Meaning: The quote you've provided is from George Combe, who was a Scottish lawyer, phrenologist, and writer on the Constitution of Man. The quote seems to refer to a teaching or lecturing method employed by Combe and its perceived success among the audience. Let's break down the quote and explore its implications further.

The quote indicates that a certain "practice" was continued every evening through a "whole course" and achieved "the same success." This suggests a repetitive or consistent approach to teaching or lecturing. Combe mentions that "many individuals expressed their gratification at having discovered such simple means of relieving the tedium of a long discourse." This implies that the method employed by Combe was not only successful in terms of conveying information but also in keeping the audience engaged and interested.

It's important to note that George Combe was known for his work in phrenology, a pseudoscience that claimed to determine an individual's character and mental faculties based on the shape of their skull. However, Combe was also involved in educational and social reform, and his writings often addressed topics related to education, mental development, and social issues.

In the context of education, the quote may refer to a teaching method that Combe found effective in keeping the audience engaged during long lectures or discourses. The "simple means of relieving the tedium of a long discourse" could imply that Combe had discovered a way to make his lectures more engaging and interactive for the audience, thus preventing them from becoming bored or disinterested.

Given Combe's background in phrenology and his interest in education, it's possible that the "practice" referred to in the quote could have been a specific teaching technique or method that he employed during his lectures. This method may have been designed to actively involve the audience, encourage participation, or break up the monotony of a lengthy discourse.

While the quote itself does not provide specific details about the nature of the "practice," it does indicate that it was well-received by the audience, as evidenced by the "gratification" expressed by "many individuals." This suggests that the method was not only successful in delivering the content of the discourse but also in creating a positive and engaging experience for the audience.

In summary, the quote by George Combe reflects his experience with a teaching or lecturing method that was consistently successful in engaging the audience and relieving the tedium of long discourses. While the specific details of the method are not provided, the quote underscores the importance of keeping the audience engaged and interested in educational settings. It also offers a glimpse into Combe's approach to education and his efforts to make learning a more enjoyable and rewarding experience for his audience.