The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-06-14
HIGH SCHOOL WORK
SURPRISES SHOWN IN PROGRESS IN
THE MECHANICAL ARTS.
hibit of the Results of This
study at the High School No. l.
Drawing and Chemistry.

very clearly what is being done in this
city's school system in the department Of
art, chemistry, physics and mechanic arts.
The presence of the large number of visit
ors who came to the building, notwith-
standing the oppressive heat, demonstrated
again the keen interest parents are taking
in the training of their sons and daugh-
tiers. The new methods and presentations
were q constant proof to them that great
advances have been made even since they
went to school.
AT the head of the stairs on the second
floor was shown the department of chem
istry. Students were at work at the benches
around the walls of the room. while the
center was reserved for the visitors. who
moved about inside an inciosure, thus per-
mitting the students to work uninterrupt-
eddy. Each student was working on a diff
ferent experiment, such as makes up the
years work, showing the various chem
ical processes and methods OF manipula-
ton. Besides those working in the ele-
mentary experiments. others were engaged
in the qualitative analysis. The open space
in the middle of the room was occupied by
a number of tables, on which were arrayed
various exhibits showing the industry and
skill of the youthful chemists, a number
of whom, arrayed in protecting aprons,
were near by to answer the inquiring mind.
Across the hallway, on the walls of the
art rooms, the work of the department. was
neatly arranged. consisting of pencil work,
charcoal and pen and ink The drawing
from the casts Of the human figure and
from life has been made a larger feature
of the entire work for the past year than
heretofore. New classes enter each half
year, so that pupils in the various steps
of the work are working together all the
time, making individual work necessary.
The work grades itself according TO the
ability and needs of the pupil. beginning
with the pencil and charcoal upon geomet-
rc models, followed by similar forms in
nature and from casts.
Casts from natural forms are introduced
as the pupil advances in the work all pos
sible effort being made to teach the stu
dent to see correctly. and to understand
the underlying principles of good drawing.
AS the work advances water-color studies
from still life are added. composition work
is introduced once each week. and lectures
upon historical. ornament and art progress
are given. The pen and ink club has adj
vanced in the study of illustration and prac-
t1ce work, and many good pieces are shown.
In the room at the southeast corner Of
the second floor a similar exhibit to that
way. AT each OF the twenty benches a stu
dent was working out some experiment in
air force and suction pumps, hydraulics or
heat. These were different exemplifica-
t ths be of c fss s C. nample At be the end WITH Of ali Gne tS Se
pieces Of apparatus knocked down, was
open to inspection.
tirely TO the department Of art, mechanic
arts and mechanical drawing; The hall
a abs a d,5e Snd;s Were r pr pretty I decoratea , by
the center of the hall was occupied by the
exhibit of mechanical drawing, which
forms part of the course in mechanic arts.
Here the drawings. tracings and blue
prints were arranged III sequence, showing
the progress of the work from step to step
the south end Of the hall were the draw
ings of the Oh drawing class, consisting of
Ing. On the middle rack were hung the
drawings of ga classes. consisting of pro-
j%eetions representative of simple and com
planes. and of practical detail drawings.
The methods here introduced are. first the
principle, then the applications, and in this
application the object Is made so practical
as to have a commercial value and be cor
rect and good of its kind; on the north
rack the drawing was continued in the lob
work, consisting OF development Of sur
faces of truncated. geometric forms or
elementary descriptive geometry. The APP
plication Of this was plainly seen in the
! models accompanying the drawings. Fol-
lowing this work came the intersection of
solids and surfaces, and its application was
likewise shown In the models accompany
ing the drawings. On the north side of the
rack was shown the 10A drawing which
is as far as that branch Is now carried on
in the school. 1t continues. with isometric
projection shades and shadows, with line
shading, practical detail work, tracing and
blue printing. The practical work shown
was the drawings for a small upright
steam engine. The shop work forming the
component part of the mechanic arts
course was most deliberately exhibited, and
covered ten long rows of tables across the
hall and along one side. The work is all
done in the basement of the building
where two large rooms are fitted for tbs
purpose. Each and every piece is made
from a working drawing, thus connecting
instruction with construction at every
point. The bench work In wood consists
of pieces and exercises in saving, boring,
chamfering, chiseling, doweling. All the
standard joints In carpentry and cabinet
making were shown. and these were fol
lowed by brackets. well enough finished to
challenge grown mechanics. The built-uI
newell posts. with the handmade
drawers and carved top, small work table
made by the young ladies of the class at.
tracts much attention A large tool chest
made entirely by one OF the students, con
structed of hard wood. with dovetailed
joints. was admired. Near the center c.
the east side a graded course in wood turn
ing. starting with the plain cylinder, pro.
gressing through beaded. reverse curve
center turning, chuck work, face plate
and finished card receivers and trays
or this course is evident in the small single
pot stand, turned, stained and finished
ready for use In the home.
To persons of a mechanical turn OF mind
the advanced work in pattern makins
seemed most interesting. Here were ele