STARTLING EFFECTS OF OVERSTUDY.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 2, Issue 115, 22 March 1879, Page 2

STARTLING EFFECTS OF OVERSTUDY.

In a paper read before a scientific society in Milwaukee, Dr Walter Kempster, 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 careful consideration. Very few observing,people will feel inclined to dispute what ~hfasserts, 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 tho injury to the eyes and the general health of scholars from stuffing tlichiemory with book lessons, and some efforts are made to introduce oral teaching, but not much progress has been made in the effort to effect a reform. ' If additional 'incentive wore needed, it should bo found in the charge now made against tho unnatural attempt te fill the minds of young persons with the lessons of the text books. .An, undue amount of mental exertion must 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 briof 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 developement of the mind. The next aim should be to exercise and train the mind in such matters as will bring forth its best powers. Recreation, hilarity and activity are essential to a vigorous mental condition, and there should be no serious strain nor long-continued exercise of the reflect tive powers. The great object should be to prepare the young for the useful duties of life ;.-and a much greater number of hours should be devoted to physical and industrial exercises and recreations than to mental training.