Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1863-10-15
From the Press.
ESSAY ON EDUCATION
BY DR. J.B. HOAG.
No. s..


In this number we propose to give some
reasons why Anatomy and Physiology
should be taught in Common Schools.
The first reason that we will assign is
that these sciences are as easily explained
and can be taught so as to be understood
as we'll as any other.
ANATOMY
First claims attention 1t is a descrip-
tion of the different organs Of the body
By studying it we learn what are the con-
stituents of the bones, muscle, blood, &c.
The bones are the framework of the sys.
tenn. Anatomy makes acquainted with
their form. shape aud size, as we'll as the
organic elements that enter into their COM
position. 1t also makes us acquainted
with the constituents and use of the mus.
cles. nerves. glands. fluids, DC. Physiol-
ogy makes us acquainted with their use or
functions. But little progress can be made
in this study without some previous knowl-
edge OF Anatomy.
l. We said that these sciences were easily
explained There are books published
which contain engravings Of the bones and
other organs of the body. which are suffi
ciently correct to give the pupil COED
idea of them.
Every school house could and should be
furnished with cabinet containing dried
specimens of the different organs. and the
teacher who is qualified to fill his station
could explain them to the pupil so that he
might understand the nature and character
Of 'the house he lives in'' 1t is general
ly supposed that these sciences belong to
and can only be understood by profession
al men. who have gone through long
course of preparatory study. This is q
great error. The student Of comm IN in
telligence. nay the child, can easily be
made to understand the use, and taught
how 10 avoid the abuse. Of his body; and
the laws which govern his physical nature
In familiar conversations, and in common
language. the teacher can explain to the
comprehension of the intelligent pupil. the
peculiarities Of structure, the form and use
CT the different organs that compose the
human system. These branches are taught
in the common schools of the east. and
are considered as indispensable as are read
ing. writing or arithmetic. and even young
pupils are provided with text books,
which are written in plain. simple language
adapted to the capacity OF their young
minds, which are readily understood. and
we have seen evidence in the public ex-
sminations of the common schools that il
was no more necessary to subject the pupil
to long course Of rigid mental discipline
in order 10 enable them to gain q good
practical knowledge Of their bodies and the
laws that govern them. than is the case in
reference to other branches which are
taught in all common schools. So far AS
we know these studies have been introdu-
ced into but few Of the common schools of
this country, and this we regard as great
defect.
The second reason we shall assign why
the studies of Anatomy and Physiology
should be pursued in. common schools, is,
that the prsoticsl benefits which may re-
suit from having these branches under
stood by all classes Of people. are second
TO no other. We have taken the position
that the attainment Of . certain amount of
knowledge was requisite in order to enable
one to properly perform the duties which
may devolve on them in the various rela-
tions of life they may be called upon to
sustain. and that the more elevated and
that station. the more necessary
e i that the individual should have {