»Prüfet alles, behaltet das Gute, und wenn etwas Besseres in euch selber gereift, so setzt es zu dem, was ich euch in diesen Bogen in Wahrheit und Liebe zu geben versuche, in Wahrheit und Liebe hinzu.«—Pestalozzi.
Copyright, 1879, 1895. by Sigmon M. Stern.
PREFACE TO THE SIXTEENTH EDITION.
New electrotype plates have been made for this edition, not from any desire of mine for change, but because of the worn condition of the old plates. Fifteen years' constant use of the book has disclosed little or nothing of importance that I really care to alter. Since the prefatory English letters to the teacher may perhaps have become superfluous, they have been suppressed in favor of several short German poems which will be found at the end, and which the student will do well to get by heart. Except for this substitution and the adoption of the reformed Prussian orthography, the present edition is practically a duplicate of its predecessor.
These "Studies and Chats" should not be regarded merely as a means of learning to speak a little German, though they may answer that purpose. They are rather to be treated as a substitute for the disjointed and uninteresting exercises of the average lesson–book for beginners, and as an introduction to the serious study of the German language and literature. They are intended to be read in class and at home and to serve as a basis for conversation and composition, for translation and retranslation. That so many of my fellow teachers, under such varied conditions, have found this book useful is evidence that they have understood its intention, and I hope they will share my pleasure in seeing it in its new typographical dress.
S. M. S.
New York, June 1, 1895.