Chapter 45

What literary "tastes" did colonial Americans possess (especially in Boston)?

Chapter 44

What may account for reason(s) colonial America failed to produce a major piece of literature of her own?

Chapters 42 & 43

Have I reminded you enough to search for the post entitled, "Directions?" If not, please do so now!

1. Why does Boorstin refer to Noah Webster as the "patron saint of American linguistic nationalism" and "Spelling-Master to America"?

2. What specifically makes American speech more conservative than the English way of speaking (and thank the gods for spell-check B-Kauze I kant spel worth a darn)?

Chapter 41

As a serious student, of really anything, you should find the following chapters stimulating. Here we go:

1. "Our common, classless language has provided the vernacular for equality in america." Comment?

2. Again please comment on the quote, "America... in the 18th century was a melting pot" (Keep in mind that the term "melting pot" is a term revisionist historians may not subscribe to).

Please read the last paragraph in this chapter very carefully.

Chapter 40

This is a very good chapter! Please read carefully.

1. Why were American farmers described as slovens?

2. Why was THE most "labor-saving device, to the American farmer, the wasteful use of land"?

Chapter 39

Please read Franklin's reply to Dr. John Lining when Franklin quotes his scientific journal (in my ed. the quote begins at the bottom of p. 256). What does Franklin mean?

Chapter 38

If you are interested in astronomy (and really, who isn't in Flagstaff, you better read this chapter closely!).

Any comments on David Rittenhouse? What qualities make Rittenhouse a "typical" colonial American?

Growing up in a suburb outside of Philadelphia, the name "Rittenhouse" was very prominent. However, Boorstin, I believe gives Rittenhouse his due.

Chapter 37

Comment, if you'd like, on the two great example at the end of the chapter of the training of colonial physicians.

Chapter 35

This chapter would interest any of you who aspire to attain a degree in the health and medical field.

However, please discuss the significance of the role of colonial "doctors" play in the role of developing an inoculation against smallpox.

Chapter 34

See the post "DIRECTIONS" for, you know, directions on what I expect you to post!

ALL MUST ANSWER QUESTION #3!

1. The natural sciences in the colonies advanced the science in medicine in Europe. Discuss.

2. Also discuss the "Jamestown Weed."

3. Discuss your favorite remedy by a a colonial doctor.

Chapter 31 -- 33

As you read through this, it is important in anything you read (newspapers, blogs, magazines, tv) to recognize the author's bias. In this chapter, I recognize Boorstin's bias towards Native Americans... can anyone else identify this bias?

1. What was the effect in the colonies of "labor-scarcity and land plenty?"

2. Chapter 32 describes the evolution of the profession of lawyers. Please summarize Boorstin's description in a paragraph.

3. Why were so many signers of the Declaration of Independence trained in law?

Chapter 30

1. Describe how the colonial rights of women were considered more "advanced" compared her contemporaries in England, or the 20th century?

2. Boorstin writes that, "America lacked enthusiasm for the man of... 'pure intelligence.'" Explain.

Chapter 29 (Part 6: Educating the Community)

Please refer to the post "Directions" for further clarification.

In this chapter, EVERYONE MUST ANSWER #8.

1. Pay attention to the definitions of the "several kinds of colonies -- 'charter, royal, and proprietary.'" They will come in handy years down the road...

2. What exactly did Harvard Collage do in 1642 that Boorstin considers "vague" and why?

3. Why was Yale founded and under what conditions?

4. Please discuss briefly on the differences between colleges and universities established in England?

5. What is the significance of the "lay control" of colonial colleges?

6. What may be significant concerning the Board of Trustees of Yale and Princeton?

7. What was the role of religious sects in the founding of colleges in the colonies?

8. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages with colonial colleges (this is a very general question and therefore has numerous answers)?

Chapters 26 & 27

See the Post on "Directions" for further clarifications on what is required.

1. In what way(s) are the acquisition of knowledge in America (New World) different compared to Europe or Asia (Old World)?

2. Why were so few, or no, contributions made in the physical sciences by colonial Americans?

3. Please read Boorstin's the quote on p. 168... comment?

Chapter 25

1. In your opinion, what is Boorstin's definition of "self-evidence?"

2. What point of view is boorstin attempting to make by comparing Washington to Napoleon, presidents FDR, Truman, and Eisenhower to Lenin, Mussolini and Hitler?

Chapter 24

See the post entitled "Directions" for requirements...

1. "There was no system of American thought, but there were signs of American ways of thinking." Please support this statement through examples of the reading.

2. Read thoroughly the paragraph which begins, "The most fertile novelty of the New World was not its climate, its plants, its animals, or its minerals, but its new concept of knowledge..." (page 150 in my edition). Please comment...