Startling Effects of Over Study.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3125, 22 February 1879, Page 1

Startling Effects of Over Study.

I In a paper read before a scientific society in Milwaukee, Dr Walker Kemp* ster, a profound student of mental physiology, attributes the increase of insanity in some measure to the manner in which the minds of children are injured by the common method of teaching. Dr Kempster is Superintendent of an Insane Asylum, and has devoted his time and attention to the study of mental disorders, and his opinions are worthy of consideration. Very few observing persons will feel inclined to dispute what he asserts, for the irrational method of forcing the minds of children, in common use, and the neglect of physical culture, are generally condemned.

School directors now admit the injury to the eyes and the general health of scholars from stuffing the memory with book lessons, and scyne efforts- are made to introduce oral teaching, but not much progress has been made in the effort to effect a reform. If additional incentive were needed, it should be found in the charge now made against the unnatural attempt-to fill the minds of young persons with the lessons of the text-books. 'An undue amount of mental exertion must be injurious, and where it taxes only the memory without proper control of the nobler faculties, the least reflection should satisfy intelligent educators of its hurtful effects.

The effect on the health of girls is especially noticeable. In some of the schools the more advanced scholars have to begin their studies at an early hour, and, with brief intervals,' spend the day and evening in the tiresome work. A morbid condition of mind and body is an inevitable consequence. The first aim of education should be to promote physical health; for without this there can be no healthy development of the mind. The next aim' should be to exercise and train the mind in such manner as will bring forth its best powers. Recreation, hilarity; and activity are essential to a vigorous mental con* dition, and there should ' be no serious strain nor long-continued exercise of the reflective powers. The gr at object should be to prepare the young tor the useful duties of life; and a much greater number of hours should be devoted to physical and industrial exercises and, recreation than to mental training;— Philadelphia ;Star. :' '" -