USA > Pennsylvania > A geography of Pennsylvania : containing an account of the history, geographical features, soil, climate, geology, botany, zoology, population, education, government, finances, productions, trade, railroads, canals &c. of the state : with a separate description of each county, and questions for the convenience of teachers : to which is appended, a travellers' guide, or table of distances on the principal rail road, canal and stage routes in the state > Part 50
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Philadelphia, July 6,1843.
E. C. WINES.
From Mr. W. G. E. Agnew, Principal of Zane street Public Grammar School, Philadelphia.
" I think there is no work authorized to be used in our public schools, so eminently calculated to give a boy a critical knowledge of his own lan- guage, and in my opinion there is no school book that I am acquainted with, that is so useful ; for without the knowledge imparted by it, no pupil can become a successful composer, because he does not fully estimate the force of words, unless he perfectly understand their meaning, which he cannot do except by examining them radically, and the root is not often found in our large lexicons, and scarcely ever, if at all, in our smaller school dictionaries.
" As a book of reference, I think it ought to be found in the library of every literary character in the country."
From Charles Henry Alden, A. M., Chairman of Examining Committee of the American Association for the Supply of Teachers.
MR. EDWARD C. BIDDLE,-
I have examined with great interest your " Etymological Dictionary," and I am convinced that its use will prove of immense benefit to pupils and students of every age. While its prominent design is to furnish a correct knowledge of our lan- guage, it will serve also as a most admirable apparatus for mental discipline. To the teacher who is not acquainted with the Latin and Greek languages, this work is invaluable ; and even to the classical scholar, the number of derivatives placed after the several roots, will suggest shades of signification invaluable to him who is desirous of expressing his thoughts in definitive terms.
Dr. Keagy's Introduction is such as a mind like his might be supposed to pro- duce. Successfully devoted to elementary instruction for several years, and hav- ing given his attention very much to what may be called the philosophy of educa- tion, he has here put together a series of facts, and from them deduced principles of primary interest to all, especially to parents and teachers. The work ought to be adopted as a text-book in our high schools, and be possessed and daily used by our students in college.
From J. B. Walker, A. B., Teacher, of Philadelphia.
Such a book as "Oswald's Etymological Dictionary of the English Language" has long been a desideratum. I am gratified to find that this excellent work, im- proved and rendered more practically useful by the labours of Dr. Keagy, has at length been given to the public. It is well fitted to exercise the pupil's powers of discrimination and judgment, and to aid him in acquiring a thorough knowledge of the English language. It commends itself to the consideration and adoption of teachers.
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Works Published by Edward C. Biddle.
MAURY'S NAVIGATION .- A New Theoretical and Practical Treatise on Navigation, in which the Auxiliary Branches of Mathe- matics and Astronomy, composed of Algebra, Geometry, Logarithms, Plane and Spherical Trigonometry, the Motions of the Heavenly Bodies, Tides, Variation of the Compass, &c. are treated of. Also, the Theory and most simple Methods of finding Time, Latitude and Longitude by Chronometers, Lunar Observations, Single and Double Altitudes, are taught. Together with a New and Easy Plan for Find- ing Diff. Lat. Dep. Course, and Distance. By M. F. Maury, Passed Midshipman, U. S. Navy.
" U. S. N. S., New York, January 19, 1836.
" Dear Sir,-I have had much pleasure in the perusal of your " New Theoretical and Practical Treatise on Navigation ;" the plan and arrangements of which are original ; it contains little or nothing superfluous, and every part of it appears to be as clear and intelligible as the nature of the subject will admit. Such a work has long been wanted in our Naval Schools, and on board our vessels of war. I intend to make use of it in the Naval School on this station ; and I recommend it to be used by all the professors of Mathematics and Nautical Science in the Navy of the United States. Yours Respectfully, EDW. C. WARD,
" Passed Midshipman M. F. Maury, Prof. Math. U. S. Navy."
U. S. Navy."
" U. S. Navy Yard, Gosport, March 7, 1836.
" I have examined a Treatise on Navigation written by M. F. Maury of the U. S. Navy ; and have no hesitation in recommending it to the students of that science. The explanations are clear, the rules are illustrated by many examples, and the new arrangement of some of the tables exemplify the calculations of the navigator. Mr. Maury is deserving of great credit for that work, and I wish him every success. P. J. RODRIGUEZ.
" Navy Department, April 9, 1836.
" Sir,-I have to request that you will add the "New Theoretical and Practical Treatise on Navigation," by M. F. Maury, Passed Midshipman, to the list of books furnished vessels of the navy going to sea. I am respectfully yours,
"COM. JOHN RODGERS, Signed, M. DICKERSON."
"President of the Board of Navy Commissioners."
FRENCH LESSONS FOR BEGINNERS .- L'ABEILLE POUR LES ENFANS, ou Leçons Françaises, 1ère Partie; a l'usage des ecoles.
Several compilations of short and interesting French tales have been lately offered to the public. In all of them, however, expressions are found, which, although familiar to the ear of a Frenchman, offend that of a carefully educated American child. It is true that the French do not consider "Mon Dieu !" swear- ing ; with them, it is equivalent to "Gracious !" or " Oh, dear !" but it is certainly desirable that the eye and the ear of the pupils of schools in this country should not become accustomed to such expressions. They have therefore been carefully excluded from this little work, as well as every thing of an unchristian tendency. It is designed for the first reading book. The style is simple, the sentences short, and containing few idioms, inversions, or difficulties. At the end of each page is a translation of the idiomatic expressions it contains, and of the words used in an acceptation not given in the dictionary.
From J. G. de Soter, M.A., Professor of French, Spanish, and Italian, Philadelphia.
I have examined "L'Abeille pour les Enfans," published by Mr. Edward C. Biddle of this city, and am so much pleased with the pure and chaste style of the selection, that I shall use it in my instructions with the younger pupils.
J. G. DE SOTER.
THE NEW AMERICAN SPEAKER .- Being a Selection of Speeches, Dialogues, and Poetry, for the Use of Schools. By Thomas Hughs.
From the Rev. S. B. How, D.D., late President of Dickinson College; and Rev. Dr. Westbrook, Principal of Female Seminary, and Rector of Rutgers College Grammar School.
""" The New American Speaker' contains judicious selections from the writings of different authors, and is well adapted to the use of our Schools." New Brunswick, February 17, 1836.
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Works Published by Edward C. Biddle.
OUTLINES OF SACRED HISTORY ; from the Creation of the World to the Destruction of Jerusalem. With questions for examination. Intended for the use of Schools and Families. New edition, enlarged and improved. Illustrated with 34 en- gravings on wood.
Published in London, under the direction of the Committee of General Literature and Education, appointed by the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge.
NOTICES OF EDITION, 1843.
From Rev. S. W. Crawford. A., M., Principal of Acad. Dept. of University of Penn'a. MR. BIDDLE,
Dear Sir,-I have used the "Outlines of Sacred History" in the Academical Depart- ment, of the University of Pennsylvania, for several years, and am well pleased with it. Though an outline, it is sufficiently full for the purposes intended. The composition is good, and the leading facts succinctly though clearly stated. The chronological dates are a very important and useful part of the work. The poetical portions have been judi- ciously selected, and serve to give variety, interest, and animation to the work.
A faithful study of this book cannot fail to be attended with beneficial results to youth in families and schools.
Philadelphia, March 25th, 1843.
S. W. CRAWFORD.
From John Frost, A. M., Professor of English Belles Lettres in the Central High School, Philadelphia.
" The Outlines of Sacred History is one of the best summaries I have ever seen, and I consider it particularly well suited to the purposes of instruction in schools. It is free from sectarian views, and the style is well adapted to the comprehension of young people. Generally introduced into our seminaries of education it cannot fail to exert a salutary influence on the moral and religious character of the rising generation.
Philadelphia, March 22d, 1843.
JOHN FROST.
From S. Jones, A. M.,-M. D., Principal of Classical and Mathematical Institute, corner of Seventh and Carpenter streets, Philadelphia.
The value of this little book is not to be estimated by its size. Whoever admits that the Holy Scriptures should be considered the only safe and proper basis of an education in the popular as well as in the true sense, liberal, must bid every such contribution from the press a cordial welcome. It belongs to a class of books which, I am happy to believe, are beginning to be more correctly appreciated by parents and teachers, for whose assistance it has been specially prepared. In it we have a judicious selection of incidents from mate- rials of great variety and extent. The narratives are comprehensive, well arranged, concise, and at the same time lucid : numerous striking poetical quotations, and well designed en- gravings, interspersed throughout the volume, serve to enliven and embellish it; and not the least valuable parts are the Chronological Index and the questions at the end. As furnishing to children and youth, an agreeable, and at the same time profitable occupation, for a Sabbath evening's exercise, this Sacred History will be found of great utility ; nor can I doubt that a book so well adapted to meet the exigencies of the times, will meet with a liberal patronage.
Philadelphia, April 1843.
S. JONES.
MR. E. C. BIDDLE,
Sir,-You have done the cause of Education essential service in the republication of the " Outlines of Sacred History." Such a work was much needed, for it conforms in size and style to the tastes of the young, and will create a desire for more extensive knowledge of the Sacred Text.
For the sphere in which it is designed to circulate, I consider it the best work extant, Philadelphia, April 1st, 1843. Yours, &., GILBERT COMBS.
Principal of Spring Garden Institute for Young Ladies.
MR. E. C. BIDDLE,
Dear Sir,-I have examined with care and attention the " Outlines of Sacred History," to which you called my observation ; and must say I am much pleased with the book, in all its parts. I think the Chronological Table invaluable ; and feel not the least hesita- tion in recommending the work to every lover of the Gospel, as by studying them in con- junction, the " Outlines" will be found a very great assistant, not only to the mere tyro, but also to more mature minds.
I should think it almost indispensable to the Sabbath School Teacher, and peculiarly useful, too, in any school where the Scriptures are used as a class book.
Philadelphia, April 1st, 1843. Respectfully, &c., &c., W. G. E. AGNEW.
Principal of Zane st. Public Grammar School.
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Works Published by Edward C. Biddle.
PHILADELPHIA, April 17, 1843.
MR. E. C. BIDDLE .- Sir : I am much pleased with your new edition of the " Outlines of Sacred History." It is an admirable text book to lead the youthful mind to a connected view of the events recorded in the Bible, and many others of great importance, as connected with the history of the Jews. The nature of this communication does not permit me to discuss its merits. I would merely say, that I am not acquainted with any other work so well adapted to this important object. It will be a class book in my school. I am yours, truly, SAMUEL RANDALL.
Female Seminary, 229 Arch street.
Mr. E. C. BIDDLE,
Dear Sir,-I have examined the " Outlines of Sacred History" published by you, and it is my opinion that no School, Family, or Sabbath School should be without it, as its accu- rate information with regard to the Bible and Historical Facts in connection with it, is calculated to do much good in preventing erroneous impressions and misapprehensions of the Sacred Text, besides exciting much interest, and leading thereby to a search of the Scriptures, and a consequent overthrow of the novelties started by speculating errorists, in such painful and fatal abundance at the present day.
Philadelphia, March 31st, 1843. Yours, &c., R. S. ROBERTS. Principal of the Academy N. E. corner 8th and Chesnut sts.
MR. E. C. BIDDLE,
Having carefully examined your new edition of "Outlines of Sacred History," I am frank in giving it my entire approbation. Free from bias, and well digested, it not only gives a clear and comprehensive view of Scripture History ; but it also comprises much ad- ditional matter, tending to fix the chronology and illustrate the characters of the inspired writers, and rendering the work, as a whole, admirably suited to the purposes of instruc- tion in this all-important branch, the study of the Bible.
Philadelphia, April 3d, 1843.
J. C. RICHARDSON, A. B. Principal of the Washington square Academy.
Many other commendatory notices from teachers of respectable standing, in Philadelphia, are in the hands of the publisher, but excluded for want of room.
Notice in the " Presbyterian," April 1st, 1843.
" An excellent outline of Sacred History, well adapted to public or private instruc- tion. It has received the commendations of a number of the most respectable teachers, who have made a trial of it in their schools."
From the " Banner of the Cross," March 25th, 1843.
" This excellent little work was originally published in London under the direction of the Committee of General Literature and Education, appointed by the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge. The present new edition (illustrated with thirty-four engravings on wood) is enlarged and improved ; and we trust it will meet with suitable encouragement."
From " The Saturday Courier," March 25th, 1843.
" This little work is designed on a most admirable plan, selecting as it does from the mass of the Bible-much of which is necessarily mysterious and confusing to the young-a regular chain of historical and moral events, which, in the present form, cannot fail to render what might otherwise be considered by some a task, a pleasure, and thus create a taste for the perusal and study of the sacred word."
The following notice selected from numerous testimonials to the merits of the work given on the publication of the last edition, is the only one which our limited space will admit. Other notices may found bound up with the present edition.
" Outlines of Sacred History."-A very interesting work, well adapted to answer the end designed. Illustrated with numerous wood cuts, and enriched with poetic description, its arrangement seems admirably calculated to impress upon the rising generation the interesting facts of sacred history. In this little volume, kings, warriors, judges, shepherds, and tribes pass before us in succession ; and while we read their history, we almost seem to groan under their bondage, or exult in their liberty. Sir Isaac Newton said, "There is no philosophy like that taught in the Bible ;" and truly we may say, there is no history of any nation or of any age that will bear comparison with that re- corded on its sacred page : and I deem every effort to bring it before our families and the rising generation as worthy of praise ; and when done with the taste and order ex- hibited in these Outlines, as deserving extensive patronage.
WILLIAM SUDDARDS, Rector of Grace Church, Philadelphia.
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Works Published by Edward C. Biddle.
THE AMERICAN EXPOSITOR, OR INTELLECTUAL DEFINER. Designed for the use of Schools. By R. Claggett, A. M., late Principal of Central High School, Providence.
In the Philadelphia edition, now in press, various alterations, which the publisher deems improvements, have been made.
The principal of these is a re-arrangement of the work accord- ing to a scale of vowel sounds agreeable to the pronunciation taught in the best schools of Philadelphia.
The following testimonials to the merits of the work appear in the New York edition.
GENTLEMEN .- Claggett's Expositor has been introduced into most of the schools in this county, and from the satisfaction expressed by the teachers and the improvement manifested by the scholars, I feel authorized in adding my approval, and to commend it to those who have the selection of books for schools, believing it will be found of great assistance in aiding the scholar to acquire the command of language and the proper signification of words. Yours, &c. T. F. KING.
Deputy Superintendent of Public Schools for Kings County.
POUGHKEEPSIE, Aug. 26, 1842.
Dear Sir-Having examined the American Expositor, and believing it an excellent work for our common schools, and especially well calculated to exercise the reflective powers of pupils, I most cheerfully recommend it to a discerning public.
Respectfully yours, A. S. CLEMENT, Deputy Superintendent of Common Schools for Dutchess County. The American Expositor has been used in the Poughkeepsie Collegiate School one term, and we feel confident that we do no more than justice to the work, when we say, that it is the best adapted of any book that we have examined, to accomplish the object for which it is designed. The pupil who studies this book as he should, is learning to write, spell, define, and compose at the same time. One peculiar advantage that it possesses is, that it interests the pupil ; and every teacher of experience knows that scholars will generally learn in proportion to the interest which they feel in their lessons. We feel great pleasure in recommending it as eminently worthy of patronage. CHARLES BARTLETT, A. M. C. H. P. MCLELLAN.
I have introduced the American Expositor into this institution, and concur in the opinion regarding it as expressed above.
JAMES FERGUSON, A. M., Principal, Erasmus Hall, Flatbush, N. Y. Late Rector of the Grammar school of Rutger's College.
Having tested its utility in our schools, we are prepared to concur in the opinion above E. FAIRCHILD, A. M. Principal Busby School, Brooklyn, N. Y. E. Ń. DURYÉE,
expressed.
Principal Select School, Flatbush, N. Y.
We, the undersigned, have introduced Claggett's American Expositor into our schools, and the progress of our pupils in composition, written according to its plan, has been so extraordinary, that we hesitate not to say, that we know of no work so well adapted to promote, both in private and public schools, a general improvement in this important but too much neglected branch of education ; while it contains all the advantages of spelling and defining exercises, which may, at the option of the teacher, be exclusively pursued, omitting the composing lessons. The plan is easily understood by the learner, and he soon acquires a lively interest in the exercises, and confidence in his own powers of thinking and invention, which we deem an object of paramount importance, not only to the youth at school, but especially to every adult who would be useful or distinguished in after life.
As a means of intellectual discipline, adapted alike to the capacities of advanced scholars, and those in the earlier stages of their progress, we most cheerfully recommend this as a work of superlative merit.
GEO. M. WILDER, A. M. W. MARSH, A. M. J. W. COE, A. M. J. H. PROCTOR, A. M. M. BEARDSLEY, A. M.
D. STEVENS, A. M. W. MORE,
S. A. BROWN, Laight street, E. BARTLETTE, Duane street, E. C. FORBES, Chambers street, L. FAMARIS, Hudson street, K. MARDEN, do V. THORN, Sullivan street,
Classical and English Teachers, City of Brooklyn, N. Y.
Classical and English Teachers, City of New-York.
Principals of Female Seminaries, City of New-York.
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Works Published by Edward C. Biddle.
H. SEYMOUR, A. M., English teacher,
J. HEALY, do. do.
H. HOWLETT, do. do.
W. S. SPAULDING, A. M.
J. L. SMITH, M. J. ELLIOTT. A. S. E. CRAWFORD, M. CURE, L. L. PLUMMER,
City of Brooklyn .
Principals of Female Seminaries, City of Brooklyn, N. Y.
At a meeting of the School Committee of the city of Providence, holden at the Council Chamber, the following vote was passed unanimously :
" Voted, that the book recently published by Rufus Claggett, Esq., entitled " The Ame- rican Expositor, or Intellectual Definer,' be introduced into all the public Grammar Schools in this city." A true copy, (Attest,) WILLIAM APLIN, Secretary.
R. Claggett, Esq., a graduate of Dartmouth College, and an active and efficient member of our School Committee, has rendered our Schools an important service in the prepara- tion of his American Expositor, a book so well adapted to the wants of our Public Schools, that our School Committee have adopted it as one of the books to be used in our Grammar School. N. BISHOP,
Superintendent of Public Schools, City of Providence.
From Cornelius Walker, Principal of Well's Grammar School, Boston.
" The American Expositor and Definer, for the use of schools, by Rufus Claggett, Esq., is, in my opinion, a work of great merit. It embraces a regular course of instruction in definitions, by which the minds of pupils may be successfully disciplined, and a ready, free, and correct use of words acquired. I will only add, that were I to recommend a set of text-books on elemantary instruction, the American Expositor would be one of the first on the catalogue."
It is so much in accordance with my views already published on that subject, that it cannot fail to meet my approbation. S. PUTNAM,
Brooklyn, Author of the Analytical Reader, &c.
By the plan of the work the mind of the pupil must be impressed both with the meaning and use of words, as the lessons are of a practical and intellectual character. Of how much greater utility is such a plan than the usual one of defining, by giving a string of words with a string of words attached thereto, a repetition of mere sounds, only to be recited and then forgotten. Ś. W. SETON,
Agent Public School Society of the City of New-York.
The undersigned cheerfully recommend the " American Expositor," as a text book for Schools, eminently adapted to lead the pupil to an accurrate and practical knowledge of language. It most happily blends amusement with instructiou, and effectually initiates him into the highly important art of composition. V. DREW, Principal of the Academy of Science, Market Street, New York. T. W. S. HOWS,
Principal of the Classical and Commercial Seminary, Broadway, New-York. I shall introduce it into my school as a book which I have long felt the want of, but have not heretofore been able to find.
S. STEELE,
Teacher Public School No. - Albany. From the Rev. Francis L. Hawks, D. D., of New York.
Dear Sir :- I most willingly commend the American Expositor. I have subjected its merits to the surest test, for I have used the work among children and found it eminently successful.
To provide the means for a more thorough understanding of the meaning and uses of the words of our language, is the main purpose of the " American Expositor and Intellectual Definer." This volume, prepared by an experienced teacher of Providence, seems to pro- mise much by way of enlivening the studies of the young in the acquirement of language. It contains six thousand words, arranged for spelling, with concise definitions, and illustra- tions of their uses, selected from standard authors.
As a means of intellectual discipline, the study of words on this plan must be highly favorable. We hope that discerning teachers will not fail of adopting it in their schools.
Boston, July 6. A. BRONSON ALCOTT.
From Charles For, author of Progressive Exercises in English Grammar. Boylston School, Boston, July 24, 1836.
" The American Expositor," I have examined with much pleasure and satisfaction. The design of requiring children to make a practical application of words after they have learned their meaning, is the only proper method of teaching definitions. It would afford me much gratification to know that the book was generally introduced into schools, in which are taught the elementary branches of an English education. Respectfully yours, CHARLES FOX.
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Works Published by Edward C. Biddle.
BROWN'S FIRST LINES OF ENGLISH GRAMMAR .- De- signed for young learners. Brown's Institutes of English Gram- mar, for the higher classes.
These Grammars have been adopted as Text Books in the Public Schools in Boston and New-York; they are also used in many of the Academies and District Schools in various parts of the country.
To those who have not had the opportunity to examine and judge for them- selves of their merits, the following testimonials are submitted:
BOSTON, May 9, 1843.
The " Institutes" and the " First Lines of English Grammar," by Goold Brown, were adopted by the School Committee this day, to be used us Text Books in the Public Schools of this City.
(Attest,) S. F. McCLEARY, Secretary.
Goold Brown's "Institutes," and his " First Lines of English Gram- mar," have been adopted for the use of the Public Schools of this town. Rev. C. STETSON, of the School Committee.
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