NOTICE. IN Education, the study of Biography is profitable in two ways. Its least, though most obvious use, is to convey historical information in a pleasing manner. Its more important utility has a reference to the great educational principle of imitation, which, though inferior to training and exercise, has a decided advantage over precept, the advantages of which it may be said, indeed, to combine with those more properly its own. Under a conviction of these truths, it was determined that CHAMBERS'S EDUCATIONAL COURSE should involve various biographical volumes, and one especially containing a selection of the lives of those who, while generally exemplary in their private lives, had become the benefactors of their species by the still more exemplary efforts of their intellect. Such a volume, it is hoped, the present will be found. The principal persons who have advanced science and art; the most remarkable discoverers and inventors; those who have distinguished themselves by their humanity, their patriotism, and their successful contendings with depressing circumstances; are here presented, in the manner which was judged most likely to stimulate others to take similar courses, and to manifest similar virtues. EDINBURGH, November 1, 1836. |