The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-12-15
HIS LIFE MAPPED OUT.
Novel Scheme Being Tried at CO.
lumbia University.
Mental, Moral and Physical Traits
Of the Student Laid Before Him.

The student at Columbia university Is
now able to order precise measurement of
his mental and moral traits as he would an
cxaot outfit at the tailor's Instead Of be-
Ing strangSr DO his personal beauties and
blemishes and knowing himself least Of
men, he can have spread before him mi
mute revelation, telling sf the size of his
head, ears, mouth, lips, general develop
mont and traits. After catechism is I'm
ished and the specialized professor has laid
aside his tapeline tho subject secs himself
In singular aspect. The familiar like
ness fades, and he beholds self which is
composed OF a compilation of abilities and
defects, good and indifferent inclinations,
as viewed by the cold, accustomed eyes of
the impartial Instructor. This Is the plan
now fourishing In Columbia university.
II Is new collegiate Development, re-
versal Of conservative routine. That sys-
tom known as the Bertillon Is copied In
part, and much more is employed In addi-
ton.
1t Is In the psychological laboratory that
these interesting tests are made by Pro-
fess0r j. McKeen Cattell. The purpose Is
to allow each student to know his strength
and weakness of mind and body, so that
he may act accordingly. He Is thus en-
hghtened at the outset of his career as to
what best BELTS his nature A plunge In
the darkness he need not make, with this
intimate acquaintance Of himself. He can
choose that course In life for which he re-
veals aptitude.
Furthermore, oil possible illusions being
dispelled by this searching scrutiny, he is
aware OF bic uncertain Coints, and so can
strive to remedy those which arc capable
CT bettering. In brief. 1t is scientific anal
ysis OF each Gtudent's character without
the use Of those solemn tricks, such as
feeling cranial bumps and hdgeting about
palms. 1t is an invaluable guide to the
future.
The variety Of questions proves its thor
oughness. First, there is the gentle in
quiry as to heredity. "How many brothers
did your father and mother have?" "Was
your father his neither first, second, third,
Fourth, fifth, sixth or what childs' and
How about your motberg" These and
moro searching queries as TO parentage fol-
low in rapid succession, fully illuminating
the students ancestry
Then the student Is asked as to bis phys
ical ills, whether he has toothaches or
colds, II his teeth are good, and how many
hours he usually sleeps Does he dreamp
Arc his dreams pleasant, commonplace or
fearfuR How many cups of tea or coffee
does he drink daily How great n number
OF pipes, cigars or cigarettes does he smoke?
Does he use alcoholic drinks? II so, how
many beers or other liquors a dayf What
opera does he prefer? What novelist, paint.
er, poets
And so he Is bombarded with an intense
inquisition, which lucidly sets forth the
students character. II he Is delving too
deep in pleasure, out the truth blazes
Should he inherit conspicuous qualities
that fact, too, shows plainly.
When he emerges from the inquisitorial
volley, he Is measured. The elevation of
his nose Is inquired into. This member
may reveal temperament ranging from
the philosophical to the pugilistio, the reck-
less to the prudent. 1t Is important to
know what its shape signifies. 1t may be
bulbous or aquiline, jutting or stumpy,
each Of which forms has a significance not
to be despised.
The ears are submitted to careful analy-
sis According to the latest accepted die
tuins OF science, the size of cars means
much. II too large and not too friendly to
the skull, they are liable to tell a silent
story OF degeneracy, and indications
range from obtrusiyeness to
refinement. Similarly the mouth and
lips are measured. The size OF the
hands in contrast to that of the body and
dngers In relation to the width of the
hand is noted. The subjects head un-
dergoes the Same process, and his eyes are
submitted to color experiment to find |
whether he Is color blind. His breathing
capacity is tested, as well as his koenness
of sight and hearing, memory, profession |
of time, sensation areas and the physical |
state OF his limbs.
When this exhaustive examination, con- |
taining great number of questions and |
tests, is completed, the professor states in |
writing whether he regards the subject as |
likely to be a good student, IL he Is quick,
accurate, straightforward, intel
eotual, Of strong will, of powerful emo
lions, we'll balanced, choleric, sanguine,
or phlegmatic.
"Our experience with these tests. Pro
essor Catten says Leads as TO feeefnff,end
hat they be made part of the work Of
very psychological Ia boratory. When used
With freshmen on entering college, tho
ccord Is OF interest TO the man and may be
Il real value to him. 1t is we'll for him TO
inow how his physical development, senses,
movements and mental processes compare
With those Of his fellows. He may be able
o correct defects and develop aptitudes.
Then, when the tests are repeated later in |
he college course and in subsequent life,
he regard OF progress or retrogression may
rove OF substantial Importance to him."