Giving not only the Definitions, Etymology, and Analysis, but that which
can be obtained only from an intimate acquaintance with the best
Authors, viz.: The Correct Use of Words. By A. C. Webb. Price by mail,
postpaid, 60 cents. Per dozen, by express, $5.40.
The importance of words cannot be over-estimated. Knowledge can be
imparted and received only by the medium of words, correctly used and
properly understood. The basis of a good education must be laid with
words, well chosen, properly arranged, and firmly implanted in the mind.
From the richness of the English Language, which gives many words to the
same meaning, and many and diverse meanings to the same word, the proper
_use_ of a word cannot be deduced from its _meaning_. How, then, is the
knowledge of the use of words to be imparted to children? Either by the
teacher, or by conversation and reading. By the latter method the
knowledge acquired is limited in extent; and as it is entirely dependent
on the power of observation, the impressions received are faint and
ill-defined, and the conclusions arrived at, frequently incorrect. The
practice of Arithmetic might possibly be left to such teaching, inasmuch
as Arithmetic is an exact science based on fixed principles, from which
correct _reasoning_ must deduce correct _results_. But no reasoning can
show to the child who has learned "_Deduce, to draw_," that he must not
say, "I tried _to deduce_ the horse from the stable;" or, "_Deciduous,
falling_." "The boy, _deciduous_ from the window, was killed." The
importance and difficulty of the work demands that it shall not be left
to the uncertainties of home teaching. The labor involved forbids that
this essential part of education shall be imposed on the parent. Like
Arithmetic, or any other department of knowledge, it should be performed
by the teacher, in the time specially set apart for mental training. The
plan adopted in the MODEL WORD-BOOK SERIES is not new. All good
Dictionaries illustrate the meaning by a Model. To quote from a _good
author_, a sentence containing the word, as proof of its correct use, is
the only authority allowed. A simple trial of the work either by
requiring the child to form sentences similar to those given, or by
memorizing the sentences as models for future use, will convince any one
of the following advantages to be derived from the Model Word-Book
Series:
1. Saving of Time.
2. Increased Knowledge of Words.
3. Ease to Teacher and Scholar.
4. A Knowledge of the Correct Use of Words.
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