Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1895-09-19
Methods and DnnlouIties Of ohild.study.

Methods and Difficulties OF hild-Study.
Mrs. Annie Howes Barus, In the September
Forum.
There are three methods of pursuing
child-study which may be taken up
with more or less beneficial results by
one not specially prepared by previous
training. The first, which should he
classed as an anthropological study of
childhood, would follow such line of
investigation as Gallon has indicated
in the Life History Album. " 1t is
presumed that the album will be
started for each child at birth, and
that until the close of school life the
parents will register Systematically the
observations called for. A brief sum
mary of the headings. given under the
general directions for using the book
will outline the character Of the study.
Genealogical record. "A carefully pre-
pared family medical history should
serve as an introduction to the life
story of the individual, since most
diseases are hereditary, some markedly
so. A record of predispositions, ii is
claimed, makes il possible to guard
against some illnesses and successfully
treat others. Description of the child
at birth calls for its weight, length,
girth at the nipples, color of eyes and
hair, NC. A similar anthropometric
description is to be given at the close
of every five years, adding to the list,
after infancy, the strength of pull, and
acuteness of hearing and vision; and,
to secure general standard of measure
ment of these latter, definite expert
ments are given. The importance of
frequent observations on height and
weight, it is stated, is much greater
than is generally supposed; for the
period of rapid growth is the period
likewise of greatest danger to health,
and it should be noted carefully in
order that undue exposure or fatigue
may be avoided. Weight has even
greater Significance as health factor.
A suddenly arrested increase of weight
or gradual loss often occurs before
any other symptoms of disease can be
detected, and may be the first to signal
an alarm. Under the term life history
some eight or nine points are proposed
for record-such as occupation, re
creation, sleep, food, residence, &c.
The medical history, it is suggested,
should he filled in by the family physi-
elan, who should be directed TO note
such important points in his dealing
with the case as special physical signs
anu any iilphyHCIdS1 III tuG uGllou OI
the drugs administered, Two pages
are left at the close of each successive
five years for the insertion Of photo
graphs. In this age of the household
camera it would be possible to carry
out infinitely the suggestions as to pose
and size which Gallon considers requi-
site for scientific value The value of
a systematic record of this kind will
be Increased by Its continuity as a
family habit; one generation adding
its testimony to another, till the mass
of evidence may prove sufficient to as
sist in tracking out the laws Of
heredity and environment Sir Fran
els Gallon SAYS. eff there be such a
thing IS a natural birth right, | can
conceive of none superior to the right
of child to be Informed, at first by
proxy through his guardians, and after
wards personally, of the life history,
medical and other, of his ancestry.
The child comes into existence without
any voice in the matter, and the small.
est amend that can be made him is tc
furnish him, with all the guidance pos
sible, including the complete life his
| tories of his prOoeni tors