DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.1274#0028
32
(commonly the effect of a bright mind), must be
left to struggle with every difficulty, unassisted, for
fear of disturbing the genius. Yet such are the
ideas commonly entertained of Drawing, as if this
science alone was intuitively acquired; while the
formation of every letter is assisted by a master.
Sometimes this science is even forbidden as in-
jurious to the use of the pen ; whereas by the power
acquired from a liberal practice of the hand, it would
encourage grace and expedition in writing.
It has been purchased as a secret, to be dis-
covered in a few hours. It is thought by some to
be produced by a good eye, or by a good hand. It
has been supposed to be the communication of some
particular manner, knack, or trick ; and the ability
of each has been limited to separate parts of nature.
Some think they never could acquire the Art,
though they have a good understanding; others are
thought to have a taste, though they have nothing
but inclination. The want of systematic principles
surely has occasioned all these, and numberless
(commonly the effect of a bright mind), must be
left to struggle with every difficulty, unassisted, for
fear of disturbing the genius. Yet such are the
ideas commonly entertained of Drawing, as if this
science alone was intuitively acquired; while the
formation of every letter is assisted by a master.
Sometimes this science is even forbidden as in-
jurious to the use of the pen ; whereas by the power
acquired from a liberal practice of the hand, it would
encourage grace and expedition in writing.
It has been purchased as a secret, to be dis-
covered in a few hours. It is thought by some to
be produced by a good eye, or by a good hand. It
has been supposed to be the communication of some
particular manner, knack, or trick ; and the ability
of each has been limited to separate parts of nature.
Some think they never could acquire the Art,
though they have a good understanding; others are
thought to have a taste, though they have nothing
but inclination. The want of systematic principles
surely has occasioned all these, and numberless