Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-02-27

The definition of pathology is this: Pals,
paidos child, and logas. the science of the
child. It is a pure science whose duty IT is
20 inquire into the life, the growth and the
nature Of the child.
1t is only in the last few years that the
need of such science has been recognize
ed. Since women have learned to think
and to know, they have become conscious
Of the limitations of their knowledge and
are striving to enlarge their views in re-
gard 10 this little-thought-of, but most
important science, the study of the hu-
man race ere sin and artifciality have
brought TO bear their blighting influences
upon 1t. THE purpose of this science is
to inquire into and study the child in all
his phases. in a scientific manner, which
will offer material for a scientific appli-
cation of pedagogical principles, for medi-
cal practice, for a proper manner of car
rying theology to the child and as an aid
for the home-training and care of the
child"
When a man or woman decides upon a
life-work the profession or trade is stud
fed in all of fits bearings; perhaps course
of several years at college Is necessary
for a thorough preparation. Yet women,
thoughtless and inexperienced and igno-
rant, undertake, without any preparation,
the most important work that is in the
world. the rearing of young children, the
molding Of the embryo characters and
training them for lives that are worth the
living, The result is often deplorable. 1t Is
true that the mother-love which nature
furnishes is a great help toward finding
the way, and a woman's own character
is of the utmost Importance In determin-
ing that Of her child, but often ignorance
produces carelessness in the child's well
fare, and tboughtlessness overlooks the
need of his moral training, and love causes
gndtYlOapoa
And then, natures fitness has a limit,
without further knowledge. Love and
patience and kindness and noble char
acter in a mother should be supplemented
by a well-stored mind that can under
stand the wants. physical, mental and
moral, of her child, and be capable Of sat
isfying them. A woman should have a
thorough knowledge of anatomy, hygiene
and the chemistry of food, especially, so
that she may give to her children bodies
robust, supple, bodies that can ward off
and conquer diseases, bodies that will en-
dure long lives of happiness and useful
ness An ignorance of the simple laws OF
health, proper nutrition. different food
values, etc, on the mothers part has
ruined the health of millions of childden.
There is a frightful lack OF knowledge
on this, subject among the mothers of
the country, and one of the important re-
suits of a universal study of pathology
would be WONDERFUL increase IN nealth
and strength of the human race.
1t is a we'll known fact that even as a
childs body may be perfected or ruined
by its early care. so may its mind and
nature. A wise and judicious course Of
study, a well-directed step into the road
that leads to knowledge, a careful train
ing Of the mind in the beginning will set
the young student learning the right
things in the right way. And a mothers
wise and loving mind can do this better
than anyone else. 1t is a sad fact that
children of and years Of age go to
school.
Most important of ALL who can ques-
ton the need of any preparation that
will help a mother to build up the moral
life of her child? 1t is in this particular
that the mothers own character counts