EDUCATIONAL CLASSICS The following Volumes in this series are FROEBEL'S CHIEF EDUCATIONAL WRITINGS. Edited by S. S. F. FLETCHER, M.A., Ph.D., Lecturer in Education in the University of Cambridge, and JAMES WELTON, M.A., Professor of Education in the University of Leeds. THE EDUCATIONAL WRITINGS OF LOCKE. Edited by J. W. ADAMSON, B.A., Professor of Education in the University of London. ROUSSEAU ON EDUCATION. Edited by R. L. ARCHER, M.A., Professor of Education in the University College of North Wales, Bangor. PESTALOZZI'S EDUCATIONAL WRIT INGS. Edited by J. A. GREEN, M.A., Professor of Education in the University of Sheffield. VIVES AND THE RENASCENCE EDUCATION OF WOMEN. Edited by FOSTER WATSON, D. Lit., Professor of Education in the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth. LONDON: EDWARD ARNOLD EDUCATIONAL CLASSICS General Editor: Prof. J.W. ADAMSON THE EDUCATIONAL WRITINGS OF JOHN LOCKE EDITED BY JOHN WILLIAM ADAMSON PROFESSOR OF EDUCATION IN THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON STANFORD LIBRARY NEW YORK LONGMANS, GREEN & CO. LONDON: EDWARD ARNOLD GENERAL PREFACE THE belief which inspires the editors of the volumes included in this series is one which should find a ready adherence from all who accept the doctrine of development. That belief may be summed up in the assertion that the present is both the child of the past and the parent of the future. Hence the high value of all forms of historical study. The educational theory and practice of a community are not things which arise e nihilo; they are the result of the thoughts, activities, conditions, and circumstances which constituted the community's past life, especially as these were more directly related to the upbringing of the young. This is so far true, that an intelligent and effective comprehension of any existing educational system can only be attained when its antecedent conditions are known and appreciated. Educational history furnishes a key to the understanding of many of the problems of aim, administration, organization and method, which confront the student to-day. It will also help him to assume a just attitude towards the future, dispose him to avoid routine, to |