ally, in his theological studies, and he found hi account in it.

David Blondel, a protestant minister, in the 17th century, had been esteemed one of thos who had the greatest knowledge of ecclesiastica and civil history. He had a very singular way o studying he lay on the ground, and had round about him the books which he wanted for the work he was about.

Descartes used to lay in bed sixteen hours eve ry day, with the curtains drawn, and the window shut. He imagined, that in that easy and undis turbed situation he had more command over hi mind, than when it was interrupted by externa objects. And Malebranche used to meditate wit his windows shut, as the light was a disturbanc to him.

Mezerai, the famous historian, used to stud and write by candle light, even at noon day i summer; and, as if there had been no sun in th world, always waited upon his company to th door with a candle in his hand.

The famous Mr. Brindley, when any extraor dinary difficulty occurred to him in the execu tion of his works, generally retired to bed, and has been known to lie there one, two, or thre days, till he has surmounted it. He would the get up, and execute his design without any draw ing or model, for he had a prodigious memory and carried every thing in his head.

Anecdotes, including Advice to Students. He who would wish to make proficiency in an

science must give himself to study

Knowledo

wealth. Application is necessary both and peasant. Many in elevated situary desirous of the honour, but averse r, of intellectual attainments.

as asked, one day, by King PtolemæWhether there was not a shorter and o the knowledge of geometry than that had laid down in his elements?" He hat there was indeed no royal road y." In the same manner, when Alexed to learn geometry by some easier - method, he was told by his precephe must here be content to travel the with others; for that all things of this e equally difficult to prince and peomay apply this observation to learning If we wish to enjoy the sweets, we inter the difficulties of acquisition. The ist not be always in the world, or living if he wish to enlarge his mind, inform ent, or improve his powers. He must , remember, compare, consult, and dider to be wise and useful.

ct to study, there are some necessary s to be attended to, both as to the body hind. Hence a minister of the gospel ive this advice to young students. 1.

should not buy too many books, as d hurt their pockets. 2. That they at engage in any amorous pursuits, as d hurt the mind; and, 3. That they ot sit up late at night, as that would inhealth.

hitaker gave the following three rules to

ce when a student:—1. To study al.

ways standing. 2. Never to study in a window 3. Never to go to bed with his feet cold.

Night studies are very prejudicial to the con stitution, and ought to be avoided by all wh wish to prolong their lives, and to be useful i their day and generation. Thuanus tells us Acidalius, that his excessive application to stud was the occasion of his untimely death; and the his sitting up of nights brought upon him a dis temper which carried him off in three days, at th age of 28. Lord Bacon greatly impaired his con stitution by this. Hervey and Toplady the same and it is said of Dr. Owen, that he would hav gladly exchanged all the learning he had gotte by night studies for the health he had lost there by. Nocturnal studies (says Dr. Knox,) to long and too closely continued, seldom fail to in jure the eyes, and together with them the whol nervous system. They who are impelled by ne cessity to work by night and by day, must, in deed, submit with patience to their destiny; bu that he who is master of his time should chai himself down to a more exhausting toil than th labour of the galley slave, is a species of folly ap proaching to insanity. And, indeed, I know nothing more likely to produce madness than in temperate study, with want of exercise, want air, and want of sleep. It will, after all, be but poor comfort, to have gone through a whole li brary, and to have lost our eyes and our sense in the course of the laborious progress."

However fond of study, therefore, let the stu dent pay some attention to health. I know how it is when the mind is in pursuit of some favour ite intellectual obiect, and how difficult it is fo

ent who loves his study better than his k of relaxation (especially when he finds diate inconveniencies.) But, should this into the hands of any such, I entreat consider the advice of a physician, who erves-" Few diseases prove more fatal udious than consumptions of the lungs. essary to observe, that this organ cannot expanded in those who do not take procise; and where that is the case, obstrucI adhesions will ensue. Not only want of but the posture in which studious pererally sit, is very hurtful to the lungs.. ho read or write much are ready to conbit of bending forwards, and often press ir breast upon a table or bench. This cannot fail to hurt the lungs. As studiple are necessarily much within doors, uld make choice of a large and well aired - study. This would not only prevent the cts which attend confined air, but would e spirits, and have a most happy influence the body and mind. It is said of Eurie tragedian, that he used to retire to a we to compose his tragedies; and of Dees, the Grecian orator, that he chose a r study where nothing could be heard or With all deference to such venerable names,. not help condemning their taste. A manrely think to as good a purpose in an eleartment as in a cave; and may have as conceptions where the all-cheering rays of render the air wholesome, as in places. hey never enter.

hose who read or write much should be

very attentive to their posture. They ought sit and stand by turns, always keeping as near in an erect posture as possible. Those who di tate, may do-it walking. It has an excellent e fect frequently to read or speak aloud. This n only exercises the lungs, but almost the who body. Hence studious people are greatly ben fited by delivering discourses in public. Publ speakers, indeed, sometimes hurt themselves b over-acting their part; but this is their own faul The martyr to mere vociferation merits not ou sympathy."

Whatever love we bear to retirement, howeve attached we may be to study, it is highly neces sary that we should attend to exercise and lawf amusements for the sake of our health.

Charles V, during his celebrated solitude sometimes cultivated the plants in his garde with his own hands, and sometimes rode out i the neighbourhood; and often relieved his min in forming curious works of mechanism. Des cartes spent the afternoon in the conversation his friends, and in the cultivation of a small gar den. After having in the morning settled th place of a planet, in the evening he would amus himself with watering a flower. Barclay in hi leisure hours was a florist. Balzac amused him self with making pastils. Pecresc found his a musements amongst his medals and antiquaria curiosities. Rohault wandered from shop to sho to observe the mechanics labour. Cardinal d Richlieu, amongst all his great occupations, found a recreation in violent exercise, such as jumping &c. It is said of the very laborious Mr. Poole that his common rule was, while he was engaged