An Analysis of the Experiment in Education

    In the education of youth three objects presented themselves to my mind : to prevent the waste of time in school ; to render the condition of pupils pleasant to themselves ; and to lead their attention to proper pursuits. In other words, my purpose was to make good scholars, good men, and good Christians.

    In charge of a new institution, and by situation free from any bias or trammel that might warp the mind or shackle exertion, I tried every method which a long and earnest attention to the nature and disposition of youth suggested, to accomplish these ends to my own satisfaction. After many attempts with various success, I rested in a system surpassing in its effect any expectation I had formed, and " far exceeding the most sanguine hopes" of the directors of the institution, and others interested in the event.

    The experiment, thus made at Madras, has appeared to those who have witnessed the result, convincing and decisive in regard to charitable establishments ; and the plan of education there adopted has, after the experience of several years, been, by those whose opinions are likely to have the greatest weight, recommended to similar establishments. How far such a system will apply to education in general, may be inferred from the tenor of the following report. That further and similar trials may be made, and the success in every instance ascertained by experience, is the aim of this publication.