subjoined the following tetrastic; which allowing it not to strike out a spark of good poetry, emits a ray of some good sense.
"All youth and elde that reason's lore
Within your breastes will plant to trade;
Of numbers might the endles store
Fyrst understand, then further wade."
Conformable to this rule of instruction was the opinion of Dr. Johnson, as communicated by Mr. Boswell[1]. He allowed very great influence to education. "I do not deny, sir, but there is some original difference in minds; but it is nothing in comparison of what is formed by education. We may instance the science of Numbers, which all minds are equally capable of attaining; yet we find a prodigious difference in the powers of different men, in that respect, after they are grown up, because their minds have been more or less exercised in it."
As this disquisition was opened, so it shall be closed, with the observation of the same learned and judicious writer, trusting that the intervening remarks may afford a little amusement to the members of a Society, whose province it is to take care that not any lamp of science shall ever be extinguished[2], and to whom, with becoming deference, these scintillations of Arithmetick are addressed, by their faithful and humble servant,
Wilmington,
March 25, 1797.
XII. Copies
