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branch of Art in this great centre of intelligence, the highest standard only may be aimed at, and the loftiest results only attained.

As it has appeared to me that it would be a pity to detach our examination respectively of the History, of the Theory, and of the Practice of any branch of the Fine Arts from one another, by any such interval of time as would allow you to forget the leading features of one discourse before entering upon the consideration of another, I propose to give my discourses on the History, Theory and Practice, of each Art, on three consecutive days; leaving fair intervals of repose between each of these groups of discourses. It being my earnest desire to give the fullest development to the bounteous intentions of the Founder of this Chair, I propose (at any rate experimentally, and subject to the approbation of any authorities upon whom I may be dependent) not only, as I am bound to do, to open the Lectures "to all Members of the University free of charge," but to any ladies or gentlemen of the town or neighbourhood who may honour me with their attendance. I can only hope that among such I may find friends willing to learn, and indulgent to whatever shortcomings they may detect in one, who, while he assumes to teach, is yet profoundly conscious of what he has yet himself to learn.

With these few words of more or less personality, and from this time forward, I shall endeavour as far as possible to forget myself, and to lose individuality altogether in the infinitely more interesting subject which demands our specific attention.

In attempting to answer the question of "what is Fine Art?" it would be unwise and unprofitable to lead you into any metaphysical fogs; and it is preferable to seek a solution of the question in the observation of man's practice, rather than in an investigation of his perceptions and intellectual affinities.