328 OUR BODIES AND HOW WE LIVE 



8. Importance of Experiments in teaching Physiology in Ele- 

 mentary Schools. The subject-matter as set forth in the preceding 

 chapters of this book should be carefully studied and read. At the 

 same time, however, the topics studied should be amplified and made 

 more interesting and practical by a series of experiments given in 

 connection with the several chapters, a goodly show of specimens, 

 and a certain amount of microscopical work. 



The experimental method of teaching the sciences rivets the atten- 

 tion and arouses and keeps alive the interest of the young student ; 

 in fact, it is the only true method of cultivating a scientific habit of study. 

 Every teacher knows that pupils gain a far better knowledge and keep 

 up a livelier interest in their work, if they are able to see with their own 

 eyes and to do with their own hands that which serves to illustrate the 

 particular branch of science in which they are engaged. 1 



9. The Use of Inexpensive Apparatus. It will be noted that most 

 of the experiments which have been suggested in the preceding chap- 

 ters of this book can be performed with very simple and often crude 

 homemade apparatus. This plan has been followed by the author : 

 first, because he fully realizes the limitations of the subject; and 

 secondly, because he wishes to emphasize the fact that expensive and 

 complicated apparatus is by no means necessary to illustrate the great 

 principles of anatomy and physiology. 



In schools in which both the funds and the time for experimental 

 work are limited, the zeal and ingenuity of teachers and students are 

 often put to a severe test. Fortunately, a very little money and a 

 great deal of ingenuity and patience will do much towards providing 

 a working supply of apparatus. 



10. The Microscope in Elementary Schools. For elementary class 

 work a moderate-priced but well-made and strong microscope should 

 be provided. If the school does not own or cannot afford to buy a 

 microscope, the loan of an instrument should be obtained for at least 

 a few weeks from some person in the neighborhood. 2 



1 A number of books, prepared for the use of teachers and students who wish to 

 supplement the text -book with experimental work, have been recently published. Of 

 these books the teacher is advised to use James E. Peabody's Laboratory Exercises 

 in Anatomy and Physiology (Henry Holt & Co., New York, publishers ; price 60 

 cents); and Bertha M. Brown's Physiology for the Laboratory (Ginn & Company, 

 publishers; price 75 cents). 



2 The catalogues of scientific-instrument makers usually furnish a list of the 

 requisite materials for experimental use or the titles of handbooks which describe 



