Of all the means which the mind possesses of obtaining knowledge, there is perhaps none more characteristic, more important, or of a more exalted nature, than Study.

Study is a twofold act. It requires in the first place, the exercise of perceptive powers, & then the exercise of the judgement. Whenever the mind is studiously engaged on a subject, of whatever nature it may be, the first efforts are, to obtain a knowledge of the circumstances known concerning it: The mind is almost passive in this state; its exertions being, only to facilitate the reception of ideas through the organs of sense; and Contemplation is the mistress of the moment. Having received the ideas which represent the subject; the second operation of the mind, is, that of comparison or judgement. The various elementary parts of the subject are compared one with another, their accordance or dissimilitude noted, and a conclusion made respecting their general relation. This is a judgement: and it is the more correct in proportion as we have succeeded in gaining clear ideas in the first place, and accurately comparing them in the second.

The whole of this operation is what is implied in the word Study. It is, however, frequently performed in the various situations of life; without being dignified by that title. In conversation, particularly when of a controversial nature, judgements are frequently drawn during the discourse; though in general, it merely consists in the communication and reception of ideas, without any rigid observance of their relationship.— In consequence of these loose and desultory efforts of the mind, the term study is now generally confined to that state, when the mental powers are purposely directed with forced energy to the contemplation of an object, that a judgement as correct as possible may be drawn; and it is only in this way that it can be distinguished and separated from Reading, Observation, Instruction by Lectures, Conversation &c.