[ 49 ]
gular instruction is to the mind like the rays of light darting through the obscurity of Chaos. It dispells the clouds that envelope the understanding, and enables the diligent student to penetrate into the secret recesses of nature; Thus prepared, he is in a situation to enrich himself with those treasures of knowledge which the observers of nature have heaped together for many ages. He has a torch put into his hand to light him to the true science of curing diseases.
As the practice of teaching is requisite, in order to be able to explain the difficulties of any science, and render the communication of its precepts familiar to others, it is necessary that persons should devote their time very much to it. This can only be done to good purpose, so that students may reap ample advantages therefrom, by means of instituting public professorships.
The business of a Professor is to place before students in a full light, at their first entrance upon any study, the true object of that study, and to ascertain their proper pursuit. In performing this, he first explains to them the terms of art, and renders the language and ideas thereof familiar. He afterwards directs them to what is the most proper course of study, and to the best authors to be consulted on the subjects of which he treats. He points out the mistakes which any of them may have run into, and puts them upon
