Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-10-10
CO.EducatiOn.

The report of the Board Of Visitors of the State
University Of Wisconsin, contains the following
remarks relative to the co-education of the sexes
in that institution:
at is now several years since the experiment
of the co-educston of the sexes was begun in the
university. In respect to the proficiency shown
by the young women in the several classes during
the recent examinations, as compared with the
yonng men, our impressions coincide with former
Boards OF visitors. They sustained the test at
least IS creditaby as the young men, and, if there
was difference, we are inclined to think it in
favor OF the young women. In the main, they
excelled In the precision and promptitude with
which they responded to the questions. We were
however. deeply impressed with the appearance of
ill-health which most of them presented. 1t
would not seem probable that by mere coinci
dence, so many young women should be congie-
gated together offering this peculiarly. There
are q few notable exceptions, but a whole this
appearance is unmistakable, and has given rise to
considerable comment among the members of the
board. There can be nothing about the hygienic
condition Of the university, In any of its parts,
which would give rise to il-health. Every part
examined presented an appearance of cleanliness ;
the food in the Ladies' Hall was wholesome and
well prepared; the service-rooms clean the dor
mitories well lighted and aired and of sufficient
capacity. We are, therefore, compelled to look
elsewhere for the cause. Every Psychologist is
well aware that at stated times nature makes a
great demand upon the energies of early woman
hood, and that at these times great caution must
be exercised lest injury be done-an injury which
It 10 well known, may prove permanent.
In order to keep place in the uni
versity classes. where the sexes are educated to
gether, no account is taken Of the fact that the
woman labors under double disadvantage, as
compared with the man First, in the crcum-
stance that nature compels compliance with its
well-established laws, and, as above stated makes
demands upon her energies; and second that to
keep her clsss-standng the girl must devote more
energy, and, conseq uently, work harder TO &C.
complish her task, making drafts upon her sys-
tenn, which by the very nature of the case is al
ready taxed to meet the physiological de-
mand made upon it. 1t is also well known that
overwork, IN whatever way induced, at the times
Indicated, will produce deterioration Of the sys
TEN, which generally manifests itself BY bloodess
ness, followed by q train of evils which II is not
necessary here to enumerate. Ii is this yery con-
diton OF bloodlessncss which is so noticeable in
the women of the university at this time: the
sallow features, the pearly whiteness of the eve,
the lack Of color, the want of physical devel ope-
ment in the majority, and an absolute expression
of apamia IN very many of the women students
all indicates that demands are made upon then
which they cannot meet. Education is great y
to be desired, but it is better that the future mat
rons of the state should be without university
training than that it should be procured at the
fearful expense Of ruined health better that the
future mothers OF the State should be robust
hearty, healthy women than that, by over-study
they entail upon their descendants the germs oil
disease. And there is no more certain law than
that Of heredity. The overweight nervous sys-
tenn undermiaes the general health stealth lily
but certainly, and its evil consequences are
prolonged in many cases through lie."