The treatise is translated and extracted from Francois Fenelon (The Archbishop of Cambray) book Traite de l’Education des filles (1687) “by a friend” is thought to be actually Charlotte Lennox. The periodical includes 8 out of 13 chapters from Fenelon’s book. Similar to “Of the Studies Proper for Women,” the treatise makes a case for women to learn disciplinary topics beyond their polite education to fulfill their curiosities and prepare them for their roles as mothers. The chapters focus on the early of education of boys and girls, using John Locke’s method of repetitive impressions to develop intellect and reason. The treatise establishes that learning should be fun for children, by acting out fables and using illustrations to depict stories from the Bible.
[The following Treatise on the Education of Daughters is written by the celebrated Archbishop of Cambray, and translated by a Friend of the Author of the Museum.]
CHAP. I. Of the Importance of the Education of Daughters. NOTHING is more neglected than the education of daughters; custom, and the caprice of mothers, […]