Having, for several years, been engaged in lecturing on the science of
grammar and, during this period, having _thoroughly tested_ the merits
of Mr. S. Kirkham's system of "English Grammar in Familiar Lectures" by
using it as a text-book for my classes, I take pleasure in giving this
testimonial of my cordial approbation of the work. Mr. Kirkham has
attempted to improve upon this branch of science, chiefly by unfolding
and explaining the principles of grammar in a manner so clear and
simple, as _to adapt them completely to the understanding_ of the young
learner, and by adopting a new arrangement, which enables the pupil to
commit the principles by a simultaneous application of them to practical
examples. The public may rest assured, that he has been successful in
his attempt _in a pre-eminent degree_. I make this assertion under a
full conviction that it will be corroborated by every candid judge of
the science who becomes acquainted with the practical advantages of this
manual.
The explicit brevity and accuracy of the rules and definitions, the
novel, the striking, the lucid, and critical illustrations accompanying
them, the peculiar and advantageous arrangement of the various parts of
the subject, the facilities proffered by the "systematic mode of
parsing" adopted, the convenient and judicious introduction and
adaptation of the exercises introduced, and the deep researches and
critical investigations displayed in the "Philosophical Notes," render
this system of grammar _so decidedly superior to all others extant_,
that, to receive general patronage, it needs but to be known.
My knowledge of this system from experience in teaching it, and
witnessing its effects in the hands of private learners, warrants me in
saying, that a learner will, by studying this book _four months without
a teacher_, obtain a more clear conception of the nature and proper
construction of words and phrases, than is ordinarily obtained in common
schools and academies, _in five times four months_.
It is highly gratifying to know, that wherever this system has been
circulated, it is very rapidly supplanting those works of dulness which
have so long paralyzed the energies of the youth of our country.
I think the specimens of verbal criticism, additional corrections in
orthography and ortheopy, the leading principles of rhetoric, and the
improvements in the illustrations generally, which Mr. K. is about
introducing into his ELEVENTH EDITION, will render it quite _an
improvement on the former editions of this work_. H. WINCHESTER.
From the Rev. S. Center, Principal of a Classical Academy.
I have examined the last edition of Kirkham's Grammar with peculiar
satisfaction. The improvements which appear in it, do, in my estimation,
give it a decided preference to any other system now in use. To point
out the peculiar qualities which secure to it claims of which no other
system can boast, would be, if required, perfectly easy. At present it
is sufficient to remark, that it imbodies all that is essentially
excellent and useful in other systems, while it is entirely free from
that tediousness of method and prolixity of definition which so much
perplex and embarrass the learner.
The peculiar excellence of Mr. Kirkham's grammar is, _the simplicity of
its method_, and _the plainness of its illustrations_. Being conducted
by familiar lectures, the teacher and pupil are necessarily brought into
agreeable contact by each lesson. Both are improved by the same task,
without the slightest suspicion, on the part of the pupil, that there is
anything hard, difficult, or obscure in the subject: a conviction, this,
which must inevitably precede all efforts, or no proficiency will be
made. In a word, the treatise I am recommending, is a _practical_ one;
and for that reason, if there were no others to be urged, it ought to be
introduced into all our schools and academies. From actual experiment I
can attest to the practicability of the plan which the author has
adopted. Of this fact any one may be convinced who will take the pains
to make the experiment. SAMUEL CENTER.
Albany, July 10, 1829.
From a communication addressed to S. Kirkham, by the Rev. J. Stockton,
author of the "Western Calculator" and "Western Spelling-Book."
Dear Sir,--I am much pleased with both the _plan_ and _execution_ of
your "English Grammar in Familiar Lectures." In giving a _systematic
mode of parsing_, calculated alike to exercise the _understanding_ and
_memory_ of the pupil, and also free the teacher from the _drudgery_ of
continued interrogation, you have made your grammar what every
_elementary_ school book ought to be--_plain, systematic_, and _easy_ to
be understood.
This, with the copious definitions in every part of the work, and other
improvements so judiciously introduced, gives it _a decisive
superiority_ over the imperfect grammar of Murray, now so generally
used. JOSEPH STOCKTON, A.M.
Allegheny-Town, (near Pittsburgh,) March 18, 1825.