200 TRANSACTIONS OF THE CANADIAN INSTITUTE. [Vov. VIII. 
character and extent of the practice, and criticisms made or conclusions 
arrived at. 
In considering the introduction of the system in this province, the 
question naturally arises, what are the objections that could be raised, 
and what weight they carry in preventing its early adoption? They 
may be considered under two classes: those of the parent and of the 
teacher. To the former it may appear unnecessary, chiefly for the rea- 
son that all the dangers and disadvantages surrounding modern school 
life, together with their far-reaching effect upon the health and physique 
of the future men and women of our country, are not apparent to them, 
hence a campaign of education among the parents is necessary, and even 
when seized of all the facts, objections will still be strong on the ground 
of increased cost, hence extra school rates. These must be met by state- 
ments showing the financial losses to the state, both on physical, mental, 
and hygienic grounds, as also the great financial losses incurred by in- 
dividuals and municipalities, for medical treatment of disease, not to 
mention the loss and suffering caused by death. 
The objections raised by educationists and educational authorities 
are more difficult to deal with, but fortunately the pendulum of opinion 
is swinging in the right direction, and the prominent men in all civilized 
countries are strong advocates of this system. There can be no gain- 
saying the fact that the duties of the teacher and principal will be in- 
creased, and it will require the teacher to devote some portion of his studies 
to the subject of hygiene, as related to the child and child-life, and di- 
seases incident thereto ; but on the other hand his position is strengthened 
in all matters covered by this system, in many of which he has had to 
rely on his own opinions, and often comes to conclusions and adopts 
rules, which under the system of medical inspection is not the case. 
The objection that there may be clashing with the health authori- 
ties is answered by pointing out that the system in force in the cities 
of the United States, is under the care of the same and not controlled 
by a new department, and similarly any clashing with the medical pro- 
fession is obviated by the duties of the inspectors being first selective 
and advisory, and lastly prohibitive as regards school attendance, and 
only in cases of poverty is assistance rendered or aid given by the medical 
staff or visiting nurses. 
It may further be advanced as an objection, that great difficulties 
exist in rural municipalities for the effective carrying on of the work. 
In the cities and towns the system is practicable, but outside of these 
it cannot be carried out successfully. Certainly under the present con- 
