, 1886-07-08
YOUNG WOMEN AT SCHOOL.
Higher Education of rho Fair Sex Doe
Not InJure the Health.

Higher Educntion OF rho Fair Sex Does
Not InJure the Health.
In a recent report. Mr.. Wright, the head
Of the Massachusetts, bureau OF statistics
of labor, has shown that, according to the
figures, the higher education of young
women does not appear to impair the
health. 1T Is sufficient to say" he de-
clares, that the female graduates Of u
colleges aud universities do not seem to
show, as the result of their college studies
and duties, any marked difference In gen
eral health from the average health likely
to be reported OF an equal number Of
women engaged in other Kinds OF work "
The facts which he states, indeed, go to
prove that study, II not carried to an *
cess, is actually healthful, and a good
preparation for useful lives.
Mr.. Wright sent printed questions
as to conditions of childhood" .in-
dividual health" family health, ("
college conditions and death OF
graduates. " to all the living graduates of
the twelve American colleges into which
young women, are admitted. A majority
of the graduates answered these questions,
and It is upon these answers that he bases
his facts and conclusions.
Some Of these facts are very interesting
and suggestive 1t appears that of all the
graduates reporting, 62 per cent
studded moderately, Q per cent. rather
more ~intently, and % per cent.
studied to excess. About half Of these
young women did not enter society at all,
and almost all went but rarely into social
distractions. or those students who were
In good health. when they entered upon
their college course, iand who studied
severely throughout 1t, more than %
per cent. retained good health after
graduation, In spite Of the severity with
which they stuck to their text-books and
lectures.
Those who worried over studies Alone"
says Mr.. Wright, show no perccptible
change In health. Those who worried
over personal affairs, a decline in health
of 10 per cent; those who worried over
both studies and personal affairs, a decline
of IL per cent. But those who
worried over neither, show an increase OF
health during college life OF 10 per cent
The differences to be made from many
facts stated In the report are, that young
women should not, for their health's sake.
enter upon a laborious college course at
too early an age; that while preparing for
college. they should take plenty OF excr-
else In the open air; and that they should
become accustomed TO perfectly regular
habits.
Some interesting statements, not directly
o~n'the'subicct OF health, appear rs the re
suit OF the inquiries made of the graduates.
IL Il stated that a large proportion of the
female graduates OF colleges become
school-teachers. Others engage in domes-
tic, social or philanthropic labors. Tn
average age Of graduation is 2sls years,
and " = striking fact that only about
ono-quarter Of these women graduates are
married.
This is accounted for by the fact that a
coxls ge- bred young woman is apt to be,
frovi her long scholastic training, more
particular. more thoughtful In considering
whether to enter the married state; and
thas she feel more independent than other
you ~ women, her training enabling her,
II 81 choose. to make her own living, by
teas ling or other professional work
Yoa his Companion.