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THE GREAT DIDACTIC OF COMENIUS

Class V.—The Logical

1. Over the door is the inscription:

“Let no one enter who is ignorant of natural philosophy.”

2. The walls are to be covered with the rules of logic and ingenious devices of a similar nature.

3. Religious instruction comprises hymns, psalms, and prayers. A Bible manual also, called the Gate of the Sanctuary, is to be placed in the pupils’ hands. This is to contain the whole of Scripture history in the words of the Bible, but so digested that it may be read in one year.

4. The class-book is a work dealing with the human mind, and consisting of three parts, which are respectively: (a) Pansophic, treating of the things that have been discovered and that should be discovered by man. (b) A formal logic, in which the whole process of reasoning should be explained, and a description given of the analytic, synthetic, and syncritic methods. (c) A repertory of all the problems that can be suggested by the mind.

5. For the afternoon the following studies are advised:

In arithmetic, the rules of partnership, alligation, and position.[1]

In geometry, mensuration of heights, distances, and plane surfaces.

In geography and astronomy, the general description of the earth and the heavens.

In optics, the most important facts.

6. The history studied should be that of mechanical inventions.

7. With a view to style, historians like Cornelius Nepos, Curtius, Cæsar, and Justin may be read.

8. As an accessory study, attention may be devoted to Greek. Isocrates and Plutarch are recommended.

  1. Regulæ Societatum, Alligationis, Falsi.