Second Stage. From the fourth to the seventh year, instinct is developed; which, in the animal, surprises the observer in the first two weeks of life.  Now we should begin with the technique, at least with the correct movement of the fingers upon the table.  The child should be told that he shall soon produce the pleasant tones, which he has been accustomed to hear from infancy; but that for this a quick and quiet movement of the fingers is necessary, which must be acquired by daily practice.  This is entirely in accordance with nature, for man is appointed to learn.  Let the child lay his hand upon the table, and knock upon it with the first finger (i.e., the thumb) stretched out, without using the muscles of the arm, then with the second, third, and fourth fingers, in an almost perpendicular position, and with the fifth finger extended.  Then let him strike a third with the first and third fingers together; a fourth, with the first and fourth fingers; first with the right hand, then with the left hand, and afterwards with both together, &c.

Third Stage. From the seventh to the twelfth year.  At this stage unruliness makes its appearance, and at the same time—­the notes; but not Beethoven.  That would indeed be an unfortunate musical indulgence.  Violent outbreaks of untamed strength; unexpected freaks; alternations of rude instinct and quick intelligence, of lofty fancy and artless simplicity; disobedience; much appetite, &c.,—­all these must be shaped, and made subservient to the object we have in view.  Do you understand me, gentlemen?

Fourth Stage. Excellent parents, who desire to see the ripe fruits of your care and labor, have patience!  First there comes the foreshadowing of manhood,—­a very interesting period.  The youth steps out of the animal into the human kingdom, and often is unable to forget his earlier condition, but revels in sweet remembrance of it.  Try now, gently and timidly, Beethoven, Chopin, Schumann, and the like.  This extraordinary being, “one-fourth animal and three-fourths human,” requires to be awakened, excited, and to have the imagination aroused; and, above all, requires the most careful guidance.  It is necessary to stir and agitate the nature, in order that reflection, conscience, the sensibilities of the soul, feeling, creative power, and all inward conditions shall be developed; and that out of this chaos shall be brought a clear and beautiful order.

Fifth Stage. The adult man in his eighteenth year.  The year, however, varies with individuals, and can be modified at will.  If I should enter into details of the four earlier stages of humanity, and treat in addition of the adult man, I should be obliged to write a philosophical work on the subject, and that might not be entertaining.  I should be obliged to beg your indulgence for a tedious book, and my daughters certainly would not thank me for it; they are very sensitive.  But I must, nevertheless, secretly whisper in your ear that “my daughters, like the daughters of many others, have been carried through these five stages in the most careful and thorough manner.”  I ought to know that best.  Here you have the answer to many strange questions.