Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1894-05-11
Scientific Temperance Text Books in
Vermont.


At the recent teachers institute held in
Brattleboro the primary text books on
physiology which are now used in our pub
lie schools were criticised as unsuitable,
and mention was madSof the fact that the
board adopting these books was composed
OF lawyers, instead of doctors who are
supposed to be better fitted to decide upon
the merits of a work on physiology and
hygiene; also it was suggested by the same
speaker that the enthusiastic and perhaps
unwise action of those most interested in
temperance teaching might afford posi-
bic reason for the lack of interest in this
study which seems to prevail among teach
ers and pupils. I'm reply to the question
whether the books contain untruths or
not, the answer was that the statements
are cNa Igerated.
Regrets We're expressed by the secretary
OF the WOmau's Christian Temperance
union that the earnestness of the temper
ance people should have served to hinder
the good effects of our temperance school
law, rather than to help: also a hope was
expressed that if the books now used are
faulty other books approved by suitable
board of doctors might he adopted Copies
OF the revised primary textbooks which
are authorized by the advisory board OF
the United States were shown. and those
who briefly examined them seemed to be
tavorably impressed
The Pathfinder series, now used in Yer
mont, are authorized by this board, and it
was suggested that possibly the eXaggerat-
ed statements quoted from certain pupils
might have been the result OF incorrect
teaching, or the pupils own eXaggeratiOn,
rather than that of the textbooks. This
seems very probable when we consider that
the greatest possible care has been taken
in the preparation of the temperance ply
siologies to secure absolute accuracy. The
matter of each book was read by experts
in manuscript and in proof three times.
| Every statement was challenged and moth
ing allowed to remain that could not be
sustained 10y good authority. The stand
ard to which the authorized textbooks
conform was established 10y a cOncensus of
expert opinion, such as has probably never
been brought TO bear on arranging the
method of teaching any other subject:
and at the Worlds Fair the judges, ''who
were without doubt the most representa-
/ tive body Of educators ever convened,
/ gave these textbooks the highest award for
accuracy, for judgment in the selection OF
matter, and for adaptation to the varying
/ grades of schools.
Notg outstanding the merits of the Path.
/ finder series it seems that - of the Wind.
/ ham county teachers do not like the books
but since nearly every physiology in the
/ United States has been revised TO conform
to the authorized standard, ample oppor-
tunity is afforded for the selection of new
books when the right timaarrives. In the
meantime the books now provided by the
state can be used to good advantage, and
according to the Interpretation 10y the state
superintendent Of education of our scien-
tic temperance instruction law it is still
ettectual, since provision is made for the
teaching OF elementary hygiene, which
necessarily must include the effects of slim.
uants and narcotics. So let all the faith
tul teaching 60 on, and if by experience
better ways can be learned, il will be q
cause for rejoicing for all who desire to Sc,
the boys and girls in Vermont instructed
in the ways of right living.
GEATIA L. DAVIDSON,
Sec'y of Vermont W c. T. L.