New-York tribune., 1901-10-13
HOME ECONOMICS.
MISS JOHNsONS LECTURE AND COOKING
DEMONSTRATION AT THE BROOK
LYN INSTITUTE
LYN INSTITUTE.

Several Of the adverse criticisms which have been
made the teaching OF domestic science in schools
were answered by Miss Helen Louise Johnson in
recent lecture before the domestic science depart
ment of the Brooklyn Institute. From the report
Of the committee on the teaching of home
nomics, read at the Third Lake Placid Confer
ence last summer, Miss Johnson quoted: While
there is a growing appreciation Of such work in
the schools, evidenced by it's introduction in
many new places, there is also sceptcal atti-
tude in many minds TO it's value-a tendency to
class 1t among fads. to regard 1t of the new
subjects that overcrowding the curriculum
Even among superintendents and general teachers
who are its friends, there is lack of vital con-
nection with other school work.
I'm my experience in private schools said Miss
johnson, "a certain fact has been impressed upon
me- 1t is the influence of the parents in deter
mining the studies which shall go to make up
the school curriculum To greater less extent
1t lies with those who support the school to de-
eide whether the greater part of their daughters
time shall be devoted to the classics to sctentihc
studies or to horseback riding. There are just so
many school hours. and the capacity of pupils OF
the same age is about the No girl can take
French, German and English. American history
and music, with several practice periods a day.
and have many unoccupied minutes.
1.-THE career selected by the majority of women
Is that or directing the intricate business OF the
home. I may safely leave you to answer this
question: Can the above mentioned studies, how
ever they may prepare girl to shine in social life
Mt her Tor the direction OF family affairs? Under
stand me not decryng these subjects. or Of
depreciating their value. am trying to present to
a collection of intelligent women the absurdity of
eliminating from the girls education those sub
Jects that special training which is to fit her
for the vocation which is to be hers and which
she will probably elect for herself. May I ask
you If it is not your duty to acquaint yourself with
the great meaning of home economics. that you
may realize OF what you may be deprving your
daughters.
What IS domestic science, domestic art home
economics? Again let quote from the COM
mittee's report: Here have various household
arts, such preparation of food making of gar
ments and household articles. and the keeping OF
things clean. In carrying certain of these
processes, particularly cooking and cleaning we
working with forces outside ourselves. and
when we ask what these forces are and how they
behave discover, that here in these matters Of
daily life applying the principles of chem
istry. physics and biology. In other processes.
such sewing. weaving and basketry we are
dealing with form and color and in doing are
applying the fine arts in the home Then, broadly
speaking, subject is one of applied science and
art.
But home economics is than the ap-
plicaton OF science and fine arts merely to the
end that certain results may be correctly reached
| or certain articles artisticaly made. for must
consider the place of these in the social order,
the home and its conduct; the home where the
individual is given such physical and ethical sur
roundings that he is made effective human