This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1868 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VIL New Educational Interest Awakened--Training Exemplified in the Drygate--New Schools Established--Exhibition in Edinburgh--Infant Schools Overdone--Mr. Stow's Caution--The Kelations of Mr. Wilderspin to Mr. Stow's School--Opposition Evolves Good--Public Discussion--Mr. Stow's " Granny and Leezy." Thanks to Mr. Stow, the discussion of educational questions began to blend, for the first time in Scotland--the profoundly philosophical and religious in principle, with the minutely practical in detail and application. The old routine of "tasks," which was seldom or never lightened by an explanation, was unsparingly denounced. For the Bible, which had long been degraded to the drudgery of a mere reading and spelling-book, a rightfully authoritative position was demanded, and childhood was closely studied, that early training might be made more thoroughly effective. Facts were presented which the most sceptical could not set aside. Children on the lowest social level were, during school-hours, separated from the tumult of iniquity which prevailed in their byestreets and lanes, and were taught new forms of mutual intercourse. It was no slight triumph to witness their love of flowers blossoming in their play-grounds, and the care with which they guarded them. Nor could the Christian observer fail to notice other processes fitted to uplift and bless the young. In that school there was opened a wide field for thoughtful investigation. The sympathies of children were tenderly fostered, their time was fully and judiciously occupied; discipline, without corporal punishment, was perfect; new branches of instruction were introduced, and all the duties of the school, with all the varied exercises of the playground, were made subservient to the...