602 PROCEEDINGS OF SECTION I. 



Black-boai'ds could be placed on either side of the teacher and 

 at such an angle that there would be no reflections. 



Hat-pegs should never be allowed in the class-room. It would 

 be more convenient, healthier, and better for discipline to have 

 the pegs in the corridor. Children would then be able to hang up 

 their things as they march into the class-room. 



In a properly constructed corridor there would be good air 

 currents to dry and air the hats and clothing. 



Too much attention cannot be paid to the environment of the 

 school child; it ensures health, and leaves impressions which may 

 ii'fluence its future in the best manner possible. 



5.— THE SCHOOL DRINKING TAP AND CUP. 



With Plate XI. 



By Renter E. Roth, D.S.O., M.R.G.S. Encj., 0§citr de 

 rin struct ion publique. 



There is a difference in the structure of the skin outside the 

 mouth and of that inside. The outer skin is thick, dry, and has 

 very little power of absorption. The inner is moist, continually 

 secretes slime or mucus, and has wonderful powers of absorption. 

 A deadly poison such as cyanide would not cause any trouble if it 

 came in contact with the outside of the lips, but the reverse would 

 be the case were it to come in contact with the inside. The result 

 would be most disastrous. 



Again, the germs of such diseases as measles, mumps, scarlet 

 fever and diphtheria would not be propagated were they to come 

 in contact with the outside skin; should they come in contact with 

 the inside skin they would most probably set up their specific 

 diseases. 



When we drink in the usual way, the moist inner skin of the 

 lower lip comes in contact with the drinking vessel, and a certain 

 amount of mucus or slime adheres to the outside of the vessel. 

 The chances are that, if precautions are not taken, the next user 

 will absorb some of the last user's mouth secretion and leave some 

 of his own for the next one, and so on. Should one of the users 



