The Washington times., 1895-06-19


In the sixth grade the subjects of respira-
tion and circulation. receive especial atten-
ton. The organs of breathing are brought
into the school room thus awakening the
livelieSt interest by the appearance of the
real object, that of calf or sheep having
been procured for the purpose. The shape
and position of the larynX with the epiglottis
and vocal chords are pointed out. The
trachea is cut and a study made of its parts
Experiments with lungs are given followed
by various exercises showing the necessity
of correct methods OF breathing, which ex
ercises pract iced daily show an improvement
in use of diaphragm A better mode of ven
tilation is also seen in the homes.
BY giving a view of the heart, circula
~tion is taught while the pupils are led to
study it's walls, partitions and Innings and
to compare the work performed by each
part The poucardium is seen, while its
inner and outer LAYERS with the intervening
fluid ire shown. Bymeans of pictures and
charts the course OF the blood through the
system is discovered, while the children
are taught the evil effecs Of tobacco and
alcohol on this organ. They are also shown
what TO do in case of accident to either
vein or artery The injurious effect Of
incorrect position is here emphasized while
children at all recitations are required TO
pose so as TO develop the best growth.
The injury resulting from tight shoes and
high heels, as well as tight clothes. is pre-
sented
Next the structure and use of muscles is
illustrated.
The children are taught that good food,
pure air and proper exercise are necessary
for muscular health, while they are warned
against violent exercise and urged to seek
plenty OF fresh air.
Following this comes the subject of the
skin. BY views from the microscope and
M. a., -
shown. The care of the skin is brought
to their attention. They are taught the
necessity of frequent and careful bathing,
while the danger of the use of cheap soaps
face powders, dyes and eyew0shes is not
forgotten.
The brain is brought before the class
and its structure and office described.
The teacher endeavors TO impress upon
pupils the best means OF strengthening
the brain, so that proper habits may be
formed in early life.
The most common causes that weaken
the nervous system is discussed, while
the necessity for natural sleep is shown
and the terrible effects of narcotics upon
this very sensitive portion of the body
are pointed out
In the eighth grade we begin this study by
a course of reading upon the circulation"
and digestion" using not only the pre-
scribed text book, DR.. Stowells S admirable
work, Essentials OF HEALTH" but such
other books as pupils and teachers have
found available, such as 'Loomis' Ele-
ments of Physiology" "Smith's Human
Body and It's HEALTH" and the Human
Body" by Brandt. Again the builocks
heart is brought into Tequisition and
dissected while being talked about.
The prescribed work of the year, after
general review is the Nervous System" and
the Special Senses while the pupils are
required not only to do much collateral
eading but to make close study of these
two very important topics. In the study
of the brain, that OF the calf was used
in many cases, and was handled by the
children and thoroughly examined. Upon
the other subject pertaining to this part
of our work, Illustrations of various kinds,