Chapter 4

Section I. Habits of Observation.--We should keep our 'eyes open.' Anecdote from Dr. Dwight. Avoid pedantry. Anecdote of a surgeon;--of the elder and younger Pliny. 195-199

Section II. Rules for Conversation.--Rules of profiting from it. Hear others. Do not interrupt them. Avoid those who use vulgar or profane language. Speak late yourself. Avoid great earnestness. Never be overbearing. 199-202

Section III. On Books and Study.--How to overcome a dislike to them. Lyceums, Travels, Histories, Newspapers. A common mistake. Education only the key to knowledge. Men have commenced students at 40. Franklin always a learner. We can find _time_ for study. _Practical Studies._ 1. _Geography._ How to study it. Its importance. 2. _History._ How pursued. 3. _Arithmetic._ _Practical_ arithmeticians. The mere use of the pen and pencil do not give a knowledge of this branch. 4. _Chemistry_, and other Natural Sciences. Usefulness of Chemistry. 5. _Grammar_ and _Composition_. One method of obtaining a _practical_ knowledge of these branches. 6. _Letter writing_. 7. _Voyages_, _travels_, and _biography_. 8. _Novels._ Not recommended, especially to those who have little leisure. 9. _Newspapers._ Newspapers, though productive of much evil, on the whole useful. Five rules to assist the reader in making a judicious selection. Politics. History and constitution of our country studied. 10. _Keeping a Journal._ Examples. Other ways of improving the mind. Blank book, with pencil in our pockets. 11. _Preservation of Books and Papers._ Books should be covered; kept clean; used with dry hands. Turning down leaves. Using books for pillows, props to windows, seats, &c. 202-229