The universal approbation and liberal patronage bestowed upon the former editions of the Boston School Atlas, have induced the publishers to make in this edition numerous improvements. The maps have all been re-engraved on steel, and in pursuance of hints from several instructers, a concise compendium of descriptive Geography has been added, while at the same time the text of the preceding edition has not been so altered as to cause confusion in the use of the two editions in the same class. Many engravings calculated to instruct, rather than merely to amuse, have been interspersed, to render the book more attractive and useful to pupils. The work, in addition to being stereotyped, has been kept as much as possible free from subjects liable to changes, in order that it may be a permanent Geography, which may hereafter be used without the inconvenience of variations in different reprints.
THE INDUCTIVE SYSTEM has deservedly become the most popular method of imparting instruction to the youthful mind, and may be used with as much advantage in the study of Geography as of any other science. To compile treatises of Geography on this plan, with the necessary arrangement of the maps adapted to every place, would multiply them indefinitely. The Inductive System, however, can be used with advantage in the study of this book by pursuing the following course. Let the Instructer describe to the pupils the town in which they reside, and require them to become familiar with its boundaries, rivers, ponds, hills, &c. After this is accomplished, the map of the State should be laid before them, and the situation of the town should be pointed out, and they should be told what a State is, and what towns are nearest them, &c. This plan can be carried to any extent the instructer may think necessary to enable his pupils to acquire a correct knowledge of their own State; and, if necessary, he should write for them additional questions of a local nature, beside those contained in the work. If the town be not on the map, it should be inserted with a pen on all the maps used in the class. After the pupils shall have acquired a correct idea of their own State, they may be taught respecting the adjoining States, countries, &c. and the plan may be pursued as successfully as if they possessed an Atlas with maps arranged in particular reference to their own place of residence.
BOSTON, JUNE 17, 1833.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1832, by Lincoln and Edmands, in the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE
BOSTON SCHOOL ATLAS.
From R. G. Parker, Author of “Progressive Exercises in English Composition,” and other popular works.
I have examined a copy of the Boston School Atlas, and have no hesitation in recommending it as the best introduction to the study of Geography that I have seen. The compiler has displayed much judgment in what he has omitted, as well as what he has selected; and has thereby presented to the public a neat manual of the elements of the science, unencumbered with useless matter and uninteresting detail. The mechanical execution of the work is neat and creditable, and I doubt not that its merits will shortly introduce it to general use.