How many Buildings may a Man see, how many _Machines_
and Habits meet with, the Ideas whereof would be easily retain'd, and
communicated by a little Skill in Drawing; which being committed to
Words, are in Danger to be lost, or at best but ill retained in the
most exact Descriptions? I do not mean that I would have him a
perfect Painter; to be that to any tolerable Degree, will require
more Time than he can spare from his other Improvements of greater
Moment. But so much Insight into Perspective and Skill in Drawing,
as will enable him to represent tolerably on Paper any Thing he sees,
except Faces, may, I think, be got in a little Time."
_Drawing_ is no less useful to a _Mechanic_ than to a
Gentleman. Several Handicrafts seem to require it; as the
Carpenter's, Shipwright's, Engraver's, Painter's, Carver's,
Cabinet-maker's, Gardiner's, and other Businesses. By a little Skill
of this kind, the Workman may perfect his own Idea of the Thing to be
done, before he begins to work; and show a Draft for the
Encouragement and Satisfaction of his Employer.
(* 10) Mr. _Locke_ is of Opinion, p. 269. that a Child should be
early enter'd in Arithmetick, Geography, Chronology, History and
Geometry. "Merchants Accounts, he says, if it is not necessary to
help a Gentleman to _get_ an Estate, yet there is nothing of more Use
and Efficacy to make him _preserve_ the Estate he has.
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