A view of the elementary principles of education, founded on the study of the nature of man / By G. Spurzheim.

  • Spurzheim, J. G. (Johann Gaspar), 1776-1832.
Date:
1828
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A view of the elementary principles of education, founded on the study of the nature of man / By G. Spurzheim. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    greater or less activity ;— whether some of them may prevail over others; and, whether the mu- tual influence of the faculties and their actions may be regulated and well conducted. “In this latter signification alone, the answer is affirmative. Such a’ perfectibility exists in all living beings. Certain qualities of plants, for instance, may be strengthened, increased, weak- ened, or diminished. Fruit trees may be modified as to their’ growth or fruit, their produce. Each part of the bodies of animals is subject to great variations. Animals, also, are not confined to actions which their preservation requires. They modify their conduct according to the situation in which they may be placed; hence they are susceptible of a kind ‘of education beyond their wants. Monkeys, dogs, horses, bears, &c. can be instructed to play various tricks. They have also a recollection of what has happened to them, and modify their conduct accordingly. An old fox which has escaped several snares, and knows that he is watched, takes greater precautions, and proceeds with more slyness, when he approaches the habitations of man, with a view of stealing poultry. A bird whose nest has been destroyed in a frequented place, conceives the necessity of placing it in future in a more retired situation ; B 2