Page:An introduction to linear drawing.djvu/17

iv translator has been induced to present this little work on the elements of drawing, to the American publick.

Mot of our faculties, when exercised, may attain to a surprising degree of perfection. A precision may be acquired by the eye and hand, almost equal to that of ordinary instruments. With this view, the society for the improvement of elementary instruction in France, directed some of their most distinguished members to procure a work on the art of drawing, which should be applied to the system of mutual instruction, there the national system. The following treatise is, in a great measure, a translation of that approved by them. It is not intended for a treatise on the art in all its numerous branches, but merely the linear, and, of course, the fundamental and most useful part of it.

The geometrical figures are arranged according to the difficulty of their execution, rather than in the order of theorems.

Each figure is accompanied with suitable explanations, so that the teacher or monitor will easily comprehend them, and be able to teach them to his classes, without much previous acquaintance with the art.

The pupils are each furnished with a slate and pencil. The monitor directs what figure shall be drawn, and if the pupils are not all furnished with this treatise, he chalks the figure on a board, painted black for the purpose, and suspended where all can see it. The slates are then examined by the monitor, and precedence is given to whichever pupil has executed the figure best.

The instructer should select a sufficient number of the most skilful for monitors, who should be under his