834 PROCEEDINGS OF SECTION I, 



Possessing these two certificates, the teacher would proceed 

 to have his name registered according to Act of ParHanient, 

 upon which he would be free to accept any educational post 

 or to open a pi'ivate sciiool if he preferred independence. 

 Original research would be stimulated by the enthusiasm of 

 Teacher's Associations, by the annual prize essays, essay 

 prizes offered by the univ^ersities, by the attention bestowed 

 upon education by the Australasian Association, and by the 

 improved prospect of attaining the highest posts of the pro- 

 fession. Finally, the purging of the educational system by 

 entrance examinations, and the increased skill and earnestness 

 that would, as a result, be shown by the whole body of 

 teachers, would vindicate the right of education to an honourable 

 place by the side of the other learned professions. 



6.— ELEMENTARY SCIENCE IN PRIMARY 

 SCHOOLS. 



By J. RULE. 



It is not probable that many members of this Association 

 will disagree Avith me in the general statement that the study 

 of science ought to begin at an early age; and so far it 

 would seem as if I had chosen foi- this paper a subject upon 

 which there can be little or no room for discussion. Descend- 

 ing, however, from the general statement to questions of 

 detail, such as to what extent, at what age, and in what 

 manner, should children receive regular instruction in 

 science, I anticipate a divergence of opinion sufficient per- 

 haps to justify the subject being brought under notice. And, 

 moreover, it is desirable that the outside public should be 

 reminded of the importance of science being allowed a 

 prominent place in primai'y school work ; for hitherto an 

 acquaintance with words, alone or associated with a little 

 hearsay information about things, and a certain degree of 

 mechanical skill in the processes of arithmetic, has been 

 looked on by too many as the main object desirable in 

 education. 



But before entering into details, it may be perhaps as well 

 to show cause for recommending the study of science as a 

 part of elementary education for all children — those of the 

 labouring classes as well as those who, by reason of their 

 parents' wealth or position, may seem to have in prospect a. 



