1906 printing of 1905 copyrighted text. The author is credited with a Bachelor of Arts, Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, and as the author of a book on elementary composition and a language speller. Author's note states the book is based on material from the author's years of teaching. It's distinctive approach includes: gradual increase in skill, establishment of good habits, repeated applications, careful grouping of subjects, a standpoint of a fellow-worker, encouraging self-reliance, and opportunities to complete pieces of literature. Also includes five sections of "Answers to Pupils' Inquiries." Chapters cover qualities of style, punctuation, points of view, kinds of sentences, figures of speech, descriptive writing, metaphorical stories, narration, poetry, exposition, argumentation, and the structuring of compositions. Includes an appendix on English and Library Work. The Schultz Archive copy includes the author's note, TOC, the first page of the introduction, and pages 54 – 67, 94 – 99, 138 – 175, 214 – 259.
1856 printing of 1856 copyrighted text. The author is credited as of Mr. and Mrs. Smith's Female Seminary, St. Louis, MO. Preface states children should begin study of composition as soon as they can write, spell, and define. This study aims to teach the proper application of words together with spelling, including the use of pauses in certain situations. The second part introduces the most common parts of speech with some of their modifications and variations. The author wishes to teach learners to think and to advance in the art of writing their own language quickly and correctly through forming good habits. The lessons mostly consist of lists of words with corresponding fill-in- the-blank sentences as well as fill-in- the-blank sentences without the lists of words. The Schultz Archive copy is roughly the complete 131 page text.
