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Hello,I have a question regarding the meaning of senteces:- education of no common order;- contemplative turn of mind.Both are a part of the same sentence, which is written in a somewhat ironical fashion. Thank you for your suggestions and help,Natasa

Melon_soda · Accepted Answer

Hereditary wealth afforded me an education of no common order, and a contemplative turn of mind enabled me to methodize the stores which early study very diligently garnered up. --Beyond all things, the study of the German moralists gave me great delight.

From Ms. Found in a Bottle - Edgar Alan Poe (1831).

Education of no common order:
Meaning a very good education.
He had money (hereditary wealth) so was able to afford an education much better than most other (common) people.

Contemplative turn of mind:
A 'turn of mind' is another way to say 'way of thinking'
Contemplative is another word for thoughtful.
Contemplation is often used to describe thinking on religious or philosophical ideas.
An example of something you might contemplate is 'what is the meaning of life?'
It's a question with no answer but you could think about it your whole life.

For me 'contemplative turn of mind' means the ability to think deeply about an idea.

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you very much for the reply!
Yes, you are right, that is a section from Poe. It helped a lot.
I guess I got it wrong thinking it was written ironically.

Natasa

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