The Oskaloosa herald., 1907-04-18

was introduced into the public schools
when the officials in charge of New
York's half-million school children
first realized its value and from tnat'
time the movement has steadily grown.
When we use the term Domestic
Science" as relating to the subject
taught in schools it means for the
most part the study of cooking and its
allied branches. In beginning the
study of Domestic Science the pupils
are first taught the essential facts re-
garding tne chemistry of foods. By
this they learn the elements that are
needed to support life, the proportion
in which these elements are found II
food products, and the per cent Of
nourishment found in each article.
They also learn the relative values of
dimerent methods Of cooking, as for
instance broiling as compared with
frying. 1nen they are taught the
proper preparation of foods for table
use and the best ways of serving them.
After each lesson in cooking the
utensils and dishes are washed and in
Istruction given in regard to their care
and general neatness. An important
Feature of this same department OF
Domestic Science is the study of diff
lferent cuts of meat so that the girl
in buying knows what she wants and
where to find it. How few house
wives know the parts of the different
animals best suited for the purpose for
which they wish them. A knowledge
OF this secures better cuts or meat
and in many cases more nutritious
ones at a lower price.
! This is the extent of Domestic Sci
ence as generally taught in our pub.
lie schools, but in some cases instruc,
tion is given in other lines of work
also. The pupil is taught the proper
methods of busting, cleaning, making
beds, washing and ironing, sewing,
patching and darning.
One very important branch of the
subject but one which is less often
touched upon is That of household
ventilation and sanitation with a view
of preventing disease. Fortunately
the Importance of this is being I'M
pressed more and more upon the mind
of thinking people and the near future
will probably see this line of study in
stalled in all schools which give a
course in Domestic Science.
1t would seem that the advantages
to be secured by the study of Domes-
tic Science are SO very apparent that
the question could admit of no dis
cussion. But on this point as on 9TH
ers there are doubling Thomases who
come forth with host of arguments,
and these must be met. Pre-emilent
among the objections raised is the
one that Domestic Science takes up
time that should be properly given to
other studies. III
Let me ask of what subject Is a
knowledge the most valuable to a girl
when ner future life and its duties are
taken into consideration A girls ed
ucation is indeed lacking If she does
not have a knowledge of housekeep-
ling, including sewing and cooking. OF
course this is not the only side to be
Ital training and accomplishments
along other lines. Bnt knowledge
of Latin and Algebra does not make
lup for ignorance of how to get a
square meal, nor does the ability to
demonstrate theorems in Geometry
make up for inability to sew or to
keep a home neat and attractive.
The argument is often raised that
many girls in after life are able to
hire all their work done and that the
time given to Domestic Science in
school might better be given to some
thing else. Let us grant that per-
maps the housekeeper will not be
forced to do the actual work herself
II girl mas studied Domestic Science
in school and has a good working
knowledge of 1t. will she not be able
to make the home happier by being
able to train her servants? This
must surely count for something. The
old aiage still holds true in this case
that "as the mistress so is the maid.'
land we might enlarge upon BENJAMIN
Franklin philosophy and say. III you
want thing well done you must
know how TO do 1t yourself"
There is always lack OF harmony
in home where there are beautiful
pictures in the parlor and fine books
In the library. but in the kitchen mis-
cradle cooking and poorly served
meals
Many people think that girls should
have this training. but say that they
lshould get II in faeir own homes. But