Common Mistakes in Natural History* 



William Gould Vinal, Ph.D. 

 Rhode Island College of Education 



Man has roamed over the surface of this earth for at least a 

 half million years. His progress has been incredibly slow. Most 

 of his superstitions are the superstitions of the cave man. Many 

 of his errors have a direct lineage to folk-lore and nursery rhyme. 

 Is it not remarkable how little we change? A man-made war in 

 Europe may kill thousands and man-made traditions live. A 

 great step in mental conservation would be taken by eliminating 

 our load of errors and mysticism. 



The following notes are based on a recent examination which 

 was given to test the kind and extent of mistakes pertaining to 

 natural history. The total ntmiber examined was 281. This 

 included 14 different classes ranging from the Junior High School 

 through the College. The results indicate how little the average 

 student thinks and how little the most of them see. Without 

 doubt thousands more will roam the same road until our schools 

 authorities open the avenues of opportunity to think and dis- 

 cover. 



If there were any way of knowing many people would be glad 

 to learn, sub rosa or otherwise, whether they should be classified 

 as traditionalists or progressives. This article has been written 

 so that the reader may test himself as to his belief in Natural 

 History ideas which are ill-bom, and of a crude age. The ques- 

 tions introduce a usual misconception and immediately following 

 is told the origin of the erroneous idea and the correction. The 

 percentages are given so that the reader will know where he ranges 

 with others in respect to the right answer. Once realizing the 

 value of live interests it is hoped the reader will help smother the 

 system which glorifies mute memorials of a chaotic past. 

 Old Sayings Versus Economic Facts 



Has your training been one of tradition or of realities? Try 

 the following test and then read about the results of the test in 

 various schools and the interpretation. 



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