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Franklin, Benjamin

"Philadelphia 1726-1757"


That the boarding Scholars diet (* 6) together, plainly,
temperately, and frugally.
That to keep them in Health, and to strengthen and render
active their Bodies, they be frequently (* 7) exercis'd in Running,
Leaping, Wrestling, and Swimming (* 8) _&c_.

That they have peculiar Habits to distinguish them from other
Youth, if the Academy be in or near the Town; for this, among other
Reasons, that their Behaviour may be the better observed.
As to their STUDIES, it would be well if they could be taught
_every Thing_ that is useful, and _every Thing_ that is ornamental:
But Art is long, and their Time is short. It is therefore propos'd
that they learn those Things that are likely to be _most useful_ and
_most ornamental_. Regard being had to the several Professions for
which they are intended.
All should be taught to write a _fair Hand_, and swift, as that
is useful to All. And with it may be learnt something of (* 9)
_Drawing_, by Imitation of Prints, and some of the first Principles
of Perspective.

(* 10) _Arithmetick_, _Accounts_, and some of the first
Principles of _Geometry_ and _Astronomy_.
The (* 11) _English_ Language might be taught by Grammar; in
which some of our best Writers, as _Tillotson_, _Addison_, _Pope_,
_Algernoon Sidney_, _Cato_'s Letters, _&c_. should be Classicks: The
_Stiles_ principally to be cultivated, being the _clear_ and the
_concise_.


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