The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1908-02-21
PHYSICAL TRAINING IN SCHOOL
AND COLLEGE.
Shall 1t Be Compulsory?

(By ]. H. Maddox, Physical Direc-
tor, University of Utah.
The physical changes in both body
and mind are brought about through
the agency of the circulation, res
piration, digestion, etc. "A we'll org
anized, efficient brain is dependent
upon vigorous heart, capacious
lungs, good liver and evcrotory
organs, and all of these parts may
be dependent for the proper per-
Torrance of their functions upon a
good stomach and perfect assimila-
ton of food.
Thus education is dependent upon
and may be regarded as form of
nutrition. The condition of the
bodily organs effect the mental state
specifically. With strong vigorous
action of the heart there Is feeling
of courage, and general exaltation,
with a weak heart fear predominates
and an enfeebled circulation de-
presses mental activity. Ample lungs
are usually accompanied by an opti-
mistic spirit and happy, sanguine
disposition. A disordered liver oc-
casions low spirits and blue, bilious
state of mind. A weak stomach and
chronic dyspepsia may occasion ir-
ritability, pevishness and sullen fits
of temper. mo philosophy can cure
us of the blues or relieve us of the
mental disturbances occasioned by
the disordered functions of the
bodily organs. A restoration to
sound physical condition is the only
remedy,
The only way known to develop
an organ or part of either body or
brain is to give 1t its appropriate
exercise. Now comes the problem
as to working physical training into
thO oNCiSioWuOu CuiIlculuHn VI lue
high schools and colleges. The first
essential toward this end is, in my
opinion, to convince teachers and
school authorities of the absolute
necessity of physical training as a
fundamental basis for higher educa-
ton. To hasten this conviction all
teachers should be required to give
evidence of their physical as well as
mental efficiency before receiving
their appointments This require
ment on the part of the teachers
should be supplemented by further
requirement on the part of the |
pupils, that all advancement from |
class to class and from school to
school should be based upon a physi-
cal as well as mental examination.
Entrance to college also should be
based upon test of physical as we'll
as mental efficiency. The moral eff
feet of these physical requirements
would be to throw the responsibility
for physical condition upon the par
ent, the preparatory schools and
teachers as well as the pupil himself.
Objections to these requirements
would undoubtedly be raised by those
who still hold to the old theory of
independence of body and mind
or by those who readily recall indi-
vidual instances of illustrious men
who were weak, puny boys, and who
would have been disqualified for en-
trance to college by physical re-
luirement. These exceptional cases,
ire as nothing when compared with
he great mass of individuals whose
mental state is improved by the i'm
,rovement of the body. If require
nent of physical fitness and efficiency
8 not introduced and maintained in
'ur preparatory schools we shall I
ave continuance of the conditions
hat prevail today where one class I
4 pupils carry their bodily training 9