Nashville union and dispatch. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1866-1868, 1868-04-08
ann nAnGmTERs

A Lady Correspondent Of the Phia-
delphia Press some time since propounded
the following queries to that journal, which
were published
Are our daughters properly educated ?
Do our schools impart that kind Of eduea-
ton that will ft them for the active duties
of life, prepare them for the important re-
lations Of maternity and the responsible
ties Of the household? Are their under
standings invigorated, and aheir bodies
strengthened for becoming the authors and
educators Of future men and women
Does the study Of physiology, philosophy,
algebra and geometry, or Spanish, Latin
and Greek, which they despise, and make
haste TO forget as soon a. they leave school
benefit in any great degree girls thus
trained ?'
A physician Of Baltimore responds to
these queries in the issue of Yesterday, and
as his statement has general application,
we deem il Of sufficient importance TO the
welfare Of the young ladies Of this city to
print it in our columns. lie says:
was called some weeks ago to see a
young lady who has been for some few years
at one Of our fashionable boarding schools
not far from Philadelphia. She was a
model Of beautiful physical health when
she was entered at the school, and now re-
turned to her home with an APPETITE enfee-
blei and capricious--her digestive func-
tions impaired her eyes weakened 10 al
most uselessness; her physical strength
was weakness; her bright cheek was paled !;
her spirits depressed--in fact, j was shocked
Al II Il L L
since ! saw her last.
Her parents were alarmed about her
health, and considered her as requiring
medical treatment. Upon inquiring into the
regime Of her school, | learned as follows
We rise at Nix all winter, then read the BIZ
BILE. and at seven we breakfast-immedi-
ately after reading. After breakfast we do
up our rooms, ana at a quarter before
eight we go TO the study room, and there
study until nine. At nine we go 10 the
school-room, and remain until two in the
afternoon, except having half an hour re-
cess. At two we dine; leave the table at
three, and walk from three to four. From
four TO seven we study. At seven we have
tea. After tea we study one hour, or read
aloud for an hour and half; we go to bed
at ten we are not allowed 10 retire earlier.
Our courses Of study are history, physics,
grammar, spelling, arithmetic algebra ge-
ometry, trigonomeiry, astronomy, chem
istry, Latin, French, German, music, sing
ing drawing, painting in oil or water col
ore, and reading aloud from Shakespeare"
] asked, what do you mean by physics
DO you refer TO natural philosophy The
answer was. don't know what physics
means; it il where they talk Of levers and
screws, and gravity; pshaw, | hate II.
What good il gravity going TO do me, I'd
like to know" | inquired, Do you re-
ceive any instruction in needle-wor k? "
The answer was, no 81 never saw a needle
in any girls hand, except when their
clothes required mending, in all the time
that ! have been at school. " / asked
whether they were taught household du-
ties at all, and she laughed hautily at the
bare idea of such thing.
A we'll known writer says: "To make
and keep a house is a woman's first glory,
her highest aim. No work Of art can COM
pare with perfect home the training and
guidance Of family must be recognized
as the highest work a woman can perform
and female education ought to be conduct
ed with special reference 10 this"
The prescription for the above patient
may be easily imagined Less study none
at all by candlelight; more exercise, and
longer rest at night. She is rapidly re-
gaining her former health.
was also called, few years ago, to see
girl Of thirteen years, who, under the dis
cipline of Il school Of great repute in this
city, was taxed with thirteen different stu
dies. She rose as early as possible in the
morning, ate her meals hurriedly, walked
10 and from school, and studied, both at
school and at home, the whole day and |
evening, taking not one quarter of an hour |
for relaxation or exercise, and retiring /
late in the evening, wearied and exhaust |
ed.
l curtailed her studies and directed fresh |
air and exercise. She cried bitterly at nv |
directions, preferring TO be sick and weak. |
il she might only retain the high position
she had won in her classes. Her rank in
school, however, was compelled TO give |
place 10 her prospect Of health, which was,
in reasonable time, restored These two |
cases are not rare examples, as all of my |
calling can testify who have observed the |
present school system for young ladies and |
Its effect upon them.
So repeat the question OF your lady |
correspondent. Are our daughters prop /
erly educated 2'