308 REPORT—1890. 
carrying out the experiment might be occupied in other ways, e.g., in 
measuring distances, in drawing tigures of stated dimensions, &c., in de- 
termining areas, in determining relative densities, in working out arith- 
metical problems, or in writing out notes and answers to questions. It 
would not be difficult as the class progressed to devise an infinite number 
of problems and exercises, the data for which were derived from experi- 
ments performed by the class. 
If only one such lesson were given per week, a single teacher and an 
assistant might deal with 240 pupils, or with half that number if each 
class had two lessons per week—a much better course ; and, working on 
a similar plan, much useful work might be done even in the course of two 
hours. 
With regard to the appointments for such work, the school-room 
should be provided with simple working benches in addition to the 
ordinary desks and forms. A narrow table might be placed preferably 
across one end of the room on a raised platform, at which the teacher 
could sit and on which the balances could be placed; the teacher would 
then be able to supervise the weighing, and secure that due care were 
taken of the balances. A narrow bench (of deal, into which parafin had 
been ‘ironed,’ so as to waterproof it) might be fixed against and along the 
wall at either side of the room. This should be fitted with simple cup- 
boards and drawers for apparatus, and with gas taps if possible; and at 
a suitable distance from the wall and above the table there should be a 
bar, carried by brackets affixed to the wall, from which various apparatus, 
small scales, &c., could be suspended. A simple draught arrangement 
should and might easily be fitted at each working place, so that no 
unpleasant or noxious fumes need escape into the room. At the other 
end of the room it would be desirable to have a demonstration table, and 
behind this, against the wall, a draft closet at one end of a bench which 
has a capacious sink at the other end. It would be well also to have a 
sink within the closet, which could be made use of, for instance, in washing 
out a sulphuretted hydrogen apparatus. A muffle furnace at the side of 
the ordinary stove would be a most valuable adjunct. 
The cost of carrying out experiments such as have been suggested 
remains to be considered. 
The chief item is unduubtedly the balance. Useful work may be done 
at a very early stage of the measurement lessons with scales costing five or 
six shillings, as suggested by Professor Worthington, but their use for 
quantitative chemical work such as is comprehended in the foregoing 
scheme is entirely to be deprecated. The acquisition of the habit of 
weighing carefully and exactly is in itself a discipline of the utmost value, 
to which every boy and girl should be subjected. It is all important, 
therefore, that a fairly good balance should be used, and that the utmost 
care in its use should be enjoined. When not in use the balance should 
be covered over with a cardboard box. Becker’s No. 51 (fig. 2) and No. 67 
balances, to be had from Townson & Mercer, the English agents, are to 
be strongly recommended, the former being probably the more suitable as 
the pans are carried by ‘ bowed’ wires, giving more room for manipula- 
tion, when, as in determining relative densities by the hydrostatic method, 
a bridge to carry a glassful of water is placed across the scale-pan. No. 51 
costs 11. 17s. 6d.; No. 67, 21. 1s. A suitable set of weights (No. 31), from 
500 grams downwards to centigrams, costs 18s. 4d. ven if six balances 
