FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING MANUAL LABOR IN LITERARY INSTITUTIONS, INCLUDING THE REPORT OF THEIR GENERAL AGENT, THEODORE D. WELD. JANUARY 28, 1833

New York: Benedict, 1833. Original printed wrappers [rear wrap stained], stitched and untrimmed. 120pp, compliments slip laid in. Very Good. The Introduction explains that the Society concluded "that a reform in our seminaries of learning was greatly needed, both for the preservation of health and for giving energy to the character by habits of vigorous and useful exercise." The Executive Committee included Lewis Tappan and Joshua Leavitt, with a supporting cast of other well-known American reformers. In rendering his Report, Weld made "an extensive tour of observation in the Northern and Western states." In Ohio, his stage was carried away by the flooding Alum Creek near Columbus. Weld's Report comprises the bulk of this document, demonstrating the reciprocal "influences which body and mind exert upon each other-- influences innumerable, incessant, and all controlling." Weld argues that "the present system of education makes fearful havoc of health and life." DAB says, "Measured by his influence, Weld was...one of the greatest figures of his time." FIRST EDITION. Sabin 85856. AI 21281 [5]. (Inventory #: 7107)