On Female Education and Employment Means of employing 50,000 Children; so that A SHORT TO JOHN DUKE OF BEDFORD, AND JOHN LORD SOMERVILLE, In Testimony of the cheerful, generous, and important Assistance they have repeatedly given to the Institution and System of Instruction described in the ensuing Pages, this Publication is Most respectfully inscribed, By their obliged and grateful Friend, JOSEPH LANCASTER. FREE SCHOOL, BOROUGH ROAD, 8th of 7th Month, 1805. * THE following pages contain the result and experience of much personal labour, study, and expence. In one single page is frequently detailed, that which has puzzled me for many months to discover; and which has, ultimately, rendered important services to some hundreds of children. The book is printed on as economical a plan as is consistent with neatness, that more advantage may accrue to the institution, for the benefit of which the profits are to be applied, at my discretion; probably, in uniting some works of industry with education. It is not to the size of the book, but to its contents that I wish to recommend attention: and if the practical part of the work be read with precision, it will be better understood, and afford more satisfaction. If any benevolent persons, conversant with the subject of education, from practice, should be be disposed to suggest improvements, which they think may be of advantage, in addition to my present system, I shall esteem it a privilege to receive their hints with deference, and pay them a marked attention. My object is improvement; and I hope I shall always be attentive to promote it. With these observations, returning thanks to my noble and benevolent friends of every rank, among the subscribers, I remain, Their well-wishing friend, JOSEPH LANCASTER. |