Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

War, Education, Philosophy, Human Development, Mathematics

    Discusses news that the Horse Guards have ruled that candidates for direct commissions in the Army must pass examinations in a range of academic subjects, including mathematics and the sciences. Warns, however, that military courage and intellectual acumen are not identical, suggesting that 'the stupider man will be the braver'. Goes on to warn 'your Honours' that while a candidate who has studied the sciences 'has learned to forecast the effects of causes', he should not be 'too keenly alive' to such causes, since this knowledge might check 'intrepidity in the cannon's mouth'. Suggests the need to maintain 'a Blockheads' Brigade, and a large Division of Dunces'.