Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-10-12

the pupil had been referred by a medical
Inspector for treatment, and that the
nurse had visited the home, and had found
that free treatment was necessary and
right. Such a clinic would effect an enor-
nous saving of time for nurses and
would eliminate pauperism-for the, es-
sence of pauperism is not the acceptance
Of free service when there is no other
way. it is the seeking of gratuities when
not in need of them. In our largo cities
cult for the child of the poor to grow to
manhood or womanhood with a healthy,
normal body. In my Judgment the pub
lie school and its force should be ever
mindful of the physical health and
growth of the children in its vicinity.
Frequent Inspections Advocated.
DR.. Small points out that:
Medical inspection has pretty fully
solved the problems incident to the con-
troll Of communicable diseases in the
schools-both infectious and parasitic. In
either case competent and frequent in
spection is of primary Importance. The
daily inspection. by doctor Or nurse, OF
suspected cases, referI ed by the teacher,
must be supplemented by careful week
ly inspection of all pupils. This nsures
immediate detection of all cases of
disease~in the schools. Prompt dis nfec-
ton of classrooms and sane policy of
exclusion and quarantine almost always
prevent ep.demics of disease. In Orange
N. j., where there is weekly inspection
Of all pupils by the school nurse, no
schools have been closed on account of
an epidemic of disease in the two years
during which medical inspection has been
in force"
Or. small also takes up the manner in
which this work has evolved, giving first
Il brief history of the movement:
The beginning of medical inspection
of schools in this country was in Bos-
ton in the year 1894. 1t was for the
detection of cases of contagious dis
eases in the schools. in the interest Of
better protection of the public health
Other cities quickly followed suit. At
state laws relating to medical I'm
spection of schools and over 400 cities
have medical inspection in more or less
successful operation.
Broadening.of Scope and Purpose.
The broadening of the scope and
purpose of medical inspection Of
schools is as striking as its geographi-
cal extension. To it's work with in
fictitious diseases was quickly added
the work of caring for skin diseases
and uncleanliness. Next it began the
examination of children for the dis
covery of defects and infirmties that
retard development and reduce the
school efficiency of children. Soon it
essayed the task of examining all
pupils, not only for the purpose of
diagnosing seriously defective condf-
tions. but also for the purpose of chart
Ing. as it were. the physical values of
all pupils. Coincident with this work
of examinstion and investigation has
developed an appreciation of the real
Significance of medical inspection. It's
true mission is seen to be the general
upbuilding of the health of children
in school. Medical Inspection i is fast
becoming health supervision. 1t is
efficiency of children in the schools.
1t is organizing agencies not only TO
remedy defects and to effect cures but
also to improve the hygienic conditions
of school life"