Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1894-06-30
The Oxford Norma.

University Miss. June %, 1894.
Mr. EDIToR:-The Normal school here
still increases in size and interest.
This seems to be the most suitable place
in the State to hold a Normal for high
school and graded school teachers, for
here we have the advantage Of necessary
apparatus for the need Of experiments in the
study Of Physics, Physiology and Chcmis-
try. And in combination with these we
have instructors of the highest typo. The
interest displayed on the part of the teach
ers in the study OF Physics during the past
two weeks shows conclusively the tine ah;l-
ity of Dr.. johnson of the University to ey.
plain and verify the laws anu phenomena
Of n ture as well rs the earnestness and
zeal Of the teacher students. The teachers
who are here and are not already acquaint-
diligent in the study of it.. We have dealt
with the studies of sound and light. Quite
a deal of interest was manifested during
the day the siren was used and explained.
Indeed, 1t was requested by SO many, that
the experiments with the siren were re-
peated. Much interest was manifested
also, while the subject oflight has been be.
fore us. We deyOutly wish children could
sec the Importance Of the use OF time and
opportunity as the teacher ices it. Were
this the ease the intelligence OF the State
would rapidly increase. People and coun-
trymen, ono OF the principal objects mani
testify in view by the teachers here is to
find The key TO the many museums OF in
tefest of the children of our land. Each
wants to know how the other keeps up the
interests and encouragement Of the chill
drcn MS they plod through the courses of
study required to be taught by the schools,
The more we interminglc our ideas the
palmer we see that ''therc is a work for
each of us to do" The teacher must be
prompt, energetic. painstaking; and Boards
and Parents must cooperate. These are
the essentials which here are reported to
be successful. and every teacher of much
experience will bear testimony to the facts
Many such facts as these are being discuss.
ed every day.
So the inexperienced teachers here have
the advantages of the thoughts, reyerses
and successes of skilled teachers being re-
viewed to them. Many of the teachers
who may have been uninterestel in the
study of Physiology previous to coming
here. now seem to count it a matter OF
much Importance, which of course 1t is,
For of all machines in the world, the hui
man body is the most complicated. suited
for the most uses, and capable OF the high.
est Improvement; still it is one about which
a great many people think but little. Some
people give n sewing machine more accur.
ate study than they do the body. But here,
under the wise management OF DR.. Jones
of the University, the subject attracts the
attention that it should.
The College grounds with the teachers
going to and fro make mt think of our Col
lcge days when we were yet but students.
The teachers trip about here as lightly as
school children. In fact, the majority OF
the teachers here are youthful, and Il very
large MAJORITY are ladies. The state seems
largely to be taught by ladies. But not all
ilie t~caclicrs here are young, some having
aiF'cipcricncc ranging from fifteen to forty
wears in the school room. As u body they
are intelligent. Many of the best teachers
Of the State arc here.
u L