that, to receive gener ronage, it needs but to be known.

My knowledge of this system from experience in teaching it, and witness effects in the hands of private learners, warrants me in saying, that a learne by studying this book four months without a teacher, obtain a more clear conc of the nature and proper construction of words and phrases, than is ordinar tained in common schools and academies, in five times four months.

It is highly gratifying to know, that wherever this system has been circula is very rapidly supplanting those works of dulness which have so long paralyz energies of the youth of our country.

I think the specimens of verbal criticism, additional corrections in orthog and orthoepy, the leading principles of rhetorick, and the improvements illustrations generally, which Mr. K. is about introducing into his ELEVENTH ΤΙΟΝ, will render it quite an improvement on the former editions of his work. H. WINCHESTI

From the Rev. S. Center, Pr. of a Classical Academy. I have examined the last edition of Kirkham's Grammar with peculiar sat tion. The improvements which appear in it, do, in my estimation, give it a de preference to any other system now in use. To point out the peculiar qu which secure to it claims of which no other system can boast, would be, if req perfectly easy. At present it is sufficient to remark, that it imbodies all that sentially excellent and useful in other systems; whilst it is entirely free fron tediousness of method and prolixity of definition which so much perplex and barrass the learner.

The peculiar excellence of Mr. Kirkham's grammar is, the simplicity of its od, and the plainness of its illustrations. Being conducted by familiar lectures teacher and pupil are necessarily brought into agreeable contact by each le Both are improved by the same task, without the slightest suspicion, on the p the pupil, that there is any thing hard, difficult, or obscure in the subject: a co tion, this, which must inevitably precede all efforts, or no proficiency will be mad a word, the treatise I am recommending, is a practical one; and for that reas there were no others to be urged, it ought to be introduced into all our school academies. From actual experiment I can attest to the practicability of the which the author has adopted. Of this fact any one may be convinced who take the pains to make the experiment.

Albany, July 10, 1829.

SAMUEL CENTE

From a communication addressed to S. Kirkham by the Rev. J. Stockton, a of the "Western Calculator" and "Western Spelling-Book." Dear Sir, I am much pleased with both the plan and execution of your "En Grammar in Familiar Lectures." In giving a systematick mode of parsing, culated alike to exercise the understanding and memory of the pupil, and also the teacher from the drudgery of continued interrogation, you have made grammar what every elementary school-book ought to be,-plain, systematick, easy to be understood.

This, with the copious definitions in every part of the work, and other impi me improvement of his work, to render it as useful and a shis time and talents would permit.

It is believed that the tenth and eleventh editions hav roved; but the author is apprehensive that his work is 1

nd

as much simplified as it as may be. If, however, the disad g under a broken constitution, and of being able to dev nly a small portion of his time, snatched from the active ess life, (active as far as his imperfect health permits hi pology for its defects, he hopes that the candid will set do is credit. This personal allusion is hazarded with the ac will ward off some of the arrows of criticism which ma and render less pointed and poisonous those that may fa mat he would beg a truce with the gentlemen criticks an ompromise with them would betray a want of self-cont ourage which he would, by no means, be willing to avow er, be prejudicial to his interest; for he is determined, il a, to avail himself of the advantages of any judicious an on his producion, that may appear, and, two or three yea vork, and present to the publick another and a better edi The improvements in the tenth edition, consisted main of many important principles; in rendering the illustra extensive, accurate, and lucid; in connecting more close and philosophy of our language, the general principles ado ng a brief view of philosophical grammar interspersed roduction into the ELEVENTH EDITION, of many verbal Lional corrections in orthography and orthoepy, of the le thetorick, and of general additions and improvements in work, render this edition, it is believed, far preferable to editions of the work.

Perhaps some will regard the philosophical notes as a u pedantry. If so, the author's only apology is, that som this nature seemed to be called for by a portion of the minds, of late, appear to be under the influence of a kind nia; and to such these notes are respectfully submitted may deem their real value. The author's own opinion on they proffer no material advantages to common learners; profitably engage the attention of the curious, and perha of interest to the literary connoisseur.

« ÀÌÀü°è¼Ó »