Benjamin Martin (1704-1782) was a scientific instrument maker and lexographer. Born in Surrey, nothing is known about his early, life but it is presumed he did not receive a formal education and gained a broad knowledge of many subjects through extensive reading. He established a school at Chichester which taught a wide array of subjects, it was during this time that he began to produce works that were inexpensive and accessible to those who wished to teach themselves.
This book, An Introduction to the English Language, printed in 1754, clearly demonstrates Martin's philosophy. It is divided into three sections: a spelling and pronunciation guide; a grammar guide; and a list of important "arts and sciences" with brief introductions about each. From the preface it is apparent that Martin did not approve of the prescribed teaching in Public Schools such as Eton and Harrow with their emphasis on the learning of Greek, Latin and Theology. He states that although those subjects had their place, it was nonsensical that the teaching of English was not seen as a priority for schoolmasters. Martins belief reflected a growing opinion among the British gentry and eventually schools began to take heed of these comments and introduced a "Commercial Curriculum" which prepared students not for study at university but for public service.