A Letter to the Viscount Palmerston, M.P. &c. &c. &c. on the Monitorial System of Harrow School

"A Letter to the Viscount Palmerston, M.P. &c. &c. &c. on the Monitorial System of Harrow School" from Charles John Vaughan, D.D., critiques the then-modern education system. It presents a persuasive argument for the Monitorial system's use at Harrow School. At a time when old discipline methods were questioned, Vaughan advocated for older students' roles in managing and disciplining younger peers. In the book, Vaughan championed this method as vital for maintaining order, building character, and finding a middle ground between strict authority and personal accountability. The book tackles the criticisms against corporal punishment and stresses the importance of the Monitors’ role in enforcing discipline fairly but firmly. Vaughan underscored the idea that this student authority was essential for enforcing good behavior while limiting excessive punishment. He argued that this system instills honor and responsibility in students, helping them grow into well-rounded individuals and being a key part of Harrow's principles.