I do not condemn that desultory mode of study which the state of things, in our day, renders a matter of necessity.

But I may be allowed to doubt whether the changes on which the admirers of modern institutions delight to dwell have improved our condition so much in reality as in appearance.

Rumford, it is said, proposed to the Elector of Bavaria a scheme for feeding his soldiers at a much cheaper rate than formerly.

His plan was simply to compel them to masticate their food thoroughly.

A small quantity, thus eaten, would, according to that famous projector, afford more sustenance than a large meal hastily devoured.