Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-07-12
OF SCHOOL LIFE
Topic Discussed Before the Department Of
Physical Education.
Influences Producing Curvature of
the Spine-Superintend john
sons Plea for Play.

The closing session of the department of
physical education was made notable by
the presentation of two unusually interest
ing papers, the first treating of the inf1u-
ence of school lite on curvature Of the
spine, by DIR. r. Tait Mckenzie of McGill
University, Montreal, Canada, and the Sec
ond on play in physical education, by Su-
perintendent of Public Schools G. w. John
son of Andover, Mass.
DR.. Mckenzie said that in a series of 100
examinations of school boys, aged from
thirteen to eighteen, and with an average
age Of fifteen, the writer was struck with
the fact that twenty boys had a marked
lowering of the right shoulder, three had
the left low, while scoliosis was found in
two, marked lordosis in five and round
shoulders in three; and in thirty the stand
ing position approached more or less close
ly to what Bernard Roth has aptly named
the gorilla type of figure, abdomen pro-
truded and head showed forward
In an examination of college students of
the athletic class out of 204 men who pre-
scented themselves, IA per cent showed I'M
even development of shoulders, scoiiosis per
lordosis. This frequency had been noted
also by other observers, Seaver OF Yale
finding per cent of students showing cur
yature
In infancy the first change In spinal
column is caused by the assumption of the
erect position, faulty growth is prevented
by constant movement and exercise OF
muscles in play. Fatigue in upright posi-
ton prevented by the spinal muscles work
ing in relays, and hence postponing fatigue.
Fixity in any position causes rapid fatigue
of muscles, as, for example, holding arm
out at right angles. Fixity of position soon
tires out muscles, throws strain on hga-
ments, and then uneven pressure on Verte-
brae, which ossify them and cause perma-
nent deformity.
Medical Omcers School Boards.
On analysis of the writing position con-
dition of progressive fatigue is noted, and
when this is long continued we have the
back typical of scoliosis, which has been
called the writing posture, become fixed.
This is accumulated by misfit desks.
The problem being to have seat that al
lows the feet to rest on the floor, a proper
support for the back, desk with slope
of about l to 6, and at a distance from the
seat, the height being at the level OF the
elbows when at the side
Vertical writing is a great improvement,
but not a panacea for bad posture; 1t also
requires supervision and frequent rests.
Lighting of schools should be such that
the light comes over the left shoulder, not
straight behind or in front
If these points were attended to fatigue
ScOlioSiS. which is the usual form, would
be greatly lessened.
On every school board there should be
medical officer to be consulted on these
points of school hygiene, and who would
also examine carefully all cases OF dull or
weak children. In cases of fncipient SEQ
iosis or other deformity, teachers should
be informed, and surroundings of pupil ex-
amned for misfit desks or bad light, and,
If necessary, parents informed Treatment
should not be undertaken in school Pre-
vention is the only way. and the gynnasuc
instructor has not time nor sometimes
knowledge to treat these deformities. His
work should be general exercise only, and
deformities should be left for the specialist.
The Part of Play.
Superintendent Johnson in the course of
his address said that in animal life play oc-
ours as low as the insects. Lubbock, Huber
and Forel describe the play of ants. When
the life of an animal is spent In the search
of food there is no play, but with well-fed
leisure play occurs. This doubtless inf1u-
creed the theory that play arises from sur
plus energy; the over-filled cells must dis
charge, if not in serious purposes, then In
mock purposes, or play. This theory of
play is regarded by Groos as inadequate,
il asmuch as play is often carried to state
Of fatigue or even exhaustion. Play Is
n re than physiological; 1T Is biological,
and has it's root in instinct.
Natures object in play is preparation for
maturity. Animals, says Groos, do not
play because they are young; rather, they
have a period of youth because they need
to play Without previous exercise in play
of all the arts required in hunting the lion
" ould be powerless to catch It's prey.
Hygienic Value of Play.
Preparation for the pursuits of maturity
is evident in the games of young savages;
the games of the Teton-Dakota children,
described by Dorsey call out the very char
acteristics Of mind and body desirable in
the young warrior. The preparation in the
child-play of civilized nations is less direct
hut nevertheless perfectly apparent.
Ff.,-r I'll
Is not surprising that the hygienic value of
Il should be greater than that of any other
form of exercise. DIR. /. c. Rose claims
that certain forms of nervous disorders
for example, chCrea and hysteria-may not
only be prevented, but cured by play.
Play Necessary for City Children.
In physical education play is not opposed
to gymnastics. We do not need less gym
nastics, but more play. Besides the great
value Of play as a factor in physical devel-
opment play has an important social bear
ing. AS a factor in will-training it has no
equal. Our modern urbanizing tendency
renders play less universal than formerly;
in the case of the children of the city poor
this is a matter of utmost seriousness and
danger. Play for city children Is a matter
OF national Importance.
Some Good Games Suggested.
The games chosen should be based on in
stinctive tendencies. Some may be pointed
out;
1. Based on hunting instinct-1. Games of
chase; for example, games of tag. 2
Games of hunting; for example, hide and
seek. 8. Games of hurting OF throwing;
for example, quoits.
II. Based on fighting instinct-1. Games of
contest; for example. foot ball.
III. Based on instinct of emulation-1
Games of emulationi for example, racing.
A Duty for Teachers.
There are other instincts in which play
activities have their root, bu. which do not
APPEAR in the playing of games. On imita-
ton is based an endless variety of plays;
for example. keeping house. playing school;
on constructiveness the making of toys; on
the caring or tending instinct, pets. dolls !;
on acquisitiveness, collections. These all
may serve as a valuabls physical training
The teacher Of physical training should
join hands with the manual training teach
er and the nature teacher In drafting these
play activities into serving the physical de-
yelopment OF tina child. Games rather than