AN ESSAY ON LAUGHTER AND LUDI-

CROUS COMPOSITION.

CHAPTER I.

Introduction. The Subject proposed. Opi-

nions of Philosophers: I. Aristotle. II.

Hobbes. III. Hutcheson. IV. Akenside. 127

CHAPTER II.

Laughter seems to arise from the View of

Things Incongruous united in the same

Assemblage; I. By Juxtaposition; II. As

Cause and Effect; III. By.Comparison

founded on Similitude; or, IV. United so

as to exhibit an opposition of Meanness

and Dignity...

152

CHAPTER III.

Limitations of the preceding Doctrine. In-

congruity not Ludicrous, I. When cus-

tomary and common; nor, II. When it

excites any powerful Emotion in the Be-

holder, as, 1. Moral Disapprobation, 2. In-

dignation or Disgust, 3. Pity, or, 4. Fear;

III. Influence of Goodreeding upon

Laughter; IV. Of Similitudes, as con-

nected with this Subject; V. Recapitula-

tion.

227

CHAPTER IV.

An Attempt to account for the Superiority

of the Moderns in Ludicrous Writing. 269

.

REMARKS ON THE UTILITY OF CLAS-

SICAL LEARNING.....

305

AN ESSAY

ON

POETRY AND MUSICK,

AS THEY AFFECT THE MIND.

1