Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1869-02-18
eaafational.
BlackbOards--Thei Use and Effects.

1t is upon mature reflection that |
express my opinion on what | deem
prevailing evil, namely, the use Of
blaukboards in school exercises. This
will no doubt provoke a sarcastic smile
from many dignitaries of the school
room, who look upon the blackboard
as the grand criterion OF success. /
make every concession regarding its
utilityi in communicating a knowledge
OF the several sciences, and deprecate
the necessity Of its adjustment, and
depriying the teacher Of an instrument
that throws life and interest in the
dull routine Of school duties. But
the objections / urge are founded on
sanitary considerations, believing the
preservation Of health TO be the first
duty demanded OF the instructor of
youth. / feel convinced, that the
dust, caused by the use of chalk or
crayon, on blackboard surface, floats
in the air 10 very large quantities, is
inhaled by the pupil and tutor, and
produces detrimental results by en-
gendering pulmonary diseases. Two
points only are involved in the con.
sideration of these objections, namely.
does dust cause pulmonary diseases
and If so, is sufficient dust generated
from the use Of crayon in school exer-
cises as TO produce this effect? The
first point will not admit of cavil, it
being a vel! established fact, that ex.
ternal pressure and internal engorge-
ment are the chief causes of diseased
lungs. That is, we can by improper
positions in walking and sitting, force
the lower end Of the sternum or breast
bone back towards the spine, compel
the yielding spinal column to droop
forward, and contract the capacity of
tho thorax. This will cause portions
OF the lungs to fold, and being in an
inactive state, they will be purified
and ruined Or that the inhalation of
poisonous gases, or air impregnated
with fine particles Of matter, causes
deposits to be made in the air cells of
the lower lobules of the lungs, which
cells, from their extremely delicate
structure, are easily damaged. These
foreign deposits solidify, stop the
healthy action Of the lungs, and hurry
the unfortunate victim into that lnath-
some disease, consumption. There
arc many instances of this latter class
among stole-cutters, millers, etc. If
this be true, we can infer that the dust
from the use Of crayon exerts some in
huence over the organs Of respiration;
but if any doubts, as to its producing
fatal detriment, arc entertained by the
most skeptical, one short visit will
completely extirpate them. When he
sees every exercise, from the simple
truths of primary arithmetic to the
subtle beauties Of geometry, made OBJ
iects Of black kboard demonstrations.
and hearsa constant hawking Of pupils
-nature's attempt to resist unsaluta-
ry inhuences-he will encourage the
idea, that there is need Of reformation.
II he also reflects upon the fact, that
in one short school term from six to
eight pounds Of crayon are triturated
on the blackboard to impregnate the
air cells Of his childrens' lungs, which
latter, from improper breathing and
defective ventilation, are seldom equal
10 the onerous task Of resisting en-.
'roachmentson natures laws. / hope
parents will consider this matter care. |
fully, that older and more experienced
educators than the writer viii give l
his subject meriled attention; and i'll
1lackboards be an evil, root them out. /
md throw one more obstacle in the /
way Of the "grim monster" that fast
ms its impartial hand on the youngest
md brightest to swell the repleto bills
# mortality. S.