STARTLING EFFECTS OF OVERSTUDY. (Philadelphia Star.)

North Otago Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2095, 20 January 1879, Page 3

STARTLING EFFECTS OF OVERSTUDY. (Philadelphia Star.)

In a paper read before a scientific society in Milwaukee, Dr Walter Kempoter, a profound student ot mental physiology, attributes the increase of insanity in some measure to the manner in which the mind? of children are injured by the Common method of teaching. Dr Kempiter is superintendent of an insane asylum, and has devoted his time and attention to the study of mental disordeis, and his opinions are worthy of careful consideration. Very few observing persons will feel inclined to dispute what he asserts, for the irrational method of forcing the minds of children, in common use, and the neglect of physica.l culture, are generally condemned.

School directors now admit the injury to tho eyes and the general health of scholars from stuffing the memory with book-lessons, and some efforts avc made to introduce oral teaching, but not much progress has been made in the effort to effect a reform. If additional incentive were needed, it should be found in the charge now made against the unnatural attempt to fill the minds of young persons with the lessons of the text-books. An undue amount of mental exertion must be injurious, and where it taxes only the memory without proper control of tho nobler faculties, the least reflection should satisfy intelligent educators of its hurtful effects. The effect on the health of girls is especialty noticeable. In some of the schools the more advanced scholars have to begin their studies at an early hour, and, with brief intervals, spend the day and evening in the tiresome work. A morbid condition of mind and bodj^is an inevitable ( consequei.ee. The first aim of education should be to promote physical health ; for without this there can be no healthy development of the mind. The next aim should be to exercise and train the mind in such a manner as will bring forth its best powers. Recreation, hilarity, and activity are essential to a vigorous mental condition, and there should be no serious strain nor long-continued exercise of the reflective powers. The great object should be to prepare the young for the useful duties of life ; and a much greater number of hours should be devoted to physical and industrial exercises and recreation than to mental training.