the phrase-books) present the material of speech, namely words, while the grammars, on the other hand, only give the form, that is to say, the laws of the formation, order, and combination of words.
17. (3) In the encyclopædic compilations of human knowledge, the arts are always placed first, while the sciences follow after; though the latter teach of the things themselves, the former how to manipulate the things.
18. (4) Finally: it the abstract rules that are first taught and then illustrated by dragging in a few examples; though it is plain that a light should precede him whom it lights.
19. Rectification.—It follows, therefore, that in order to effect a thorough improvement in schools it is necessary:
(i) That books and the materials necessary for teaching be held in readiness.
(ii) That the understanding be first instructed in things, and then taught to express them in language.
(iii) That no language be learned from a grammar, but from suitable authors.
(iv) That the knowledge of things precede the knowledge of their combinations.
(v) And that examples come before rules.
Third Principle
20. Nature chooses a fit subject to act upon, or first submits one to a suitable treatment in order to make it fit.
For example: a bird does not place any object in the nest in which it sits, but an object of such a kind that a chicken can be hatched from it, that is to say, an egg. If a small stone or anything else falls into the nest, it throws it out as useless. But when the process of hatching takes place, it warms the matter contained in the egg, and looks after it until the chicken makes its way out.
21. Imitation.—In the same way the builder cuts down timber, of as good quality as possible, dries it, squares it,
