Henry Baird Favill, AB, MD, LL.D., 1860-1916, a ... - University Library

MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH 309
Lack of money is not really lack of money. It is lack
of willingness to divert money sufficiently into its proper
channel It is really lack of conception.
Tradition is not insuperable. It is to a very large extent
an obstacle,
because teachers are insufhciently represented
in the councils which determine teaching methods.
The interest of teachers can be stifled by sufficient nonparticipation
in the intellectual activities involved in the
school management. No part of the curriculum is more vulnerable
to stupidity than that which concerns the physical
well-being of children. No part is more in need of initiative
on the part of the teacher. We are bound to do this work
better.
I repeat, the process must be through demonstration
and interpretation. Can we hope for any impression upon
the developing child unless we furnish that child obvious,
hygienic methods during his school life? Can we hope to
derive full benefit from the most perfect hygienic conditions
unless the significance of these conditions is interpreted?
The child must grow its conception, and there must be
concurrent and incessant association between proper conditions
and appreciation of their value.
For our possibilities of demonstration, we must plead
with the public for generous and enlightened disposition of
funds;
for our interpretation, we depend solely upon pedagogic
force.
Let us ask this question :
To what extent is the average
school curriculum based upon or related to the physical
needs of the children? I do not mean to imply in this
question that it is not to a considerable extent so related.
Is it,
Ought it
however, fundamentally determined by those needs?
not to be?
Let us approach the question from another angle:
What is the attitude of the school authorities in the most
enlightened educational circles with reference to children
who are physically defective?