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 OF 
 
 Tlie Ijiterary and Philosophical Society 
 
 OF 
 
 t SOUTH-CAROLINA, 
 
 TO 
 
 THE PEOPIiE OF THE STATE 
 
 ON 
 
 jBl^t OriassificatioiT, CC^aracter, anir JZxtxtin^^^ 
 
 OR 
 
 THE OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES 
 
 OP 
 
 WITH A VIEW 
 
 TO 
 
 ITS GENERAL INTRODUCTION 
 
 INTO 
 
 ^ur Towns^ Tillages, aud the ConntiT 9t larg^ 
 
 CHARLESTON: 
 
 OSSERVER OFFICE PRESS. 
 
 1834. 
 

TABIiE OF €03fTENTS. 
 
 PAGE . 
 
 Introduction and Resolution, --.--..5 
 
 Origin of Lyceums, La Harpe's, ------ 7 
 
 First American Lyceum, --.---..g 
 I. Different kinds of Lyceums, -----._ 9 
 
 1. Family Lyceums, ---_--__!() 
 
 2. Social and Neighborhood Lyceums, - - _ j H 
 
 3. Village, Parish &c. Lyceums, ------ 12 
 
 4. Class LNxeums, --- 13 
 
 Example, -------___ Jb, 
 
 Objections to weekly meetings answered, - - - 15 
 
 5. District Lyceums, ----.-_.]6 
 
 6. State Lyceums, ---.-... I7 
 Advantages if extensively executed, - - - - - ib. 
 Ditto, even if not, ----__». jg 
 The American Lyceum at New- York, . - . _ 19 
 
 IL Modes and Means of improvement, ----- ib, 
 
 1. Lectures, -•------.-20 
 
 2. Composition, --------- 21 
 
 3. Debates, 22 
 
 4. Conversation, ------_-_ 23 
 
 One Lyceum may embrace all these — Example, - - - • 24 
 
 III. Application of Lyceums to Professions, Arts, ^'c. - - 25 
 
 1. To the Clergy, 26 
 
 2. To Medical Men, ib. 
 
 3. To the Bar, 27 
 
 4. To the Mercantile Class, ib. 
 
 5. To Planters and Farmers, ------- 28 
 
 G. To Manufacturers and Mechanics, - - - . 29 
 
 7. To Teachers — Examples ,----_-. ib. 
 Other Lyceums, not professional, 32 
 
 1. Natural History, ------. .jb. 
 
 2. Works of Taste, .- 33 
 
 i*. Political Economy, ------. .ib. 
 
 4. Constitutional Law, -----.. ib. 
 
 5. Dead and Living Languages, ------ 34 
 
 Other instances and superior advantages, ... 35 
 
 Value of Lyceums to Female Sex, ib. 
 
 IV. Advantages and results of Lyceums, - - . - . 36 
 1. Interferes with no other System, ----<»- ib. 
 
iv 
 
 S. Adapted to the Spirit >f the Age, - - ^ r - 37 
 
 3. Tendency to remove professional jealousy, - - - ib. 
 
 4. Aids self-instruction and mutual instruction, promoted, - 38 
 
 5. A means of preserving knowledge acquired at Schools, or in 
 
 Colleges, - - - - 39 
 
 6. Helps young persons who have finished their education, - 40 
 
 7. Aids Parents to educate Children, - - - - - ib. 
 
 8. Cultivates a taste for reading and mental improvement, - 41 
 
 9. Will improve the character of conversation, - - - ib. 
 
 10. And the standard of happiness and pleasures, - - -^ 42 
 
 11 . Will aid the whole cause of LiteraturCy - » ^ - ib. 
 
 12. Will contribute to independence of mind, ^ - ;- 43 
 
 13. Fitted to diffuse popular knowledge, , - - - - 43 
 Conclusion; .,.--.-*- - 44 
 
 APPENi^i;!:. 
 
 A. 
 
 Origin of this Addr€!§s, - - --,-- ■•-4)(> 
 
 Josiah Holbrook, -.,.--- ^ - - jb. 
 
 The vaj-iety of Apparatus, ,---,.,-.47 
 Lists and prices, 7 - - - ^ - - - - ib. 
 
 B. 
 
 Kumber of Lyceums, - r - - - - - -- - 48 
 
 Exercises, _,-,..-"----- 49 
 
 Boston Lyceums, ---^-----50 
 
 Ladies' Lyceums, . - - ^ ib. 
 
 Lyceums in New-York, Savannah, Kentucky, Massachusetts, - ib, 
 
 Scamens' Lyceums, __-,.-_. ib. 
 
 c. 
 
 Measures to form a Lyceum, .- - - .- - - - 51 
 
 Mistakes about Lyceums, -.---,- 52 
 
 Constitution of a Town or Village Lyceum, - - , . 53 
 
 Do of a District do. ^ - . - 54 
 
 Do of a State do. 54 
 
 Do vQf the AmericDin do. ~,. "i " < ^^' 
 
TO THE PEOPLE 
 
 OF THE 
 
 STJITE OF SOUTM'CMROljMJr^. 
 
 Fellow-Citizens : 
 
 THE Literary and Philosophical Society of South' 
 Carolina, who have been much indebted to your liberality in 
 former years, have recently had under consideration the sub- 
 ject of Lyceums. After having fully discussed the various 
 topics connected with the origin, progress, constitution, opera- 
 tion and advantages of Lyceums, they adopted the following 
 Resolutions : 
 
 ''^Resolved, That an improved system of common Education j 
 decidedly practical in its character, and universally diffused, is 
 indispensable to the security and strength of our civil, political 
 and religious institutions, as well as to the general intellectual 
 improvement of the community. 
 
 '•'Resolved^ That the co-operation of the friendsof such a 
 system in various parts of our country, is essential to secure, 
 in their full extent, the benefits to be derived from common 
 Schools ; and that such co-operation is practicable. 
 
 ^'Resolved, That the Lyceum System affords a plan of op5- 
 'fations, well fitted to produce both uniformity and efficiencj', 
 in promoting Education and diffusing knowledge. 
 
 '"'Resolved, That a National Society for the attainment of 
 these objects, as contemplated in the mstitution of the Ame- 
 rican Lyceum at New-York, is worthy of the attention and 
 co-operation of all the friends of morals, Literature, sound 
 instruction and general intelligence." 
 
 Having thus, after much deliberation, come to the conclu- 
 sion, ttiat Lyceums are useful institutions, they felt them- 
 selves bound, not only on ordinary principles of patriotism, but 
 specially on account of the gratitude due to the State for 
 1 
 
6 
 
 fators conferred, to lay before you such views and suggestions' 
 as may enable you to judge for yourselves of the expediency 
 of the Lyceum System. They adopted, therefore, at a sub- 
 sequnnt meeting, the following Preamble and additional Re- 
 s'olutions, and appointed us to execute the scheme proposed : 
 
 " The Literary and Philosophical Society of South-Car- 
 olina, having already adopted four resolutions expressing their 
 opinion, 1st. of the importance of an improved scheme of 
 common Education ; 2d. of the value of co-operation by the 
 friends of such a plan throughout our country ; 3d. of the effi- 
 ciency and usefulness of the Lyceum System; and 4th. of the 
 advantages to be derived from the National Society already 
 established at New-York, under the name of the American 
 Lyceum — 
 
 " Therefore Resolved., That it is our duty, and that it well 
 becomes the Literary and Philosophical Society of South- 
 Carolina, not to rest satisfied with a mere declaration of opin- 
 ion, recorded on their journals: but that having taken up, 
 discussed and approved the Lyceum System^ it is our duty to 
 the public of this City and State, to lay it before them, in all 
 its important and interesting features, and thus to afford them 
 an opportunity of deciding for themselves, whether the system 
 cannot be adopted as profitably in South- Carolina, as in other 
 parts of the Union. 
 
 "■ Resolved., therefore., That a Committee of three be ap- 
 jxjinted, in conformity with these obligations of the Society, to 
 take the lead in this matter, and that said Committee prepare 
 an Address to the People of this State, on the origin, consti- 
 tution, operation, and advantages of Lyceums, recommending 
 the system to their adoption, but leaving it to them to execute 
 it as they may judge to be most advisable, in the form of 
 family and social, or neighborhood Lyceums, of Parish and 
 District Lyceums, and of a State Lyceum, representing all 
 the rest, directly or indirectly ; and consulting on the best 
 modes of advancing the welfare of all their constituents. 
 
 " Resolved., That said Committee be authorized to publish 
 and circulate the Address extensively throughout the State, in 
 such mode as may appear most expedient to them; and that 
 they be further empowered to raise the necessary funds, by 
 subscription or donation." 
 
 '^ In the discharge of the duty thus entrusted to us, we shall 
 
 endeavor to make you acquainted with the origin^ progress^ 
 
 constitution and advantages of Lyceums^ 
 
The origin of the word is to bo found in Grecian Literature. 
 The Lyceum was a Grove in the suburbs of Athens, origin- 
 ally devoted to military exercises; but in the time of Aristotle j 
 it was employed by him for the delivery of his lectures. Here, 
 he taught in the morning a select number of disciples, and 
 instructed them in that elevated philosophy, which Alexander 
 rebuked him for having published to the world. In the after- 
 noon, he taught in like manner by lectures, the young men of 
 Athens promiscuously. Aristotle occupies a very high station 
 among the most eminent Philosophers . of the ancient and 
 modern world. But we may remark of him, and of all tlie 
 Schools of Ancient Philosophy, that whatever may have been 
 the genius and learning of the Professors, and whatever the 
 number of their disciples, and the duration of their Schools, 
 they produced no stnsihle effects on the great body of the peo- 
 ple. They left behind them no vestiges of a salutary influ- 
 ence over manners and morals, over the cause of General 
 Education, or over civil and political institutions. The rea- 
 son was, that the schemes of the Ancient Philosophy did not 
 comprehend the general instruction of the People, embracing 
 both sexes, and all ages and conditions. Tire same defect 
 existed in the Museum, founded in France by Pilatre de Ro- 
 zier, the Cabinet and Library of which were sold: as the 
 patrons were unable to sustain the institution. To this suc- 
 ceeded the Lyceum established by La Harpe at Paris in 
 1786; but whose object was limited to the improvement of a 
 select company of the educated of both sexes, meeting toge- 
 ther at staled times. " Thus," says La Harpe, " the French 
 nation will not boast in vain of having known better than all 
 others the advantages of sociability, and all the pleasures of 
 virtuous souls and cultivated minds. There shall be found a 
 place where amateurs may assemble to study the master pie- 
 ces of the human mind: and from which most happily will 
 not be excluded that sex, whose very presence gives to in" 
 struction forms more sweet and attractive ; inspires all, even 
 
8 
 
 tlie least, educated with that propriety and diffidence, so esseilr 
 tial in literary assemblies; and with unerring tact and lively 
 sensibility, communicates to every impression a higher charm 
 and more striking effect." 
 
 It is obvious that the Lyceum of La Ilarpe was very limit- 
 ed, as to the number of persons over whom it exercised an 
 influence, and as to the objects it embraced. Science and Li- 
 terature, in their advanced state of improvement, were the 
 materials; whilst the learned, philosophical and polished, the 
 man of genius and the man of taste, were at once masters and 
 disciples. Such an institution was fitted to produce noble re^ 
 suits: and we feel assured, if the French Revolution had not 
 blasted its usefulness, and polluted its character, it would not 
 have been our sole consolation to know, that the only fruits 
 which remain, are the comprehensive and valuable works of 
 La Harpe, entitled Lyceum or course of Literature, ancient 
 and modern. Although our American Lyceum System 
 should never produce such a work, we have at least the satis- 
 faction to know, that the sphere of its influence is more com- 
 prehensive, that its objects are more practical, that the means 
 employed are more various, and that popular instruction and 
 entertainment are the great end — In a word, it is a system, in 
 which THE PEOPLE are the instruments, by which it proposes 
 to work: and the very end of its creation. It cannot subsist 
 without them : it ought not to exist, unless it contributes libe- 
 rally and permanently to their improvement in knowledge, 
 virtue and happiness. It is truly a republican institutioji. 
 
 We record with pride and pleasure the fact, that the first 
 Lyceum was founded by thirty or forty farmers and mechanics 
 in the town of Millbury in Massachusetts, under the name of 
 the Millbury branch of the American Lyceum, Thus, those 
 patriotic individuals recognized in the name of their Society, 
 the certainty of the future existence of a great and wide 
 spread Lyceum System, bearing the universal name of Ame- 
 rican. They have not beei) disappointed, for already t|ie 
 
9 
 
 scheme lias taken deep root in many parts of our country : anil 
 nearly three thousand of these institutions are scT.ered 
 throughout the Union. The hun>ble association at Mjllbury, 
 has been lost sight of in the multiplication of similar Ly- 
 ceums ; but it never will be forgotten, whilst the history of the 
 system is known, and its popular, practical character and ad- 
 vantages are duly appreciated. The first star, which emerges 
 from the darkness of a sky long overcast, becomes the harbin- 
 ger of bright days to the farmer, sailor and traveller : anS 
 though lost, it is not forgotten, amid the croud of its bright 
 companions, that glitter over the whole expanse of heaven. 
 
 AVe proceed now, ill execution of the important duty as-* 
 signed us, to lay before you the constitution, exercises, opera- 
 tion and advantages of the Lyceum System. It is essentially 
 a popular and a representative system; and depends on the 
 industry, zeal and love for improvement of its members. We 
 trust that the view, which we shall present of the manifold 
 advantages of Lyceums, will recommend them extensively 
 throughout our State: and that hundreds of our educated men 
 will be found, taking the lead in establishing them in towns, 
 villages and neighborhoods. We are well assured, that they 
 will be found to deserve the patronage of every intelligent 
 man, of every philanthropist, and good citizen of South-Car- 
 olina. 
 
 It is obvious that the distribution of Lyceums under distinct 
 iiames, must vary with the modes of designating sections of 
 country in different parts of the Union. We have no minute 
 subdivisions of territory, analogous to what are called towns 
 in the Northern States, and townships in the Northwestern, 
 We must, therefore, adapt our nomenclature to our peculiari- 
 ties, arising in a good measure out of our scattered popula- 
 tion. In this sense of the subject, our Lyceum System would 
 consist, first, of family Lyceums ; second, of social or neigh- 
 bourhood Lyceums ; third, of class Lyceums ; fourth, of pnr- 
 
10 
 
 isb, beat companyj village or town Lyceums ; fifth, of district 
 Lyceums ; and sixth, of a State Lyceum. 
 
 I. The first view, tlien, which we shall present of the Ly- 
 ceum System, is the relative arrangement of all the parts, 
 beginning with the Family Lyceum as the simplest, humblest 
 form, and ascending to the State Lyceum. We must observe, 
 however, that altliough the parts are capable of being moulded 
 into the harmony of a great and complex system, it is not 
 mdispenable that they should be. Thus, we might have 
 two thousand Family Lyceums in the State, and none of any 
 other description ; yet great benefits would be derived from 
 lliem, not merely to the particular subjects of their influence ; 
 but to all with whom they had intercourse. As already stated, 
 the improvement of a single individual, is an advantage to the 
 cQmmunit3\ How much more so then, the improvement of a 
 ^single family! Let the number of cultivated families be ten 
 thousand ; and how signal would be the gain to society ! The 
 same remark applies to all the other elementary Lyceums ; but 
 not of course to such as are found on the representative prin-^ 
 ciple. These cannot exist without those. We proceed, then, 
 to explain the different character of the several species of 
 Elementary and Representative Lyceums. 
 
 1. The Family Lyceum may exist, wherever there is a 
 family, containing a sufficient number of persons, desirous and 
 susceptible of improvement. There is of course no fixed 
 number, and circumstances will best determine what number is 
 sufficient. The chief, perhaps the only mode of improvement 
 in the family Lyceum, is conversation; tho', occasionally 
 something may be expected from the best informed member 
 partaking of the nature, tho' without the forms of a Lecture 
 or Essay. This species of Lyceum is of peculiar value to 
 families residing in the country : and deprived, therefore, of 
 many of the advantages enjoyed by those, that live in towns or 
 even in villages. Doubtless, a great many families spend sqv- 
 
ii 
 
 eral eveuings of the week, in mutual reading, and in convef * 
 sation : and we may be asketJ, is not that family already a 
 Lyceum ? We reply that it is in some measure siich ; but the 
 leading points of difference arc, we apprehend, very import- 
 ant. They are these : First, particular evenings are set 
 apart. Every one knows the value of fixing a time for the 
 stated discharge of any duty : and how much the anticipation 
 of it renders it - peculiarly agreeablcr Second, a particular 
 subject is taken up and followed out, until a familiar know- 
 ledge is acquired of it. This has certainly a great advantage 
 over desultory reading and conversation. Third, the young 
 persons of a family are brought into the Household Lyceum, 
 aiid the exercises are such, as to advance their improvement in 
 valuable and interesting knowledge. Will it be denied, other 
 things being equal, that the Lyceum Family must, in a course 
 of years, become very superior to another, destitute of their 
 method of cultivation I 
 
 2. The second class of elementary Lyceums is, that which 
 we denominate the Social and Neighborhood Lyceum. This 
 is composed of as many persons, including families, as situa- 
 tion, the number in any one or more households, familiar inter- 
 course, Slc. may render advisable. We believe,- that twelve 
 would be a good medium number. This Lyceum meets once 
 or twice a week, by turns at the houses of the members ; in the 
 afternoon, or evening, or both, as may be decided. The So- 
 cial is the appropriate name in the town or city where the 
 members would most probably consist of friends, collected 
 from different parts, without regard to distance ; the selection 
 being determined by previous intimacy, rather than b}' prox- 
 imity of situation. The Neighborhood Lyceum is appropri^ 
 ate to the country^ where the members are led to associate 
 chiefly on the principle of being neighbors, in the habit of 
 visiting each other. This Lyceum has a still further advan- 
 tage over the usual intercourse of visits, besides the three already 
 mentioned in relation to Family Lyceums. Visiting would 
 
12 
 
 €^ase to be any longer a mere matter of cefemoily or social 
 pleasure ; and would become a permanent source of friendly 
 interchanges and of mutual improvement, each imparting and 
 receiving benefit. We presume it will hardly be doubted, that 
 those who meet together with such views, must become more 
 valuable and interesting acquaintances, and cannot fail to love 
 and to be loved, with a more rational attachment, than those 
 who assemble only to keep up etiquette, or to chat pleasantly 
 together. The fact of meeting regidarly, for a specific object, 
 and that object useful as well as agreeable^ presents the Neigh- 
 borhood Lyceum, as far superior to the usual intercourse of 
 visits, whether in town or country * It ought to be added, that 
 the greater length of time devoted to the exercises of the 
 Social or Neighborhood Lyceum, than to customary visits, 
 dispenses at once with ail formal visiting, and substitutes a 
 virtuous, rational interest in one another's welfare, for those 
 ceremonious calls, and irregular and often uncertain visits, 
 which consume much time to little or no purpose. 
 
 3. The third class of elementary Lyceums is, that of the 
 Village, Parish, or such other subdivision of territory, as may 
 be found convenient. Perhaps Beat Company Districts may 
 be, in many parts of this State, of suitable extent. These 
 Lyceums are to be chiefly composed of the principal mem- 
 bers of Family and of Social or Neighborhood Lyceums, in 
 point of improvement, and zeal in the cause, and who can 
 spare the time to attend both. Other persons also, who fed 
 the same interest, should join them. This Lyceum is not re- 
 presentative ; because the persons forming it are not selected 
 by the Family, or Social, or Neighborhood Lyceums, and 
 other individuals may be members. The reason why the 
 principal members of these others are chiefly to compose it, 
 is to fit them the better to discharge the duties of those other 
 Lyceums, out of which they come. The exercises of this 
 species of Lyceum, should be of a higher order, than in those 
 we have already mentionfed; One subject worthy of parti*^ 
 
13 
 
 cular attention ai suitable times, should be the best subjects, 
 and books, and modes of improvement in the three former 
 elementary Lyceums; The interchange of opinions, expe- 
 rience and counsel, would strengthen the bonds of union, and 
 accelerate the advance both of the superior and inferior Ly- 
 ceums. They ought to meet once a week ; at farthest, once a 
 fortnight ,*at one another's houses. 
 
 4. In cities, and large towns, or in very populous neighboN 
 hoods, another description of Lyceums may be formed, which 
 cannot perhaps be better designated than by the name of 
 Class Lyceums. It is obvious that Lyceums, correspondent 
 to the Village, Parish or Beat Company Lyceums, may and 
 ought also to be founded in large towns and cities, and should 
 be formed in like manner ; so that the Family and Social 
 or Neighborhood Lyceums of towns and cities, would have the 
 same opportunities and means of deriving improvement from 
 such institutions. But Class Lyceums are to be formed chiefly, 
 if not wholly of those, who do not belong to any of the spe- 
 cies already mentioned. The object of these is to bring toge- 
 ther such persons as would otherwise pursue separately the 
 same branches of knowledge, upon the principle, that union 
 in learning the same things has, for most persons, immense 
 advantages over solitary, independent efforts. Both attention 
 to and interest in the subject, are increased many fold. A 
 lively, yet perfectly virtuous emulation springs up, and the 
 consciousness of reciprocal encouragement and aid, adds the 
 pleasure of doing and receiving good^ to the satisfaction of 
 personal improvement. How pure also, and cordial, and kind 
 are the intimacies thus formed ! 
 
 The Class Lyceum is, of course, like all the rest, a volun- 
 tary association. The number to compose it may be large, 
 compared to the Family or Social Lyceum. The means by 
 which its exercises may be carried on, may be all the font 
 methods described at the commencement of this Address, 
 
 vJTj. Lectures, Essays. Debates, and Conversation, It might, 
 o 
 
14 
 
 if so nmny could be found pursuing the ^ame course, embracer 
 a hundred members, with a view to the first mode of improve- 
 ment by Lectures. But with a view to all the four, suppose 
 such a Lyceum in a city or large town, to consist of forty 
 members, let it meet once a month for Lectures, once a 
 month for Essays, once a month for Debates, and once a 
 month for Conversation. As a Lecture Lyceum,^ the whole 
 would meet together, and four persons, by delivering each 
 three lectures, would occupy the year As an Essay Lyceum, 
 let it meet in two divisions, each comprising twenty members. 
 The four who deliver the Lectures, are not to be called on for 
 any exercise in composition, during the three months allotted 
 ^0 each for lectures. Twenty-four Essays will carry the mem- 
 bers thro' the year, allotting two to each night of meeting. 
 Let the same persons meet in like manner, as a Moot Lyceum 
 in two subdivisions, each of twenty. If, then, four be appoint- 
 ed to debate each evening, they would require forty-eight 
 speakers for the twelve months, so that each member would; 
 speak about twice a year regularly ; tho' it ought to be un- 
 derstood and expected, that others, if there be time, should 
 take part in the discussion. Let the same persons meet as a 
 Conversation Lyceum, in four sections of ten persons each, 
 once a month. No exemption need be claimed here for the 
 lecturers, essayists and debaters; whether the subjects be the 
 same or different from those treated in the former modes^ 
 Perhaps, however, the best rule would be^ to appoint for con- 
 versation, the very topics treated of, the three preceding eve- 
 ^ngs. All this, however, would be left to each section. We 
 would suggest as advisable, that the divisions of twenty, and 
 the subdivisions of ten, should be formed anew every year, so 
 that an exchange of members may take place, by transferring 
 half of each division into the other, and half of each subdivi- 
 sien into another. This rotation will have the advantage of 
 producing a more intimate union and cordial intercourse than 
 could prevail, if the divisions and subdivisions consisted per- 
 
15 
 
 Mianently of the same persons. In this case, they would be 
 like distinct Societies, having no common bond of union, but 
 the monthly lectures. The Class Lyceums embrace all the 
 •modes of improvement recommended in Dr. Watts* admira- 
 ble practical treatise on the improvement of the mind. They 
 have also this further recommendation, that they fully meet 
 the just and felicitous thoughts of Lord Bacon, when he says, 
 that reading makes a full man, writing a correct man, and con- 
 versation a ready man. To this we may add, that the Class 
 Lyceum cultivates all the best means of public and private 
 influence in the cause of Religion and our Country, and in the 
 cause of Literature, sound morals and general improvement. 
 
 The question may be asked, where is the Class Lyceum to 
 meet? We reply, that the conversation subdivisions may 
 very well meet like the Neighborhood or Social Lyceums, at 
 the houses of the members successively. So, at Essay Ly- 
 t:eums, the divisions may meet in like manner, at one another's 
 houses. As Moot Lyceums, they may do the same ; unless 
 they prefer a room procured for the purpose, as is usual witli 
 debating Societies. As a Lecture Lyceum, it must be ex- 
 pected that they should hire a suitable place : and this would 
 answer, by meeting on different nights of the week, for the 
 Moot Lyceum Divisions. 
 
 It may perhaps be said, that weekly meetings cannot be 
 productive of any very great advantage : and yet that more 
 frequent meetings are not practicable ; because so many other 
 engagements, personal, family or social, require all the other 
 nights of the week. We «ay nothing of the many extra calls 
 on our time. We might answer by a single illustration. The 
 Sunday School System is a weekly one : and yet who doubts 
 that it has produced most important results, as to the intellec- 
 tual, as well as moral and religious improvement of the Scho- 
 lars? But let us take this view. Most of the persons who 
 would attend the weekly Lyceums, would not dedicate the 
 Jioiurs thus saved, to any specific, valuable object. Now, on 
 
16 
 
 tiie stippositioii that tliey spend two hours together, that tliey 
 devote one to reading, and one to conversation on the subject 
 treated of; and that they read only twenty pages in the first 
 hour, they would have read during the year one thousand and 
 forty pages, (1040) and have held intelligent conversation 
 for fifty-two hours upon them. Select any book which is fit- 
 ted to improve the reader, and who will doubt the value of the 
 plan 1 Suppose a class of ten were to meet in this manner, 
 were in a series of years, to read Shuckford's, Russell's and 
 Prideaux's Connections, and Mosheim^s Ecclesiastical History, 
 would any one be willing to believe, that these one hundred 
 and four hours per annum, would not have been very profit- 
 ably employed? Suppose a class to devote a year in like 
 manner to Ferguson on Civil Society, to the 1st vol. of Ro- 
 bertson's Charles the Fifth, or to Villers on the Beformation, 
 will any one question the substantial benefit, that would be 
 derived from such a course ? Even if not a single member 
 looked at the part appointed for the evening, until they mety 
 there can be no doubt they would receive much benefit from 
 the course thus recommended. 
 
 5. We come now to the first in order of the representative 
 kind, viz. the District Lyceum. This consists of Delegate^ 
 from all the Social or Neighborhood, from the Village, Town, 
 Parish or Beat Company Lyceum, and from the Class Ly- 
 ceums. The object is to gather into one Council, once every 
 two or three months, at some suitable, convenient spot, re- 
 presentatives from all the above elementary Lyceums : in 
 order by exchanging opinions on the Lyceum System gene- 
 rally to improve each of the different kinds, by the experience 
 of so many persons engaged in a common cause. Let the 
 delegates be invited, alphabetically, or in any other order, to 
 deliver their sentiments, on any particular branch of the gen- 
 eral subject of Lyceums: and let one or more persons be 
 requested to make sufficient memoranda of the material facts 
 or principles, reasonings or illustrations presented by the 
 
17 
 
 speakers.* Let tlicse be afterwards digested into a lleport or 
 Address, by a Committee appointed for the purpose, and then 
 distributed in Pamphlet form amonj^ the Elementary Lyceums. 
 All will thus derive a joint benefit from the separate action and 
 experience of each member of the Primary Lyceums. We 
 shall, hereafter, show the great value of the Lyceum System, 
 in regard to education and schools. At present we remark, 
 that it is desirable to have many teachers sent as delegates 
 from the Elementary Lyceums, that by exchanging opinions 
 with each other, and with other intelligent persons, they may 
 derive advantages from the representative branch of the Ly- 
 f;eum System, to which they would otherwise be strangers. 
 
 6. The next in order of the Representative Lyceums, is the 
 State Lyceum. This consists of Delegates from the District 
 Lyceums, and should meet at Columbia once a year, at an 
 early day during the sitting of the Legislature, in order that 
 many members of that body may become delegates ; as they 
 would be able to attend early in the session. This body 
 should appoint a Committee, whose duty it should be to pre- 
 sent at the next meeting, such views of the system, both gen- 
 eral and particular, as they might judge advisable. The 
 Committee should be furnished in September, or in October 
 at farthest, by all the District Lyceums, with their summaries 
 already adverted to, that an Annual Report or Address may be 
 prepared, and laid before the State Lyceum, at the anniver- 
 sary meeting at Columbia. This Annual Report or Address 
 should be printed and circulated extensively, copies being sent 
 to every District Lyceum, and if practicable, to every Ly- 
 ceum represented therein. 
 
 This survey completes the State System of Lyceums : and 
 it must be admitted by every candid, reflecting mind, that if it 
 be completely organized and extensively executed, very great 
 blessings must result to The People from its operations. 
 
 * A Farmers' Lyceum in Massachusetts, collected in a single year, 
 two volumes of factg and observatiocs, respecting their employments. 
 
18 
 
 And who are The People, thus to be benefitted t We an- 
 swer, not the people in the ordinary civil or political meaning 
 of the term ; but the people in a broader and more compre- 
 hensive sense, embracing the men and tlie women, the youth 
 and even the children of the land. Sound moral and mental 
 instruction is among the greatest blessings, which society can 
 bestov/ on its incmbers : and among the richest returns of gra- 
 titude, which the individual can make to the community, that 
 has afforded the opportunities, means and encouragements for 
 obtaining them. Give to two States a similarity of advan- 
 tages in all respects. Then introduce the Lyceum System 
 into one, and let it operate in its detailed, as well as general 
 form, thro' a v/hole generation. Will any one doubt, that a 
 most sensible change very far for the belter, would be found 
 to exist in that State, and that it would have carried forward 
 its inhabitants, far beyond the condition of mind and morals, 
 in which tlie other would be found. Will you not then re- 
 solve, that South- Carolina shall be the Lyceum State 1 and 
 that the close of the present generation shall see her way far 
 advanced, thro' its benign and salutary agency, beyond the 
 station she now occupies, in mental and moral improvement. 
 
 We would here remark, that even if the system as exhibited 
 in the preceding pages, should not be carried out for several 
 years, in all its harmony and completeness of parts, still 
 very great advantages must result from the establishment of 
 Elementary Lyceums throughout the State : Be not, there- 
 fore, discouraged, tho' there should be no concert of action, in 
 the forms of the Representative branch of the system, for 
 some years to come. Let the subordinate department be car- 
 ried into execution every where : and the District and State 
 Lyceums may be expected to follow as a matter of course 
 wherever the subordinate Lyceums, after being firmly esta- 
 blished, and in successful operation, shall become duly sensi- 
 ble, as they must, of the manifold advantages derivable from 
 concert in action, and the interchange of experience. 
 
The same i^emarks apply to the American Lyceimi, v/hicfU 
 meets amiually at New- York, and is composed of Delegates 
 from State, Ten'itory and District (of Columbia) Lyceums, 
 and of other persons invited by the Executive Committee. 
 The very inconvenient seasons (for us at the South) at which 
 the Anniversary is held, viz. in May, renders it little less than 
 impossible for any one to attend as the representative of a 
 Southern Lyceum. But whether our State System shall ever 
 unite with and be represented in the American Lyceum, is at 
 present a very minor consideration. Let us- create the State 
 System first : and then we may safely leave the State L3xeum 
 to decide for itself and its constituents, whether it shall be re- 
 presented in the National Society at New-York. That some 
 benefit would be derived from such a connection, can be doubt- 
 ed by no one, who admits the advantage of joint counsels and 
 experience. The object of the American Lyceum, accord- 
 iag to the 2d Article of the Constitution, *' is the advance- 
 ment of education, especially in Common Schools, and the 
 general diffusion of knowledge." And what objects can be 
 more truly popular and republican, wise and benevolent I 
 Common Schools form the great majority of youth, and pre- 
 pare them to become the people of each succeeding gene- 
 ration : while the general diffusion of knov/ledge, provides 
 daily bread for the cultivation of their minds, and the improve? 
 ment of their affections, thro' all the period of mature life. 
 
 II. Having now explained the character and objeets of each 
 . description of Lyceums, we proceed to make you acquainted 
 with the means and modes of improvement, or the exercises em- 
 ployed. Lyceums a.ve voluntary associations of such persons 
 as desire to meet at stated intervals for self improvement and 
 mutual improvement, thro' the medium of scientific composi- 
 tions-called lectures,. or familiar compositions called Essays; 
 or debates,. or subjects previously selected; or conversation or 
 books'or topics, appointed by agreement at a prior meeting. 
 
2Q 
 
 1. The Lecture System is adopted where men pretty tho^ 
 i;oughly acquainted with important branches of moral or ph}'^- 
 sical science, can be prevailed on to take the lead by giving 
 courses of lectures on popular, practical branches of human 
 knowledge, illustrating them by apparatus and experiment. In 
 every educated community, there are many men perfectly 
 capable of discharging this duty : and we trust, that public 
 spirited individuals will come forward every where and offer 
 their services. In the Lecture department it is obvious, that 
 medical men and professors or amateurs in the natural sciences 
 have vast advantages over those, whose lives are devoted to 
 the cultivation of the moral sciences. Those address them- 
 selves in a very great degree to the faculty of sights and not 
 merely to that of hearing : they are continually appealing to 
 the imagination and memory for the forms, relations and com- 
 binations of visible objects ; they are able to prove so much 
 of what they teach, thro' the mediums of diagrams, models, 
 specimens and experiments, and they can so happily intermix 
 the didactic with the descriptive style, reasoning with imagina- 
 tion, and the recollection of principles with the memory of 
 facts, that they ought to be, if they are not already, deeply 
 sensible of their superior advantages and correspondent obli- 
 gations. We think, then, that we do not overestimate the 
 capacity for eminent usefulness of the above class of persons, 
 when we refer to them as absolutely indispensable to the suc- 
 cess of the Lecture department of the Lyceum. These per- 
 sons have also this further advantage, that they are able to 
 interest and instruct the comparatively uneducated, as well as 
 the cultivated mind ; but lectures in the moral sciences, imply 
 and require a considerable degree of intellectual improve- 
 ment. From the same cause, the former can engage the 
 attention of children and youth ; and confer on them lasting- 
 benefits, by interesting them in the acquisition of valuable 
 and entertaining knowledge, thro' the medium of visible objects. 
 
21 
 
 But to medical men above all, the public must look for the 
 lead in this matter ; because they exceed so many times in, 
 number all others, who are devoted to the natural sciences. 
 We would not, however, have it supposed, that others are not 
 capable of delivering lectures, which would be attractive and 
 useful. Clergymen and Lawyers, Merchants and Planters^ 
 Master Mechanics and men of leisure genetally, if possessed 
 of zeal, taste and knowledge, may rendef essential services 
 by introducing a greater variety of subjects into the Lecture 
 Lyceum. We trust that many such may be found willing to 
 lend their aid in giving a full and fair experiment to this De- 
 partment of the Lyceum System. We trust they will co- 
 operate cheerfully in multiplying the sources of knowledge, 
 and extending the opportunities for its acquisition. 
 
 2. The Lecture department implies of course a consider- 
 able superiority in the Lecturer over his audience, or at least 
 over most of them. The same feature does not necessarily 
 exist in the three other descriptions^ viz. the Essay, Moot and 
 Conversation Lyceums. The object of the Essay Lyceum 
 is, to cultivate composition on any subjects whatever, that the 
 taste or pursuits of the writer may lead him to select. It is 
 obvious that such a Lyceum should consist of a Small number of 
 persons, a dozen being quite enough. This would secure to 
 each member, that frequency of composition, which is indis- 
 pensable to improvement in the art of writing. If two E$says 
 were read at each meeting, they would furnish abundant ma- 
 Wials for instruction and entertainment, by subjecting the 
 pieces to the criticism of all present, as to facts, thoughts and 
 lieasoning, and as to rhetoric and grammar. Such a Lyceum, 
 in a single year, would make good writers out of indiiferent 
 ones. It is manifest, that the art of writing is becoming every 
 year more and more important in our Country, as an instru- 
 ment of power, duty and usefulness. It is one of the chief 
 peans of improving ourselves, and of enabling us to improve 
 
 others, in any department of virtue, knowledge or business. 
 3 
 
To be a good writer, is to possess a large share of power lo»' 
 influence others. To acquire this power, is at once the duty 
 and interest of all, 
 
 3. The third department of the Lyceum System is that, in 
 which the Lyceum becomes a Debating Society* This, like^ 
 the second, implies a greater equahty among the membersv 
 than is found in the first. It has, however, one advantage in 
 common with the Lecture Lyceum, that besides the members^ 
 the exercises may be attended with profit and pleasure by a- 
 mixed audience ; who are almost always more interested by 
 the variety and animation of a debate, than by Essays, how- 
 ever well they may be written and read, A speaker of ordi- 
 nary talents and information, without the advantages of figure^ 
 countenance, voice and gesture, will fix the attention of an 
 Audience, if he speak in the various, natural, easy manner of 
 conversation, much more than a superior writer and reader. 
 We may well make the same remark as to the Moot Lyceum, 
 which has been made as to the Essay Lyceum. The art of 
 speaking is continually becoming more and more important in 
 our country. A vast amount of public business depends upoii 
 this, both in legislative bodies and popular meetings of every 
 description. A still greater amount of private business is con- 
 finually transacted in this mode, in Courts, in corporate assem- 
 blies, and at the meetings of Churches, Societies, Boards, 
 Committees, &.c. &c. Hence, the great value of the Art of 
 Extempore Speaking. We may say indeed, without fear of 
 exaggerating, that the preservation, developement aiwl perfec- 
 tion of our political, civil, and ecclesiastical, of our religious, 
 ftioral, literary, benevolent and business institutions, are mainty 
 dependent on these two great instruments of power and use- 
 fulness. Without intending aught that is invidious by the 
 remark, it appears to us very desirable, that a large portion of 
 the business of our country, both in legislative and other 
 bodies, should be managed by speakers, who belong to other 
 walks of life than to the bar. Extempore specdiing is thfe 
 
^3 
 
 rftusin€5s of the Bar; but it is the business of no other class c^ 
 «rien. These, therefore, ought to feel it a duty to make and 
 to pl-ofit by the opportunities for improvement in speaking, 
 which the Moot Lyceum affords. The value of the Moot 
 iiyceum becomes still more obvious when we consider, that in 
 the present state of our Systems of Education, the exercise 
 of the Lyceum is indispensable, to make up for the lament- 
 able and strange neglect of extempore speaking as a regular 
 branch of education in Colleges, Academies, and High 
 Schools. 
 4. The fourth and last in this arrangement, is the Conversa- 
 tion Lyceum. This may consist of any number of persons^ 
 that may choose to associate together, for the purposes of this 
 mode of improvement. Its value is obvious to every one ; 
 for who can be insensible to the importance of the art of cprtr 
 versing agreeably and sensibly with ease and simplicity. Let 
 it not be supposed, that the talent for conversation is not sus- 
 ceptible of very great improvement. Why should it not be, 
 as well as the art of writing and speaking? What is it but the 
 art of speaking in short paragraplis, and byway of dialogue? 
 And what is the art of speaking, but the art of continuous 
 conversation ; where the speaker occupies the whole ground, 
 acting himself the part of a debater on each side, and of an 
 umpire or judge. It is to be remembered, that the greater 
 part of persons, in most instances, require no other style of 
 public speaking, than that which is characterized by the ease, 
 simplicity and variety of intelligent, animated conversation. 
 It is only at times, that the subject and the occasion justify 
 what may be called the oratorical style of speaking. The 
 Conversation Lyceum does not require, like the Lecture Ly- 
 »ceuni, any great superiority of one or several persons as lead'" 
 ors over the rest. All may be nearly equal, tho' considerable 
 inequalities may advantageously exist. But it is better that all 
 ihoiild ^e equal, than that one or two superior men should« 
 
24 
 
 thro* inadvertency, engross the whole time to themselves!' 
 Lecture Conversation may display the speaker ; but the hear- 
 ers will never learn either his peculiar art, or the more valuable 
 art of conversation. In the Conversation Lyceum, the ad- 
 visable mode is to appoint subjects for each succeeding meet- 
 ing, or a select chapter in some excellent author ; or to have 
 some portion of a work read, to furnish the requisite materials 
 for conversation: the reader pausing at intervals, to afford an 
 opportunity for remarks on what has been read. 
 
 We have thus presented to you the Lyceum System, with a 
 view to the means and modes of instruction and improvement. 
 Let it not, however, be supposed, that these four methods are 
 so independent of each other, as not to admit of combination. 
 On the contrary, there is no difficulty in establishing one Ly- 
 ceum, which shall embrace them all. To illustrate. Let 
 weekly Lyceums be formed, and a Lecturer provided for the 
 first meeting. Let two of the members be selected by lot or 
 otherwise, whose duty it shall be to present at the next meet- 
 ing, two essays on the subject of the Lecture, to be criticised 
 as already mentioned. At a third meeting, let the subject be 
 debated by four other members, chosen in a similar manner. 
 And at a fourth meeting, let the Lecture Essays and Debate 
 form the subject of conversation. We speak with much con^ 
 fidence when we say, that such a Lyceum, if the member? 
 posssessed the requisite talent, information, energy and zeal, 
 would be of immense advantage not only to themselves, but 
 to the community, who would not only gain directly, as audi- 
 tors of the Lecture and Debate, but indirectly by the im- 
 provement of the members themselves : the actual advance- 
 ment of any member of a Community in valuable knowledge^ 
 being a benefit to all. We may remark, that this combination 
 of all the methods of instruction, is more applicable to bran- 
 ches of Moral than to those of Physical Science ; because 
 from the very nature of the former, they admit of a greatc^ 
 
i>5 
 
 variety of views, reasonings and illustrations, depending far 
 more on matters of principle and opinion, than upon fixed 
 laws and facts, as in the material world. 
 
 III. We have thus completed (he view we designed to pre- 
 sent of the modes or means of improvement, employed in the 
 Lyceum System : and of the diflerent species of Elementary 
 and Representative Lyceums. We now proceed, in the third 
 place, to exhibit the application or use of the system, "as a 
 method of moral and intellectual cultivation ; and shall then, 
 in the fourth place, lay before you the advantages and results 
 of the scheme. 
 
 The Lyceum System being dedicated to practical purposes 
 exclusively, and employing only practical instruments, is, 
 therefore, essentially a practical system, depending upon the 
 experience of intelligent men for its origin, progress and per- 
 fection. We desire to treat it as such throughout this Ad- 
 dress : and to recommend it on the strength of this quality. 
 We now, therefore, ask your attention, while we lay before 
 you the application and uses of the Lyceum System. Perr 
 haps it may be asked, what are Literary and Philosophical 
 Societies, Lectureships in Colleges and Universities, Debat- 
 ing Cluba, Mechanics' Institutes, and Conversation parties, 
 but Lyceums ? We reply, that they are. We have only 
 given tQ an Old Name a more extensive application to Old 
 Things, in order the more easily to embrace in one system 
 all those various forms of improvement, and to give a more 
 regular, extensive and frequent application to known methods 
 of improvement : while the additional advantages are secur- 
 ed of concerted action, and of the intercommunication of a 
 large amount of experience. 
 
 1. Perhaps, there is no object of human pursuit, to which 
 ihe Lyceum System is not applicable. We shall present it to 
 you, then, under various illustrations drawn from the Profes- 
 sions, the Sciences, the Useful Arts, and the Fine Arts, 
 
26 
 
 1. Of the" Professions. Let a Lyceum be formed of Cieiv 
 svmen of different denominations, with a view to their im* 
 provement, in the cultivation of any particular branch of com- 
 mon knowledge. Let them meet once a week for a year for 
 mutual aid in the study of Hebrew, and spend two or three 
 hours together, and the majority will unquestionably be bettei' 
 scholars at the end of that time, than if each had devoted 
 twice or thrice the time to the same object. Let a second 
 year be devoted to Greek, and the result will be the same. 
 Can any one doubt the advantages, which they would derive 
 from studying in the same manner, the evidences of Chris- 
 tianity, the Jewish and Christian Antiquities, Pulpit Elo- 
 quence, and other subjects common to various denominations 1 
 In like manner, the Clergy of any particular denomination 
 would find it an advantage, if a sufficient number could be 
 obtained, to form an additional weekly Lyceum, for the study 
 of sectarian points ; as the comparative advantages of written 
 and extempore services, the history of Church Government, 
 the questions of Orders in the Ministry, of Infant and Adult 
 Baptism, of the Trinity, &c. &c We do not believe, that 
 any Clergyman, who had attended either the general or secta- 
 dan Weekly Lyceum, would ever speak of either, but with 
 gratitude and pleasure. 
 
 2. We come now to the Medical Profession. It strikes us, 
 as a radical defect in the Professions of Theology and Medi- 
 cine, still more than in the Law, that there is no system of 
 mutual confidence and interchange of experience, at stated 
 .periods. The Bar meet so frequently and necessarily, and 
 hear so often one another's views and experience, that they 
 derive great advantages from each other, without the forms of 
 a Lyceum. But Medical men and Clergymen ace kept almost 
 entirely apart from each other, by the very nature of their 
 pursuits. Would not Physicians profit much by a weekly 
 Lyceum, for the cultivation of particular branches of th^ 
 
27 
 
 healing arti We cannot doubt that the members of such a 
 Lyceum, would be much better instructed in Anatomy, Phy- 
 siology, Materia Medica, &c. at the end of a year, than they 
 . could be without it. 
 
 3. Now, as to the Profession of Law, suppose a dozen 
 Gentlemen of the Bar, to form a weekly Lyceum, and to 
 spend a year on the history of the Common and Civil Law, 
 9n the law of Executors and Administrators ; of Judgments 
 and Executions; or onthe Statute Law of the State, as it alters 
 or adds to the Common Law. We feel assured, that every 
 member of that Lyceum would have an advantage on these 
 subjects, over his brethren. Let the Lawyers resident at a 
 Country Village, say Beaufort, Walterborough, Abbeville, 
 York, Cheraw, (fee. form such a Lyceum, and their own good 
 sense will foretel the benefits they will derive, and their ^pe- 
 rience will amply justify our anticipations. We may remark, 
 generally, that in all the three Professions, the younger mem- 
 bers, who have more time to devote to such stated meetings, 
 tire the persons chiefly to be benefitted r and to them we do 
 most earnestly recommend the system of weekly Lyceums^ 
 as a powerful means of social improvement. Nor can we 
 fail to observe, that students in ihe three professions, would 
 find themselves amply rewarded by forming Students' Ly- 
 ceums, and meeting twice or thrice a week for mental im- 
 provement. Would not the young men, particularly, v.ho 
 •ittend our Medical Colleges in Charleston, find their account 
 in arranging themselves into such Lyceums for better improve- 
 ment in their common studies, and in preparing for stated 
 examinations on the subjects of the Lectures they have 
 attended for the two or three preceding days. 
 
 4. To the Professions of Law, Medicine and Divinity, we 
 acid with pleasure that of the Merchant. Tho' it involves less 
 of learning, philosophy and literature, than the three precede* 
 ing, it is, nevertheless, when rightly understood, a dignified, 
 influential and valuable branch of practical knowledge, A 
 
28 
 
 profession, which numbers in its ranks, such men as Lorenzo 
 de Medici, Sir Thomas Gresham, the Koyal Merchant, th^ 
 Barings, and the Rothschilds, is entitled to an eminent sta- 
 tion among the noble and useful institutions of society. 
 Whatever may be said of the past History of the A¥orld and 
 of Commerce, it is manifest that a knowledge of the actual 
 state of the World, and of Trade, Manufactures, and all the 
 Arts, is indispensable to an intelligent Merchant transacting 
 an extensive business. Political Economy, also, ought to be 
 extensively understood, not only because it enters so largely 
 into his own concerns; but because he is bound as a patriot 
 to contribute his aid in enlightening the public mind on sub- 
 jects of legislation, touching Commerce, Manufactures, and 
 the useful Arts. We should rejoice to see Merchants' Ly- 
 ceums established in all our Cities and Towns, both maritime 
 and inland. We know they would be of great service to 
 each member : and taking the aggregate of good, of still 
 greater service to the community. 
 
 5. The time has come, we trust, when the deep interest 
 taken in agriculture, the establishment of societies, and the 
 circulation of periodicals and other works, on the employ- 
 ments of the Planter and Farmer, may be considered as hav- 
 ing elevated the Art of Agriculture, to the rank of a profes- 
 sion. If Theology, Medicine and Law, demand for them- 
 selves exclusively the title of learned professions, the Mer- 
 chant, Planter and Farmer, the Manufacturer and Mechanic, 
 may claim for their pursuits, the just appellation of the useful 
 professions. They are indeed the broad, solid basis, on 
 which the otliers rest ; for the}' are practically the visible 
 foundations of society. May we then be permitted earnestly to 
 recommend, that Planters and Farmers throughout the State, 
 establish Lyceums for the purpose of mutual improvement in 
 the science and practice of Agriculture. No one surely can 
 doubt the advantages to be derived from such institutions ; if 
 our Planters and Farmers would eive them a fair and full trial. 
 
29 
 
 Tlreir department of business is essentially practical^ and tlie 
 Lyceum System is peculiarly fitted to such pursuits. 
 
 6. The same remarks apply to the Manufacturer and Me- 
 chanic, who may well be regarded as belonging to the useful 
 professions. There was a time, when the profession of Arms 
 was the only pursuit thought worthy of a Gentleman. All 
 education and learning were in the hands of the Church ; 
 while Commerce, Agriculture, and the useful Arty, were re- 
 garded as fit only for the people, then considered merely as 
 liewers of wood and drawers of water for the Gentry and 
 Clergy, the privileged classes of society. But in our age, 
 and especially in our Country, such absurd arrangements 
 have disappeared : and the useful professions are, both m 
 theory and practice, perfectly consistent with high character, 
 extensive information, a large share of talent, and elevated 
 station. We hope yet to see in our State, many Lyceums 
 for these interesting classes of the community, satisfied that 
 their own interests and happiness will be extensively pro- 
 moted by them. 
 
 7. We name last, but not least, as among the most honor- 
 able of professions, that of a Teacher. Occupying in a 
 most important particular, the responsible station of Parents 
 and Giiardians, they are as indispensable to the successful 
 operation of republican institutions, as the representative sys- 
 tem, an independent judiciary, or the separation of the three 
 great departments of government. Instructors cannot think 
 too highly of their obligations, or of the value of their labors- 
 Their's is the only department of duty and business, which 
 converts the children, who would curse and destroy a Coun- 
 try, into wise and virtuous men, to honor, bless and protect 
 
 'It. They are able to re-produce, as it were out of nothing, 
 an intelligent, just and generous people, in each succeeding 
 generation. Banish instructors from your land, and the next 
 would be a race of semi-barbarians. Multiply them tenfold, 
 
 'aad do you doubt that you multiply inc«tleulably the chances 
 
m 
 
 df the next deration for happiness ? We should regal'd as 
 among the most interesting and valuable of Teachers' Ly- 
 ceums, that which would be formed by Female Instructors. 
 As a general rule, womeft are superior to men in the art of 
 enlisting the affections and commanding the attention of youth ; 
 and in the art of governing them and of communicating 
 knowledge to the young mind. "Still, great advantages would 
 result to themselves and pupils, if Lyceums were formed of 
 Female Teachers^ for the purpose of conferring together; of 
 exchanging modes of teaching and discipline, and experience ^ 
 and of mutually encouraging^ aiding, and strengthening one 
 another. Where the text book and studies are the same^ 
 there can be no objection to a Teachers' Lyceum, composed 
 of Instructors of each sex. Each sex would then share in the, 
 advantages to be derived from the peculiar education, traits of 
 character, tact and experience of the other. There could be 
 no more objection to such meetings, than to the customary 
 intercourse of the same persons, when forming afsocial circle. 
 Indeed, the sense of duty and the important objects, which 
 bring them together in the Teachers' Lyceum, would be suffi■^ 
 cient guarantees to the most delicate sense of propriety. 
 
 With these sentiments as to the dignity and value of tfe 
 'i'eachers' office, we feel that the most important of the whole 
 class of Professional Lyceums, is that appropriated to Teach- 
 ^i*g. No set of men in the community are likelj^ to derive 
 from the Lyceum System, equal advantages with Instructors^ 
 *rhey dre emphatically both learners and Teachers. They 
 must be continually learning, to fit them the better to teach. 
 "Now the Lyceum is peculiarly a system both of learning and. 
 teaching. It is, therefore, peculiarly, appropriately their's. 
 We trust, then, that Teachers will be among the first to form 
 Lyceums, and among the most zealous, energetic and pierse- 
 vering in carrying on the exercises. Let us exemplify, in a 
 few instances, the advantage to instructors from such an insti* 
 iution. "V^^ snppose^a Teachers' Lyceum formed, Can the,;? 
 
31 
 
 be at a loss for employment ? One of the most important 
 branches of their business, is the selection of class books. 
 Now, if they devoted an evening every week for a whole year 
 to the examination of the various books in Geography, Gram- 
 mar, History, Arithmetic, Reading, Elocution, &c. &.c., will it 
 be doubted that they would be better satisfied with their, 
 choice, and that their scholars would profit by it ? Are not 
 discipline, rewards and punishments, the general treatment of. 
 scholars, and the duties of parents to teachers, most important 
 /considerations with Uiem, and of the deepest interest to the 
 community? Would not an interchange of opinions and 
 experience on these topics, once a month for a year, be of 
 great valued Suppose the Lyceum were to lay aside on^ 
 evening every month for the considel^tion of the nice and 
 difficult points in construction and parsing, which every 
 teacher occasionally meets with. Assuredly, no Teac.hei; 
 would doubt the value of such an exercise. Suppose a dozen 
 persans, engaged in teaching Latin, were to set aside one ever 
 iujig every month for the examination of the Syntax or Pro-^ 
 ^ody of the language, is it not manifest that such a series of 
 exercises must render them better teachers, than they could 
 have been without it t If the number of Teacliers be suffi- 
 cient, tbey would naturally establish an English, a Classical, 
 and a Mathematical Lyceum. Here, as in every thing else, 
 the division of labor would produce great results, and the 
 community would be the gainers, as indeed they will always 
 i)e, the greater the number, and the more successful the opera- 
 tions of Lyceums. Would not a Sunday School Lyceum, to 
 meet every Saturday afternoon, with a view to the instruction 
 of j-the next day, be an acquisition to that wise and benevolent 
 scheme, the Sabbath School System 1 If the Teachers would 
 study the lessons during the week, and meet thus for mutual 
 examination, would they not animate the lukewarm, enlighterx 
 the ignorant, and fill one another's hearts with stronger faith, 
 livelier hope, and love more stedfast, mire and fervent^ 
 
We have dwelt thus at large upon Teachers' Lyceums ; 
 because we are convinced, that we cannot well overestimate 
 their importance. We feel satisfied if there be any one de- 
 scription of Lyceums, above all the rest in value, it is the 
 Teachers'. The whole theory and practice of education, the 
 improvement in modes of teaching and discipline, the prepa- 
 ration and selection of text books, are all in their hands. In- 
 tellectual education is ahnost entirely their province : moral 
 education is so to a great extent : and the same is true of sen- 
 timents, temper and manners. We cannot, therefore, hesitate 
 in placing the Teacher's Lyceum ahead of all others, in point 
 of extensive, permanent and diversified value to the commu- 
 nity. We do, then< earnestly exhort Teachers to make a be^ 
 ginning at once : *and if there be but two or three, to set the 
 example of establishing Lyceums, and of carrying them oii 
 zealously and punctually at least once a week. 
 
 Let us now speak of other Lyceums, specific in their ob-, 
 jects, but not professional.. Such, for example, is the Lyceum 
 of Natural History, including both animate and inanimate 
 Nature, It is needless to say any thing in recommendation of 
 such a Lyceum. All who realize the wisdom and benevolence 
 of the Creator, as displayed so profusely in the structure and 
 operations of the visible world, must acknowledge its value. 
 By the help of specimens, which can be obtained in various 
 ways, an interest is awakened in the outward creation, which 
 is fitted to enhance our conceptions of the power, skill and 
 goodness of God. The general establishment of Lyceums of 
 Natural History, would furnish a most abundant supply of spe- 
 cimens ofr exchange : since every section of country has iis 
 peculiarities in Animals, Plants and Minerals. Let the amar 
 teurs in Natural History unite together in Lyceums, and b}' 
 4;ordial co-operation, make abundant collections, and establish 
 a regular system of interchanges of specimens with other 
 Lyceums throughout the Union. We cannot but recommend 
 t\%Q subject of Lyceums to the cultivators of the Orchard and 
 
33 
 
 Garden. Fruits aiid flowers, besides their beautiful variety of 
 forms and tints, which make them attractive to all, create a 
 peculiar interest in the bosom of those who have reared them^ 
 Why should not such persons meet once a fortniglit to read 
 and converse together on subjects so full of fascination 1 If 
 there be any particular description of Lyceum, which exceb 
 all others in the t^apacity for awakening and gratifying curf- 
 <)sity in the generality of persons, especially in the young, it 
 is that dedicated to the cultivation of the various departments 
 of Natural Histor}^ - 
 
 2. How many are lovers of works of taste 1 What a 
 charming Lyceum might they establish, for the study of the 
 best poets'? Suppose a night once a week devoted to the 
 study of poetry, with the aid of the best critics and commen- 
 taries, w^hat a sensible improvement v.ould be made in that 
 time, in the refinement of our taste and the accuracy of our 
 knowledge ! Take an example. Let such a Lyceum be 
 formed, composed of a dozen members ; and let them take up 
 and study iix succession Aristotle's Poetics, Horace's Art of 
 Poetry, Longinus oh the Sublime, Vide's and Boileau's Art of 
 Poetry, and Pope's Essay on Criticism. Can we doubt the 
 advantages to be derived from such a course of study, in point 
 of literary improvement ? 
 
 3. Suppose a Lyceum of Political Economy : and let a 
 siiccession of years be devoted to the study of standard books 
 on the subject. Is it necessary to say, that the members of 
 Auch a Lyceum, after the diligent study of the best English 
 ^od French writers, would be better fitted to exercise a safe 
 and wise influence, both as public and private men, in regard 
 10 the important interests of Commerce and Navigation, of 
 Agriculture and Manufactures, of Banking ^and the general 
 money concerns of the Country. 
 
 4. We make the same remark of Constitutional Law. If 
 a Lyceum were formed, with a view to the- study of the Na- 
 tional ajid f?tate Constitutions : and of the best text booksj 
 
34 
 
 SLUch as the Federalist, and the writings of Jefferson and Ma* 
 dison on the subject ; and, in addition to these, of the princi- 
 pal decisions of the State and National Tribunals on such 
 matters ; t?an it be doubted, that the members would be bettea* 
 instructed in the facts, principles, reasonings and illustrations 
 of this very important branch of political philosophy'? We 
 do not propose such a Lyceum for the Members of the Bar 
 only ; but more especially for the sa]i:e af intelligent men 
 generally. It seems to us, it would be fastidious to object to 
 such a Lyceum, on account of party politics ; for then such a 
 Lyceum never could be established ; because the experience 
 of the past and present has always exhibited party politics, fis 
 inseparable from questions of Constitutional Law. If the 
 works, proposed as Text Books, contain the truth, all will ad- 
 Iftiit, that they ought to be thoroughly studied. If they d.o not 
 contain the truth, their very authority makes it peculiarly obli- 
 gatory to be masters of them. It is equally our interest and. 
 duty. 
 
 5. One other illustration of the application of Lyceums^ 
 and we shall pass on to other views. How admirably may 
 they be employed for the cultivation of the dead or of living 
 languages 1 Take half a dozen persons, disposed to improve 
 their knowledge of Greek or Latin, by the study of some of 
 the best writers, say Honker and Virgil. Even if they did not 
 look over ^le appointed lesson before they met : and then 
 plied their dictionaries and grammars around the table; it is 
 obvious, that a year thus spent would produce results equal to 
 Iwo or three of private study. In point of taste, accuracy, 
 and general knowledge, their improvement would be very sen- 
 sible in two or three years, if not in one. As to the modern 
 languages, would not such a Lyceum furnish not only admira- 
 ble means of advancing in the knowledge of modern tongues, 
 in reading and writing; but also the very best means of be- 
 coming masters of them, as living tongues. A Lyceum devot- 
 ed exclusively to Frenqh for example, a§ a living language, 
 
35 
 
 would" make a very sensible difference, if not a total change, 
 in a single year. The same remark applies of course to 
 Spanish, Italian and German. 
 
 We might suppose, in like manner, a Lyceum formed, for 
 the cultivation of any one of the sciences, or any one of the 
 fine arts ; and it would be easy to show, that great advaijtaifges 
 •must result to those engaged in each of these pursuits, from 
 weekly meetings fof their study. Every one's experience has 
 f aught him, that several minds acting together on the same 
 subject, make a more rapid and thorough improvement in any 
 given time, than all, with the exception perhaps of some one 
 superior mind, could make separately within the same period. 
 There are tlu-ee main causes of this. 1. The attention is 
 more active, and is kept more steadily fixed. 2. Several 
 minds brought to bear together on the same subject, take very 
 different views, and thereby excite inquiry, and furnish new 
 materials for intellectual curiosity. And 3d, a friendly useful 
 emulation is continually called into exercise. Thus, these three- 
 cause enlivened attention, a more active curiosity and laud- 
 able emulation, produce the happiest effects, and carry for- 
 ward every mind with accelerated velocity^ in its career of 
 improvement. 
 
 We cannot close our remarks, under this third head, with- 
 out adverting to the value of the Lyceum System to the Fe- 
 male Sex. In the Family and the Social or Neighborhood 
 Lyceum, they would enter as a matter of course ; and many 
 of the other specific Lyceums would be impi^oved by their 
 admission. In all those braaches, whifch are common to the 
 education of both sexes, there could be no impropriety in their 
 partaking in the exercises of reading, composition and con- 
 versation. Many of the Lyceums, especially the Professional, 
 would not be open to Ladies ; because the studies there pursued 
 are not appropriate to them. But could not Mothers find an 
 advantage, in meeting together once a week, to confer on their 
 tlnties aud interests ? How much is to bo gained by the expe* 
 
36 
 
 inehce of elders, especially when aided by religion and edu- 
 cation'? Young Mothers, to whom the future is^ so full" of' 
 uncertainty and anxiety, would find such a Lyceum of inesti- 
 mable value. If the best writers were to be successively the 
 text books for reading and conversation, can any one doubt 
 the substantial profit, that would be derived from such a,- 
 course 1 Meeting at one another's houses^ it would be at once 
 a social, and domestic institution. Regarding the female sex 
 as possessing a large and well deserved share of influence, not 
 only in the formation of the early character of children, but 
 over the other sex, thro' the whole range of social life,^ we 
 de^re to see the means both multiplied and improved ,^ which 
 are fitted still more to enlighten, strengthen and extend that 
 influence. 
 
 Independently of Lyceums, founded on the peculiar char- 
 acter and duties of the members, why should not Ladies meet 
 together once a week, to read book& of History, Literature^ 
 Poetry, Biography, Travels, or any other 1 We long to see 
 more of a spirit of intellectual improvement abroad in our 
 land,, among both sexes : And as we believe, that the reJ^ned 
 and cultivated minds of women, will be more apt to produce a 
 corresponding taste among men,, than the reverse, we do, 
 therefore, anxiously desire to see a large number of Female 
 Lyceums, established throughout the State. 
 
 IV. We have now arrived at the fourth division of our sub- 
 su1)ject, viz. the advantages and results, that may be expected 
 to flow from the general establishment of the Lyceum System. 
 We believe that all of these will be so obvious, as to consti- 
 tute a most reasonable and powerful recommendation of the 
 plan. The following, then, may be stated as among the most 
 prominent benefits and important consequences of the Lyceum 
 System. 
 
 1. The Lyceum System interferes with no other scheme of 
 improvement: and is, on the contrary, auxiliary to them alL 
 Tf, in a fe^ instances, it should supeixede some debating 
 
^1 
 
 
 Sjaciety or social filleting, it will only be to substitute itself as a 
 more complete and efficient institution, or to re-produce the 
 other, in a new and better form. The striking peculiarity and 
 advantage of the Lyceum plan over all others is, that it coni^ 
 bines in one institution, and applies from time to time, all the 
 various modes of moral and intellectual improvement, the Ly- 
 ceum employing Lectures, Essays, Debates and Conversa- 
 tions, as the instruments of mental cultivation. Each of these 
 methods may be successfully adopted in most of the different 
 kinds of Lyceums, and the last in all of them. 
 
 2. It is in our view a strong argument in favor of Lyceums, 
 that they are in such perfect harmony with the spirit of the age 
 in which we live. We allude to its conspicuous characteris- 
 tic, as an age of socidl enterprize^ in all the various depart- 
 ments of duty, and business, and general improvement. The 
 Lyceum System proposes to meet in the fullest manner the 
 demands of this spirit, by an organization, which recognizes 
 its high authority arid all pervading influence. It proposes h^ 
 a coiribination of various modes of action, to add new strength 
 and animation to this spirit, and to enlarge and diversify the 
 field of its usefulness. Let the Lyceum System be extent 
 sively adopted through all the States and Territories of our 
 Union; and it is not obvious, that a million and more of mem- 
 bers, actiixg weekly on the principle of social and benevolent 
 enterprize, must pl'odilce results, absolutely incalculable in 
 every department of duty and business, in which that spirit 
 presides. 
 
 3. It is a Standing objection against all classes of men, that 
 There or less of a spirit of jealousy prevails among them, which 
 is unquestionably hostile to the improvement of each indivi- 
 dual, and of the whole body, as a department of society. 
 Such a spirit undoubtedly has the effect of lowering the stand- 
 ard of character both of individuals and the class. The Ly- 
 ceum System has a powerful tendency to counteract this 
 
 degrading and pernicious sentiment. Its peculiarly social 
 
■ m 
 
 character, and the application of social means of improve-' 
 hient, to the duties and business of each calling in life, cannot 
 but have a salutary effect, in binding together more cordially 
 and beneficially fhan they ever have been, the members of the 
 same Profession or Trade. It appears to us a sentiment 
 worthy of extensive circulation, and entitled to a commanding 
 influence in a Christian and Republican community, like ours, 
 that the elder members in every branch of business, ought to 
 regard themselves, and ought to desire that their juniors should 
 regard them, a§ Fathers or Elder Brothers. The knowledge, 
 experience and improvement of mind which the senior has 
 Gained, whether he be a Clergyman, Physician or Lawyer, 
 a Planter, Merchant or Mechanic, are, when rightly consi- 
 dered, the property of his Country ; because every citizen 
 belongs to his Country, and is bound to promt)te her advance- 
 ment in virtue, intelligence, prosperity and happiness. Now, 
 one of the most natural and obvious modes of doing this, is to 
 contribute his ample share to the improvement of the Trade 
 or Profession, to which he belongs. And what method so 
 effectual for the attainment of this end, as the formation of 
 Ijyceums embra,cing elder and younger, experienced and inex- 
 perienced members of each branch of business^ There, the 
 very objects of the meeting would lead to a frank, cordial and 
 kind intercourse. This would contribute very much to mode- 
 rate, if not entirely to banish that species of jealousy, which 
 rather thro' custom than design, prevails more or less in all 
 trades and professions. It is an obvious conclusion, from the 
 preceding result of the Lyceum System, that it would have a 
 strong tendency to elevate and purify professional character, 
 by infusing into it, a larger share of rectitude in principle, 
 liberality in sentiment, benevolence in feelings, and usefulness 
 in conduct. 
 
 4. We assign, as another important reslilt of the Lyceum 
 System, that it is essentially a plan of self-instruction, and of 
 mutml i^struGtimi. It is the former j because in. every de» 
 
39 
 
 partment of llio Lyceum scheme, to whatever science, art qi 
 business it may be devoted, it is indispensable to the progress 
 of the members, that they should prepare themselves before 
 hand with a view to the exercise, in which they are to be em^ 
 ployed. It is also a system of mutual instruction, as purely 
 voluntary and gratuitous, as the Sunday School System; 
 except that each will derive greater or less benefit, according 
 to his actual state of improvement, the punctuality of his 
 attendance, and the zeal with which he engages in the exer- 
 cises. This spirit of self-instruction and mutual instructionj 
 which pervades the whole, (for each is to be more or less the 
 teacher both of himself and others) confers on the mind a 
 practical discipline and command of its powers, entirely un-*- 
 known to the great majority of those who are not members of 
 Lyceums. 
 
 5. May we not state, as another argument in favor of the 
 plan we are recommending, that it furnishes so convenient, 
 simple and yet effectual a method, for the preservation of large 
 portions, if not of all the knowledge we bjring with us, 
 from the School, the Academ}' , and the College. Every one 
 is sensible how speedily these acquisitions disappear: and 
 how, almost before we are aware of it, we find in a few years, 
 whilst engaged in preparatory studies, or in actual business, 
 we are stripped of a large part of the intellectual wealth, 
 which we had previously accumulated. To acquire know- 
 ledge, and with it principles and discipline of mind, is the ob- 
 ject of education : and tho' we preserve much of the two 
 former, yet we lose much of the latter. The object and effect 
 of the Lyceum System is, to enable every one to preserve 
 most of each, whilst at the same time, he is continually im- 
 proving his intellectual discipline, giving more of stability and 
 correctness to his opinions, and rendering his knowledge more 
 extensive, accurate and accessible. These are great advanta- 
 ges ; but we do not over-estimate them ; when we say, that 
 no solitary efforts can produce any thing like them in the great 
 
40 
 
 majority of peiisons ; because they need the aid of social im- 
 pulse and influence. It is matter of fact, that the great majo- 
 rity have lost, at early manhood, almost all they had acquir- 
 ed : and never attempt to regain it. This system provides for 
 the necessities ,of all this class of persons. It takes them by 
 the hand, as they leave the Schopl, Academy and College; 
 and subjects them at once to the virtuous, rational and bene- 
 volent, social influences of Lyceums, 
 
 6. There is another benefit, intimately allied to the preced- 
 ing. A yoimg person, when he has finished his education, as 
 jt is called, is apt to become the victim either of a feeling of 
 despair, at finding how little less than impossible it is, for him 
 to preserve what he has learned, or he is unhappily a prey to 
 the notion, that having finished his education, he has nothing 
 to do with the. past and its studies ; but only needs to study a, 
 profession. Both of these are lamentable states of mind ; and 
 yet we believe they are the destiny of a majorit)^ perhaps 
 we might safely say, of a large majority of young persons. 
 The Lyceum System foresees, and provides wisely and benfe- 
 vplently for both. From the one, who desires to preserve his 
 knowledge ; but soon becomes fusible, that he cannot do it 
 by any private, unassisted efiorts, she banishes all feeling of 
 despair, and fills him with animating hopes, by pointing to the 
 Lyceum, as an effectual antidote to his painful and gloomy 
 anticipations. Him, who imagines that he needs not review 
 the past, nor attempt to preserve its fruits, she invites cordi- 
 ally and considerately to the Lyceum Hall; and there sets 
 before him new views, motives and means. She saves the 
 former from the ignorance of despair : the latter from the 
 ignorance of presumption. 
 
 7. Is it not a very important consequence, of the two li^st 
 operations of the Lyceum System^ that it exercises a most 
 salutary and lasting influence on the cause of education, in 
 one striking point of view. How many persons would gladly 
 assist m the education of their Ghildcen : but by the time they 
 
41 
 
 become Parents, tliey have lost all tliey had acquired. Tha 
 only alternative presented to ihe great majority is, either to 
 begin over again : and who has ever done it? or to give up as 
 hopeless, any attempt to assist their Children. The Lyceum 
 System provides for this serious defect : and not content with 
 preserving for those who desire it, the requisite knowledge, to 
 enable them to act as auxiliary Teachers, of their own off- 
 spring, it warns betimes, the thoughtless or negligent of the 
 error of their ways, and counsels and persuades them to pre- 
 serve these means of duty and usefulness, for the sake of 
 their Children, 
 
 8. It is one of the most striking defects in the present sys* 
 tern of education, that it has no tendency to create and pre- 
 serve in Youth, a taste for readings and the spirit of inteltcc- 
 tual improvtment. The testimony of all experience attests 
 this lamentable truth, in regard to the great majority of those, 
 who come out of our Schools, Academies and Colleges. All 
 admit the evil to be great; and if it be not remediless, at all 
 events to be actually unremedied. The Lyceum System 
 offers an admirable method of creating, where it did not existj 
 or of strengthening and extending, where it did,- this taste for 
 reading, and habit for mental cultivation. The means and 
 motives afforded are adequate, if rightly employed: ana who 
 will deny., that the general prevalence of the system, becomes 
 Itself a safeguard against the very evil we are deprecating t 
 
 9. Intimately connected with several of the preceding rea- 
 sons, is another happy result of the Lyceum System. To 
 what an extent must it not be expected, that a great change 
 for the better, will take place in the materials and spirit of 
 conversation, not only in families, but in social circles 1 One 
 of the natural effects of the Lyceum System is, to furnish a 
 rich variety of valuable and interesting knowledge, instead of 
 cthe common and idle topics, which now constitute ninety-nine 
 hundreths of all conversation in domestic and social circles. 
 It is a happy circumstance, that one of the effects of the Ly- 
 
42 
 
 cdum System On the character of conversation, will be, to 
 take away all appearance of pedantry and ostentation, when 
 topics, connected with the arts and sciences, or with valuable 
 and interesting knowledge generally, are introduced. How 
 often does it happen, that many persons in a mixed company, 
 are fitted for conversation of a very superior order, to that 
 ■^hich commonly prevails. They would rejoice to be freed 
 from the heartless and senseless talk, which is going on around 
 them; but the dread of appearing affected, and of giving 
 offence, or of meeting no sympathy in those, to whom they 
 might address themselves, seals their lips. How often does 
 the same occur even in small companies ? But let the Lyceum 
 System prevail generally, and false delicacy and liability t^ 
 misconstruction vanish at once. To introduce truly valuable 
 and engaging topics, becomes there perfectly easy and 
 natural. 
 
 10. May we not also say, that a higher standard of moral 
 and intellectual happiness and pleasures, both domestic and 
 social, must be regarded as another effect of the Lyceum 
 System, connected with an improved taste in reading and 
 conversation. This higher standard would not merely exist 
 among those, who are its immediate subjects ; but would ex- 
 tend its influence to all, who are liable to be affected by their 
 sentiments and conduct. Hence, in the family, in social cir_ 
 ties, and in the general intercourse with the world, they would 
 ^;?xercise a happy control over others, in the formation of their 
 opinions and views of duty, usefulness and happiness. These, 
 assuredly, are considerations of great importance, in the 
 eyes of the Christian and Philanthropist, of the Patriot and 
 Scholar. 
 
 11. All that has been stated la favor of the Lyceum Sys- 
 tem, receives additional confirmation from this further circum- 
 stance, that its influence will not be confined within the limits 
 already noticed ; but must necessarily have a very sensible 
 and durable effect on the whole cause of literature, by creat?*- 
 
Ihg a vas^t number of readers, beyond tliose wiio now aid the 
 cause. It is manifest, that the demand for works of every 
 description must be increased many (old. Nor is this all. 
 The efiect of an improved taste in reading and convers-ationj 
 generally, must be, to increase the call for valuable an<' irtter- 
 esting works ; and, doubtless, the Lyceum itself vvi;' bf- the 
 parent of many such productions. The more you ru ihiply 
 intelligent and well instructed readers, the more do yi-u iiiul- 
 tiply the chances of having an increasing number of authors 
 capable of meeting the demand. 
 
 12. A further consequence may well bo assigned, as an 
 argument in favor of the Lyceum System. Its tendency is, 
 to enlarge the mind, to store it with useful and interesting 
 knowledge, and thereby to make it more independent, by call- 
 ing out and teaching it to rely much on its own resources.- 
 This effect is enhanced too by the fact, that the 'system fur- 
 nishes to each mind appropriate mecins and modes of improve- 
 ment, adapted to its capacities, tastes and pursuits. And as 
 it holds out so many various inducements to self cultivation 
 and mutual instruction, it cannot but contribute largely to 
 elevate and expand the multitude of minds, on which it is 
 brought to bear. 
 
 13. Let us state as the last reason, which we propose to 
 assign in justification of our high opinion of the Lyceum Sys- 
 tem, that it is admirably fitted to confer precisely that degree, 
 and that kind of knowledge, which are so valuable to the Peo- 
 ple of this Country. The Lyceum System does not profess 
 to make Philosophers and Scholars : They can only be made 
 out of the solitary Student, by the zealous and constant pur- 
 suit of knowledge, with all the enthusiasm and energy which 
 are indispensable to exalted success in science, literature and 
 learning. It is evident^ that the great majority of the people; 
 neither need nor desire to be Scholars and Philosophers* 
 They could not be such, were they ever so anxious : and cer» 
 tainly the public good does »ot- require it. The Lyceumj 
 
44 
 
 ilien, ^oe^ not attempt to furnish to the generality of its mem- 
 bers, a profound and comprehensive knowledge of Arts "or 
 Sciences. Nor, on the other hand, does it hestow merely a 
 smattering of knowledge. What it does give, is distinguished 
 by the very opposite features. It is accurate, entertaining 
 and valuable, popular in its character, and fitted to make its 
 possessor in every respect, more intelligent and virtuous, more 
 happy and useful. This, undoubtedly, is all that the people 
 need to be, or can ever hope to be. The Lyceum Scheme is; 
 then, emphatically and peculiarly the People's Systemv 
 We trust, that the People of the State of South-Carolina, 
 will avail themselves of the suggestions contained in this Ad* 
 dress, and will establish every where these institutions, so 
 republican in structure, so popular in their objects, and the 
 means of attaining them. 
 
 The results of the Lyceum System, so far as South-Gal-- 
 olina is concerned, can only be judged of by the views fhat 
 have been presented, explanatory of its character, objects, 
 operations and advantages.. These, we flatter ourselves, are 
 fitted to recommend the plan to the patronage of all who se^ 
 a right value on usefulness and duty. We sincerely desire to 
 see it extensively adopted, throughout our native State, v.ell 
 assured that even in our day, if life be spared a few years 
 longer, we shall behold her more flourishing, intelligent and 
 happy, tkan she can possibly become, in the same time, with- 
 out the agency of this system. To all, who acknowledge their 
 obhgation to God, and their Country, to family, kindred and 
 friends, to their neighbors, in the spirit of the good Samari* 
 tan, and to all mankind, as brethren, we earnestly commend 
 a scheme, which is able, we believe, to purify, adorn and blesa 
 both public and private life. If but a tenth part of the good 
 be accomplished, which, we are persuaded, the Lyceum Sys- 
 tem is able to bring forth, the Literary and Philosophical So- 
 ciety of South- Carolina, will be amply rewarded, for the time 
 ttiey have bestowed on the subject. Then shall they rejoiccj 
 
4S 
 
 that an opportunity has been afforded them, of making as tliey 
 hope, no inadequate return, for the favors heretofore received 
 from the Legislature. For ourselves, who have been honored 
 with the responsible office of discharging this their debt of gra- 
 titude to you, if this Address be unavailing^ may its failure be 
 attributed to our imperfect performance of the duty. But if 
 it succeed, suffer us to rejoice with a pure and lively thankful- 
 ness, that ours has been the privilege so enviable and precious 
 in a Republic, of contributing to the knowledge, virtue and 
 happiness of the People of South-Carolina. 
 
 On behalf of the Society, , 
 
 THOMAS S. GRIMKE, ) 
 
 HENRY R. FROST, M. D. } Committh. 
 
 WM. P. FINLEY, ) 
 
 Charleston, July ^Ist, 1834." 
 
46 
 
 'ilie CoMiTiittee feel, that they should not do justice to the Society, if 
 they did not acknowledge the obligations under wliich they lie to^Mr, 
 Josiah Holbrook, of Boston. That Gentleman, on a visit to the Sotith^ 
 ^eing in Charleston last March, was introduced into the Society, at a 
 special meeting, on the day of . The subject of Ly- 
 
 ceums, and of Education generally, being then mentioned, Mr. H. 
 drew up a rough draft of appropriate resolutions, to be offered to the 
 Society at a meeting to be held for the special purpose of obtaining in- 
 formation, and discussing the. nature, operations and advantages of Ly- 
 ceums. Accordingly, the first meeting was held on evening, 
 of , when Mr. Holbrook attended, and gave a full and 
 ptirticular statement of the character and benefits of the system. Sev- 
 eral meetings were afterwards held, when the two sets of Resolutions^ 
 embodied in the Address, were adopted: and a Committee, consisting 
 »f Thomas S. Grimke, Dr. Henry Frost, and Dr. Wm. P.Finley, was 
 appointed to prepare an Address pursuant to the Resolutions. 
 
 Mr. Holbrook has rendered important services to the cause of educa- 
 tion and popular instruction, not only by bis personal example and in- 
 fluence in vai-ious parts of the United States, but by the sxiccessful 
 attention, which h€ has bestowed on the requisite Apparatus for the 
 juvenile and more practical deparfihents of the Lyceum System. 
 
 It was an admirable remark of Mr. Holbrook, that the amusements of 
 children are frequently mischievous, simply because parents will not 
 take the trouble to provide them with useful as well as entertaining em- 
 ployments, during their leisure hours. Hence the importance of the 
 family Apparatus, which he has devised, for the amusement and in- 
 struction of children, in many matters depending on the senses of 
 saght and touch, and lying at the foundation of useful knowledge in 
 regard, tcr visible objects. Mr. H. has labored by precept and example 
 to establish and illustrate a most important truth, too little believed or 
 acted on, that it is quite possible to communicate to children earlier and= 
 better than is now done, a large amount of valuable and entertaining 
 knowledge, which may serve as the basis of extensive and scientific 
 acquirements^ in youth and early manhood. The great secret, as' 
 every one readily perceives, is to instruct, thro^ the medium of objects 
 addressed to the senses: and to prepare the way for a more ready ap- 
 prehension and thorough understanding of principle and theory, by an 
 intii»ate acquaintanciTwith th'&fdtts, out of which they arise. 
 
47 
 
 ill Rtldiiiou to the Family Apparatus, Mr. H. has also pix)vi(Ieda 
 School Apparatus, and a variety of articles in the Geometrical, Astro- 
 nomical, Chemical, Electrical, and other Philosophical Departments, 
 tov the use of Schools or Lyceums. These may be had of the Agents 
 for the sale of tlie Apparatus in this city, viz. D. W. Harrison, W. H 
 Berrett, and E. Thayer, on application to them. Should they not have 
 - tiiemon hand, they will procure tliem, as early as practicable*. 
 
 Apparatus for Schools, AcadcmtcSf arM Lyceums, 
 
 To advance the general interests ef popjilar education, and especially 
 to facilitate the progress of Lyceums and Infant Schools, various arti- 
 cles of apparatus for familiar and practical illustrations, are prepared 
 under the direction of Mr. Holbrook, 
 
 Prices.— Family Set. $5 ; School Set, $10 ; Philosophicals, $15 \ 
 Astronomicals, $20: Chemicals, $25. 
 
 Separate Articles. — Numeral Frame, $1,50; Globe and Stand, $1,50; 
 Orrery, $3, 9, 15 ; Geometricals, $4 ; Maps of the United States and 
 the World, 20 cenlii each; Map of the Solar System, 20 cts ; Sheet of 
 Manuscript Letters, 12^ cts ; Sheet of Geometrical Diagrams, 12^ cts ; 
 Sheet of Arithmeticon, 12^ ; Reflectors, $2; Mechanicals, $12; Cabi- 
 net of Geological Specimens, $3; Hydrostatic Bellows, $3; Tide 
 Dial, $4; Season Machine, $3,25; Whirling Machine, 37 cts ; Bason 
 and Ball, 50 cts ; Earth and Moon, 50 cts ; Pyrometer, $2 ; Lamp 
 Stand, $1,50; Eolopile, $1,50; Con<3uctometer, 50 cts. 
 
 The subjects which the Apparatus is designed to illustrate, are Geo= 
 inetry. Arithmetic, Natural Philosophy, Chemistry, and Astronomy. 
 
 For Geometry, are two sheets of diagrams, fifteen geometrical cards, 
 ibur transposing figures, twenty-six solids, and a book of questions and 
 illustrations, or " Easy Lessons in Geometry." 
 
 For Arithmetic, are one of the sheets mentioned for Geometry, or the 
 Ai"itiimoticon, a mimeral frame, or Arithmometer, and a set of cubes. 
 
 For Natural Philosophy, are the mechanical powers, viz. levers, sim- 
 pie and compound, pullies, singleand multiplied, wheel and axle, inclin- 
 ed plane, wedge and screw, air pumps, a frame for shewing compound 
 forces, ivory balls, syphon, hydrostatic bellows, and such others as may 
 ,be ordered. 
 
 For Chemistry, are a pneumatic cistern, lamp-stand, flexible and 
 glass tubes, eolopile, pyrometer, cylinder for making gases by heat, 
 compound blow pipes, flasks, retm*ts, crucibles, &c. 
 
 For Astronomy, are an orrery, or a simjile representation of the solar 
 j^ystem, showing the comparative size of the planets, distances from the 
 
 * Mr. Holbrook himself will furnish the Apparatus described below, 
 at the prices stated, according to a little pamphlet furnished by him to 
 the Chairman of the Committee. 
 
 The following articles will be furnished, safely and separately pack- 
 ed, and made subject to orders from any part of the Union, on receipt of 
 the sums annexed. 
 
 Common School Apparatus, above specified, for - - - $10 00 
 Lyceum Apparatus, viz. 
 Mechanical powers and hydrostatic bellows, - - - - 15 00 
 
 Astronomicals, 15 00 
 
 Chemicals, - ; " " 25 00 
 
 Air Pump, with appenda;ges for numerous experiments, 33 00 
 ^eometrieals^ ».--- 5 GOT 
 
48 
 
 Skin, and motions, a1ide dial, tin instrument to shew the cause of a tidp 
 on the side of the earth opposite to the moon, several for eclipses and 
 changes of seasons, and one to show why the earth and other planets 
 are flattened at the poles. 
 
 For Infant Schools, all the necessaiy apparatus, consisting of prints 
 for Natural History, accompanied with spelling and reading lessons, 
 illustrating in Geometry, Arithmetic, and Astronomy, is prepared, and 
 those articles of the Infant School apparatus fitted for common schools, 
 can be furnished in any quantities. . 
 
 For Geology, onfe hundred labelled specimens of the most valuable 
 productions in the mineral kingdom, with a small volume to explain the 
 ingredients, properties, and uses of each, are preparing, and will be 
 ready for delivery soon. . 
 
 In devising and collecting the above articles, and various others,, par- 
 ticularly designed to ^how the application of science to useful arts, con- 
 stant reference has been had to clearness of illustration,, ease of using, 
 cheapness, and durability. 
 
 In'being able to furnish apparatus for visible, familiar and practical 
 illustrations in the essential branches of a popular education, and at 
 such prices as to be within the means of any village, neighborhood,, or 
 even of -individuals, it is believed that the gi-eatest obstacle to the gen- 
 eral establishment of Lyceums, and to the introduction of a rational and 
 agreeable mode of instruction into common schools, is removed. And 
 it will probably be difficult to conceive of more direct or efficient mea- 
 sures to raise the standard of education, or for the universal diffusion of 
 knowledge, than for each town to procure a central deposit of appara- 
 tus, specimen's in Natural History, and other instruments for conduct- 
 ing familiar and popular courses of instruction, at weekly or other sta- 
 ted meetings, attended by various classes and ages of the community. 
 
 Uniform experience has pi'oved, what would seem to be the obvious 
 dictate of reason, that the first step and sui"est measure, to secure the 
 success of a Lyceum, or any other institution for practical and interest- 
 ing instruction, is to procure the necessary apparatus. As well might 
 a mechanic expect success without the necessary tools for performing 
 his work, as a teacher, without the proper illustrations, for present-, 
 ing his instructions in a clear, impressive, and agreeable manner, to the 
 minds of his pupils. It is by seeing, more than hearing, that rapid, 
 deep and lasting impressions are made upon the mind,, and especially 
 upon the youpg and inexperienced. 
 
 Facts communicated hi/ Mr. Holhrooli. 
 
 Not less than two thousand cit}^, village and neighborhood Lyceums, 
 are supposed to be in successful operation in the country ; probably not 
 less than one hundred County Lyceums, fifteen or sixteen State Socie 
 ties, and a National Lyceum, are also formed ; the principal object of 
 which is, to give uniformity and efficiency to the seIC and mutual in-: 
 struction of members of Families, Schools, Weekly Lyceums, &c. j 
 
 Reports uniformly state, that these Lyceums have succeeded best^ 
 where the exercises have been most mutual, or where the greatest num- 
 ber of minds have been led to give, as well as receive instruction. 
 
 It has been found, that no One subject or exercise is sufficient to sus- 
 tain the interest of a Lyceum for along time; and that a variety of sub- 
 jects are important, both by the novelty they furnisln, and hy the greatet 
 number of minds they bring into exercise. 
 
49 
 
 Stlioul, ur Juvenile Lycejims, have more seldom been given up, c.i' 
 iQ.->t their interest, than those composed entirely of adults. 
 
 Members, who pay an annual i'ee, whether gentlemen or ladles, are 
 fnpro punetual and more attentive at the meetings, than thosAj who at- 
 tend gratuitously. 
 
 In hardly two of the thirty Lyceums in Boston, are the exercises the 
 f^amc. In sonic, their principal exercise is lectures. Of these, some 
 have lectures entirely miscellaneou.s, no two lectures, perhaps, being 
 upon the same rad)ject, or by the same individual ; in others, regular 
 courses are given, the attention being confined to one, or two or three 
 subjects in succession. 
 
 In some Lyceums, the exercises consist of lectures and debates alter- 
 nately, each once in two weeks. Others have lectures, or essays, occu- 
 pying not more tba.n ten or twenty minutes each, so as to give time for 
 severatin thecotu'se of one evening. 
 
 Two or three Societies pay their lecturers, who are Prof«!ssors of 
 Cambridge College, or other distinguished men in the city or vicinity. 
 Others have lectures from their members, or others who give them gra- 
 tuitously, and in some instances, those who receive pay from other 
 societies. 
 
 One society makes Natur.al History a prominent object, and has the 
 nse of a large Hall, well furni.'<l}ed with specimens, though inferior to 
 the Museum of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Charleston. 
 
 Several Lyceums are divided into classes, or contain classes of such 
 members as wish to devote their attCRtion, especially to give their 
 ■i^ti'orts to some particular subjects. Their classes are provided with 
 roonjs, teachers, apparatus, &c. at tiie expense of the society. Of the 
 eight or ten hundred members belonging to one Lyceum, about five 
 hundred belong to classes on Elocution, and Composition, History, 
 French, and BookrKceping. Tlie otiiers merely attend the weekly 
 lectures and discussions, which are miscellaneous. 
 
 An xApprentices Lyceum has a library of about fifteen hundred vol- 
 umes, and a small, but increasing cabinet of minerals', &c. They 
 rijeet weekly, and give lectures to each other at their library room, ancj 
 have classes for Arithmetic, Geography, and otlicr subjects. 
 
 Ladies attend nearly all the Lyceums in the city, including the Ap- 
 prentices' and are members of classes, and frequently the most active 
 and punctual. 
 
 Ladies hold meetings by themselves, and have for their exercisesr, 
 reading, both their own compositions and selections from books, conver- 
 sation, ami sometimes work for instructing the younger members in 
 needle work, and for benevolent objects. 
 
 In the country villages, Ladies' Lyceums intcrCv^t themselves in 
 schools, vSo far as to visit them, invite the teachers (who are ladies dur- 
 ing the snmmcr, where Ladies' Lyceums arc principally held) to meet 
 them at their houses, where they have an opportunity to consult and 
 aid each other. 
 
 Motber.s' Lyceums have for their exercises, reading from some author 
 on early education, such as the Mother or Child at Home, the 3Iothers' 
 Book by Mrs. Child, Responsibility of Parents by Mrs. Hall, &c. The 
 sj^bject of reading is made the topic of conversation, each stating cases 
 in point, either ibr or against, from her own experience or observa- 
 tion. 
 
 Teachers' Lyceums hold their meetings in towns once a week, some- 
 times twice a month; and in counties or district?, once a quarter or 
 twice a year, as a part of the County or District Lyceum. 
 
 The County Lyceums are not only attended by Teacl^ers^ but by 
 tkei;- Pupili?. where they are spmetimc? furnished with all the interests 
 
50 
 
 and €xcitemejiit, that they find at a military muster, or at a iiorse-race. 
 Children have sometimes travelled ten or fifteen miles to attend such 
 conventions. 
 
 At these Quarterly Lyceums of counties or districts, minerals, planjgi, 
 or other specuucns of nature, are carried to be named, exhibited, depo- 
 sited or exchanged. This step gives a great impulse, and great aid 
 and progress to Natural History, in the Village and Neighborhood Ly- 
 ceums, as it does in schools and families. 
 
 Miss , who has under her instruction, most of the year, from 
 
 150 to 200 young ladies, who are already, or are designing to be teach- 
 ers, says, that nothing has promoted the prosperity of her school SQ 
 much as Lyceums, especially County Lyceums. 
 
 Many School Lyceums have exchanged specimens of nature and 
 art, especially of their own improvement, in drawing, ixeedle work, 
 &c. &c. 
 
 The School Lyceums in New-York, Have exhibited and presented 
 specimens to the National Society, to be retained or distributed into 
 diflerent parts of the countrj', by the delegates who attend the meet- 
 in"^s. Several School Lyceums in Massachusetts, have forwarded 
 specimens to New-Yotk, i'or the same object. They have also sent 
 specimens into ^11 the towns in their own State, for the use of Schools,. 
 Lyceums, &.c., 
 
 A School Lyceum in Savannah, (Ga.) has i^orresjx)nded and ex- 
 changed specimens with several Schools in Massachusetts, and with 
 some in their own State, also with one in Ohio. 
 
 Numerous Schools in Georgia, are now collecting specimens for 
 tli^ir own shelves, for exchange, Jkc. 
 
 The Louisville (Ky.) Lyceum, offered a premium of one hundred 
 dollars, for the best essay on Common Education, which was awarded 
 to Rev. Mr. Peer, of Lexirrgton. 
 
 The American Lyceum, at their last meeting, offered a premium of 
 three hundred dollars for the best work on Physical Education, embra- 
 cing Anatomy and Physiology. 
 
 The greater part of three hundred towns in Massachusetts, have 
 procured Lithographic Maps, delineating their geographical and geo- 
 logical features, with something of their history, statistics, &c. princi- 
 pally by the agency of Lyceums. 
 
 Before numerous Lyceums, sketches of Town Histories have been 
 given, iind afterwards published in newspapers or pamphlets. In 
 some instances, revolutionary sokliers have made statements, at 
 Lyceum meetings, of incidents w^ith which they were personally ac- 
 f[uiani:ed; which statements were recorded and preserved by jhe 
 aociet}'. 
 
 Before the St. Louis Lyceum, Sketches of Indian History were com- 
 jnunicated, and afterv/ards published in newspapers and periodicals. 
 
 The St, Louis Lyceum, has a cabinet of Indian Curiosities; and the 
 New-Orleans Lyceum are collecting specimens of Mexican and South 
 American Minerals, both of which are desirous of exchanging. 
 
 The Williamstovvn (Mass.) Lyceum, encouraged the raising of Silk, 
 by Essays on the subject, offering premiums, &c. 
 
 The Massachusetts State Lyceum, during one session of the Legis- 
 lature, had a weekly and semi-weekly course of lectures in the Repre- 
 sentatives Hall, on various subjects of Political Economy, such as the 
 pauper and penitentiary systems, roads, canals, fisheries, raising of silk, 
 banking institutions, «&;c. &c. 
 
 Seamen's Lyceums are established in New- York and Boston, and- 
 have, in a short time, made collections of specimens, foreign and do-' 
 me&tic, in nature and art, principally for exchanges, 
 
51 
 
 The Sterling (Mass.) Lyceum, was established after a Dancing 
 School commenced in the place, and children, who could not attend 
 both, preferred the Lyceum. 
 
 The current ordinary expenses of a town or other community, have 
 uniformly been diminished by Lyceums, because they take the place of 
 amusetiients more expensive, and at the same time less calculated to 
 promote industry and economy. 
 
 The Lyceum System, when fully carried out in all parts of the coun- 
 try, will constitute a Teachers' Seminary, of which the 50,000 Teach- 
 ers in our Republic can be members, not for a few months merely, but 
 for life, and under such circumstances as will enable them to apply 
 immediately every improvement they make, for the benefit of their 
 pupils. 
 
 c. 
 
 MEAUSURES, AND FORMS OF CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 Measures. 
 
 The measures proposed and already in progress to effect the objects of 
 the Lyceum, are simple, and capable of being \iut'in operation, without 
 ^elay, in every town and neighborhood in the United States. Where 
 liie first steps are not already taken, they are as follows : 
 
 1. Let some person consult two or three others friendly to schools 
 and general improvement, and with them agree upon a time and place 
 for a public meeting, and cause a ziotice and invitation to be given ac- 
 cordingly. 
 
 2. At the public meeting, let a few simple articles for a constitution 
 'be adopted, whicli proposes the payment of a small annual fee by each 
 lady and gentleman, partly for mutual improvement^ and partly for the 
 general diffusion of knowledge. 
 
 3. Let the money designed for the immediate benefit of the members, 
 be expended principally for tools, that is, for apparatus for visible illus- 
 trations, for specimens in natural history, especially for geological spe- 
 cimens, and for books. $75 will procure a set of lyccum apparatus. 
 
 4. All who are disposed, agree to take some part in the use of their 
 fools, for the benefit of others as well as themselves, or to instruct and 
 entertain each other. 
 
 &. Weekly meetings are held for mutual improvement by illustrating 
 the sciences, reading from periodicals, discussing subjects of political 
 economy, agriculture, the mechanic arts, practical education, or sucli, 
 otiiers as shall be agreed upon. 
 
 6. All the teachers, whether ladies or gentlemen, and especially thofee 
 M'ho are not permanent residents in town, are invited to become mem- 
 bers, ex officio, to attend the general meetings, and to hold separate 
 meetings for the improvement of each other in relation to their schools, 
 
 7. In country towns tire first classes, or the oldest pupils in all the 
 schools, with other young people, are invited to become members by 
 paying the usual fee for minors, and a course of instruction and exer- 
 cises is provided for them, either at the general meetings of the Ly- 
 ceum, or at meetings particularly designed for them. 
 
 8. A portion of the money collected from memberships, may be put 
 luidcr the direction of the district and state Lyceums, to be appropri- 
 ated to itinerating district libraries, costly apparatus, employing agents 
 for making surveys, or giving other aid to mutual eflbrts, j)aying the ex- 
 penses of delf^gates who attend the natrona-l, state, or district Lyceimis, 
 
52 
 
 or such otliei" measures for general diffusion as shall be deen-iQdi eSp6- 
 dient, 
 
 9. District Lyceums \\W\te conventions of teachers uVme a. yG^iv; once 
 just after the commencement of the winter, and again just after the 
 commencement of summe? schools. They also request teachers to 
 make statements respecting their schools and education generally, in- 
 vite familiar discussions, and such other exercises as the time and occa- 
 sion may admit and call for. 
 
 In this measure, the friends of schools in each toivn arc invited to co- 
 operate, so far as to aid their teachers in being present, by furnishing a 
 conveyance, defraying their expenses, &c. 
 
 ' At the meetings of district LyceuiKs, an opportunity is presented for 
 teachers or others to learn the names of minerals, or other specimens 
 they may have collected. 
 
 10. State Lyceums hold annual meetings, to hear reports froi4> dis- 
 trict sociciies,"discussions, lectures, or addresses, to recommend mea- 
 sures for advancing the interest of schools and popular improvements 
 throughout the state, and for Co-operating in measures recommended by 
 the national society. 
 
 11. A building for depositing the cabinet, consisting of apparatus, 
 collections in natural history, books, &c., and for, conducting the va- 
 rious exercises for mutual and general improvement, /or iceekly schcols, 
 &c., are exceedingly desirable in every town; and whoever will ex- 
 amine the numerous and important Uses of such buildings, will cer- 
 tainly conclude, that in our smallest towns, principles of the most rigid 
 econom}^, when fully understood, must induce their citizens to erect 
 Lyceums, as places of instruction, and of ordinary public town busi- 
 ness. 
 
 12. The National Ljrceum holds an anniversary in the city of New- 
 York, on the first week of May,, when representatives from all the states 
 are invited to assemble for the transaction of business, a part of which 
 is to furnish facts, statements, discussions, addresses, &c. Avhich will 
 be interesting to all the friends of popular education. 
 
 Mistakes, 
 
 < 
 
 1. Some have supposed that Lyceums could not be established and 
 sustained, except in large towns; but experience has proved that they 
 are more successful in small towns than in large ones ; and it is evident 
 that they are more needed where tlie population is so small, or so 
 sparse, that an academy or high-school cannot be supported, than in 
 large towns and villages. 
 
 2. Some have supposed, that gentlemen of literary pursuits are ne- 
 cessary to conduct and sustain.! Lyceum; but ca^erience proves, that 
 where they have been depended upon, Lyceums, after flourishing for a 
 a few Weeks, have either whqlly failed, or become languishing ; while 
 those supported by the members generally, and especially by farmers, 
 mechanics, and other practical men, have increased in strength and in- 
 terest from year to year. 
 
 3. Some have supposed that Lyceums were designed and intended 
 principally or wholly for adults; but experience proves, that where 
 misses and lads, and even children, are made members, or in sOme way 
 interested in the exercises, the societies have been more useful and 
 moi-e interesting. In one instance, in which a Lyceum for children, 
 under the patronage and direction ot a general Lyceum, carried on a 
 course of rautuskl instruction, a la<J of eight years old was president. 
 
m 
 
 and a boy of five years old pointed out, to his young associates, the 
 principal features of the Geography of the county in which they re- 
 &ided. 
 
 For any violation of the laws of the society, or of decorum, a mem- 
 ber was immediaiely expelled. 
 
 4. Some have supposed, that if the subject which commenced the 
 ej^ercises of a Lyceum, lost any of its interest, the society was failing, 
 or must be given up ; but it is more according to the character and de- 
 sign of Lyceums, to have a change and a variety of subjects and exer-' 
 cises, than to continue the same for a long time. 
 
 5. It ha« been a common mistake in Lyceums, to depend too much 
 upon Lectures and other formal exercises ; and not enough upon a 
 mutual, social, and familiar method of conducting their meetings. 
 
 6. Many Lyceums have made a mistake in appropriating their funds 
 to hiring lecturers, rather than to tools or apparatus for doing their own 
 work. 
 
 7. In County and State Lyceums, too much dependahce has been 
 placed upon men distinguished for talents or office, without regard to 
 their known interest in the subject of education; attd too little upon 
 practical and experienced teachers, and other active patrons of schools 
 and other literary institutions, 
 
 8. Most Lyceums have been too selfish, or have confined their efforts 
 and their funds too exclusively to their own improvement ;- and have 
 not sent out enough effort or money for the diffusion of knowledge, or 
 for the general improvement of society and the world. 
 
 Constitution of a Town or Village Lyceum, 
 
 [Many Lyceums have adopted the following or similar articles for 
 their Constitution.] 
 
 Article 1 This association shall be called the -^ (Branch of 
 
 the American) Lyceum. 
 
 Art. 2. The objects of the Lyceum are the mutual improvement of 
 its members, and the general diffusion of knowledge. 
 
 Art. 3. To effect these objects, they will hold meetings for reading, 
 conversation, discussions, dissertations, illustrating the sciences, or 
 other exercises which shall be thought expedient ; and as it is found 
 convenient, will procure a cabinet consisting of books, apparatiis for 
 illustrating the sciences, plants, minerals, and other natural, or artificial 
 productions. 
 
 Art. 4. Any person may be a member of the Lyceum, by paying 
 into the treasury, annually, two dollars; and twenty dollars paid at any 
 one time, will constitute a person, his, or her heirs, or assigns, to one 
 membefship for life. Persons under eighteen years of age, will be en- 
 titled to all the privileges of the society, except voting, for one half the 
 annual sum above named. 
 
 Art. 5. Three fourths of the money paid for memberships, shall be 
 applied to the immediate benefit of the members, and appropriated to 
 the purchase of apparatus, collections in natural history, books, and 
 such other facilities, as may be thought expedient ; and one fourth may 
 be put under the direction of the county or state Lyceum, and applied 
 1o a county library, apparatus too expensive to be procured by town 
 Lyceums separately^ agents for making surveys, or otherwise aiding 
 the mutual efforts of members of the several Lyceums, paying the ex- 
 j)enses of delegates to the national, state, or county Lyceums, or such 
 other genera! objects as may be thouglit expedient. 
 
54 
 
 Art. 6. The officers of this branch of the Lytfeum, shall be a Presi- 
 dent, Vice-President, Treasurer, Recording and Corresponding Secre- 
 taries, three or five Curators, and three Delegates, to be appointed by 
 ballot on the first Wednesday of September, annually. 
 
 Art. 7. The president, vice-president, treasurer, and secretaries, will 
 perform the duties usually implied in those offices. The curators will 
 have charge of the cabinet and all other property of the Lyceum not 
 appertaining to the treasury, and will be the general agents to do any 
 business for the society under their direction. The delegates will meet 
 delegates from other branches of the Lyceums in this district semi- 
 annually, to adopt regulations for their general and mutual benefit, or 
 to take measures to introduce uniformity and improvements into com- 
 mon schools, and to diftuse useful and practical knowledge generally 
 through the community. 
 
 Art. 8. To raise the standard of common education, and to benefit 
 the juvenile members of the Lyceum, a portion of the books procured 
 shall be fitted to young minds ; and teachers of schools may be permit- 
 ted to use, for the benefit of their pupils who are members of the Ly- 
 ceum, the apparatus, books, and minerals under such restrictions as the 
 association shall prescribe. 
 
 Art. 9. The president or any five members will have power at any 
 time to call a special meeting, which meeting shall be legal, if notice 
 shall be given according to the direction of the by-laws. 
 
 Art. 10. The Lyceum will adopt such regulations and by-laws as 
 shall be necessary for the management and use of the cabinet, for 
 holding meetings, or otherwise for their interest. 
 
 Art. 11. The foregoing articles may be altered or amended by vote? 
 of two-thirds present, at any tegal meeting ; said alteration or amend- 
 ment having been proposed at a meeting, not less than four weeks pre- 
 vious to the one at which it is acted upon. 
 
 Constitution of a District Lyceum. 
 
 Article 1. This association shall be called the District Ly- 
 ceum. 
 
 Art. 2. The objects of the society are to promote the interests of ly- 
 ceums and schools throughout the district, and co-operate in measures 
 recommended by the state and national Lyceums, for the advancement 
 of popular education and the general diffusion of knovvledge. 
 
 Art. 3, Tlie members of the society shall consist of delegates sent 
 from the several town and branch Lyceums in the district, each having 
 the right of sending three. 
 
 Art. 4. The town Lyceums which shall unite in raising 50 cts. from 
 each of their members, for the purpose of procuring a librar}^, appara- 
 tus, an agent to oversee survcj's for maps, or any other object of com- 
 mon benefit, shall enjoy these privileges as nearly as may be, accord- 
 ing to the amount of money they shall severally pay for such conuiion 
 object. 
 
 Art. 5. The officers of the Lyceum shall be a President, three Vice- 
 Presidents, a Recording and Corresponding Secretary, a Treasurer, 
 nine Curators, and five Delegates to act in the State Lyceum. 
 
 Art. 6. The president, vice-presidents, secretaries and treasurer, 
 shall perform tlie duties usually implied in those offices. The curators 
 shall be the executive committee and general agents of the society, 
 and as such, whenever directed by them, \\\\\ procure a district library, 
 apparatus, collections in natural liistor}^, a supervisor to aid in surveys 
 for town and district maps, or perform any other duties to forward the 
 special or general objects of the Lyceum, as expressetl in the second 
 article. 
 
55 
 
 Art. 7. The Lyceum will hold a semi-annual meeting to hear re-' 
 ports or statements from town Lyceums and schools throughout the 
 district, with discussions and addresses upon any subject reiaiing to the 
 science or art of teacliing, and for any other arrangements for the spe- 
 cial benefit of conventions of teachers in the district. 
 
 Art. 8. The president or any five members shall liave power to call 
 special meetings, under such restrictions as may be expi-essed in the 
 By-laws. 
 
 Art. 9. The above articles may be altei-ed or amended by vote of 
 two-ti)irds present at any regular meeting. 
 
 Constitution of a State Lyceum. 
 
 Article 1. This association shall be called the Lyceum. 
 
 Art. 2. The objects of the society, shall be the advancement of edu- 
 cation throughout the state, especially through the medium of schools 
 and Lyceums, and to co-operate witii other state jyceums in the gen- 
 eral pur]>oses of the national institutions. 
 
 Art. 3. The members of the society shall consist of delegates frora 
 the several district Lyceums in the state, each having a right of sending 
 five. 
 
 Art. 4 The officers of the Lyceum sliall be a President, five Vice- 
 Presidents, a Recording and Corresponding Secretaiy, a Treasurer and 
 nine Curators, to be appointed by ballot annual!}-. 
 
 Art. 5. The Lyceum will hold an annual meeting to hear reports 
 from the several district Lyceums, of liie state of education, with their 
 improvements, facilities, and prospects ; to hear discus.sions, addresses 
 or lectures which nisy be pro\ ided ; to devise and adopt measures to 
 introduce an unifonuand improved .system of education througliout 
 the state, and to forward, so far as may be thought e.\i)edient, the mea- 
 jiures proposed by the national institution for general co-operation. 
 
 AiiT. G. A special meeting may be called by the ]iresident or cura- 
 tors at any time, by giving notice of the same in five newspapers in 
 the state, or in such way as may be provided by the by-laws, at least 
 lliree weeks before said meetings shall be held. 
 
 Art. 7. Annual or semi-annual convscc of lectures, maybe given ou 
 tlie subject oi education, or general improvement, to be under tJie di- 
 rection of tlic curi'.Iors, who Avill also use their endeavors to procure a 
 suitable building, apparatus, books, collections in i|atural Iiisiory, ai;<{ 
 such other facilities for tlie advancement of education, as tiie means 
 provided them will allow. 
 
 Art. 8. This constitution may be altered or amended by vote of 
 two-ihirds present at any regular meeting, 
 
 Constitution of a Natiojial Lyceum. 
 
 Article 1. The society shall be called the American L3 ccum. 
 Art. 2. The objects of the Lyceum, shall be the advancement of" 
 education, especially in common schools, and the general diffusion of 
 knovvledge. 
 
 Art. 3. The members of the American Lyceum, shall consist as fol- 
 lows: — 1st. Of delegates from state, territory, and district Lyceums, 
 which are or may be formed, the nmnbcr of which delegates shall not 
 exceed half the ninnber of menijsiers from said state, territory, or dis- 
 trict in the national congress, and where an uneven number of cojigrcs- 
 sional reprc,=eutotives is uHowed, tfie fraction shall be constTt'.ed in favor 
 
m 
 
 of such state, tirhtoij", or district; but ho state, territory, or districtr, 
 shall be restricted to less than three members. 
 
 2d. Of persons appointed by the executive committee of the National 
 Lyceum, from those states, territories, or districts, where no general 
 Lyceum exists, or where no notice of delegations from those Lyceums 
 shall have been received by the executive committee, at least three 
 months previous to tlte tim« of holding the annual meeting of the Ame- 
 rican Lyceum, under the same limitation of memfeers, as in the case of 
 delegates from Lyceums. 
 
 3d. Of persons invited by said executive committee, to attend said 
 annual meeting from various parts of the United States, but who shall 
 not be admitted to the privilege of voting for the election of officers, or 
 any measures connected with the internal poliscy of the Lyceum. 
 
 Art. 4. The officers of the Lyceum shall be a President, five Vice- 
 Presidents, a Recording Secretary, as many Corresponding Secretaries 
 as the Lyceum, at any of its annual meetings, shall deem necessary, 
 and a Treasurer, who, with five other persons, shall constitute an Exe-- 
 Gutive Committee, to transact any business for the benefit of the Ly- 
 ceum, to be appointed by ballot at each annual meeting, and to= hold 
 their offices until others are appointed in their stead. 
 
 Art. 5. The Lyceum shall hold an annual meeting in the city of 
 New-York, on the Friday next succeeding the first Thursday in May. 
 
 Art. 6. Three persons shall form a quorum of the executive com- 
 mittee, which shall hold its meetings in the city of New-York, and shall 
 be empowered to add others to its number. 
 
 Ar». 7. This Constitution may be altered and amended by vote oC 
 tvvo-tJiirds of the delegates present at any annual meeting. 
 
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