Rhetorical Science [pp. 660-678]

RHETORICAL SCIENCE.
from Nature, and the actual production of Discourse. Hence,
we are confident, that, while Formal Rhetoric is to be taught it
is not to be taught as isolated, but ever and only through Literature-its final andt fuLllest expression, precisely as the science
of Elocution is to be taught, in the orations, through the practical exercises of oral delivery. Formal Rhetoric is to be
taught through applied Phetorie, viz., the written forms otf
literature; the abstract science, and the instrumental art thlrough
t'leir living exposition in prose and poetry; and, if so taught,
-ill be lienceforllth as instructive and enjoyable as it has been
hitherto mechanical andl repulsive. The teacher of Rhetoric is
never to acknowledge the semiblance of antagonism between the
science and tle visible forms of literary composition, but elndeavour to disclose, more and more clearly, their intimate relationships, land that each exists with reference to the other.
'We o.Ll miost tenaciously to the doctrine, novel as it is, that
there is no such thiing possible as rightly teaching the science
and the art of Rhetoric without a thorough knowledge of that
science and art, as expressed in literary forms; and, on the
other hand, that it is just as impossible properly to give instructions in literature, apart from an intimate acquaintance with
thle laws that govern Discourse-known as the Science of
Rhetoric. This has been the flagrant error hitherto in this department. Altlhough it must be conceded that a man may be
thoroughly versed in rhetorical science and an apt instructor
in its principles (though not the best) without himself being an
author, still, we hold it to be impossible that such should be
the case apart froml an accurate and appreciative knowledge of
literature as produced by othlers. It is upon just such literature
that the science which he is teaching is based, out of which its
principles are elaborated, and in which it gives all its best ie suits and molels for the teacher's guidance.
Oin the other hand, while it is possible to give instruction in
Literature apart from the knowledge of the processes of Dis course, it will eventually be found that, in every instance, what ever proficiency is attained by the student, under such a method
in the examination of the writings of others, hlie is but little bet ter prepared than before for the production of Discourse him self. If rhetorical science has any meaning to him whatever,
it means simniply the verbal criticism of literature, without the
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