Of POLITE LEARNING.
183
It has lately been disputed, whether the arts and sciences do most benefit, or injury to mankind. Mere speculative trifling. Ask the house-breaker or highwayman, in what university they were bred. They will answer, In none.
We attribute to universities either too much or too little. Some assert, that they are the only proper places to advance learning; while others deny even their utility in forming an education. Both are erroneous.
Learning is most advanced in populous cities, where chance often conspires with industry to promote it; where the members of this larger university, if I may so call it, catch manners as they rise,study
