CONDITIONS OF HEALTH ESSENTIAL FOR CARRYING ON INSTRUCTION, 351 
of which has been proved by experience to place the subsequent study of 
hygiene in its right light. Hygiene is then perceived to be a summing-up 
of other sciences, and of their application to the demands of daily life ; 
theories can be verified by observation and experiment, while a new 
dignity is added to the routine duties of existence. Of equal importance 
is the inclusion of the elements of human physiology in the scheme on 
instruction. Without some comprehension of the functions of the body, 
and a realisation upon what conditions the adequate performance of these 
functions depend, the student of hygiene is exposed to two dangers : on 
the one hand he is disposed toa contemptuous attitude towards the details 
which, rightly regulated, promote vigour and well-being ; on the other, he 
becomes a prey to fads and quackery bringing contempt on his cause and 
useless limitations to his powers and influence. 
Further, it will be noted that prominence is given, wherever possible, to 
the study of the normal conditions of life, more especially of child life. 
Beyond recognition of certain abnormal signs, which should be as soon as 
possible reported to the medical officer, the teacher is not concerned with 
pathology. Itis upona high standard of health, not upon morbid departures 
therefrom, that the mind of school managers and scholars should be con- 
centrated. Neither must the study of hygiene with teachers and children 
be confined to its personal, or even to its scholastic aspects. Too often its 
intimate bearing upon every relation and condition of life is overlooked—a 
serious matter in these days of the extension of local government. A 
permanent interest must be aroused in the means for promoting hygienic 
conditions among all grades of society. The teaching profession must 
realise that no child can be considered equipped for the responsibilities or 
for the stress of modern life without a sound knowledge of hygienic prin- 
ciples. In secondary schools it will be the governing classes of the 
immediate future upon whom the teachers’ influence will be brought to 
bear ; in primary schools, the practice of good habits under difficulties 
and of loyal co-operation with local health authorities must be emphasised ; 
while in both the duties and responsibilities of citizenship, whether 
domestic or municipal, must be indicated by example and precept. 
To this end the Committee desire to refer to the methods by which 
teachers should acquire the fundamental knowledge indicated. 
Theoretical study of hygiene alone rarely stimulates practical applica- 
tion or awakens real conviction of its truths. Not alone should the 
teacher’s course of study be planned upon practical lines, but the tests 
applied at its conclusion should be of a similar character. Power to 
observe and ability to suggest should be required, and personal acquaint- 
ance with appliances and methods, personal, domestic, and scholastic, 
should be demanded. 
HYGIENE FOR ScHooL TEACHERS 
I. Elementary Human Physiology in relation to Hygiene.—Elementary 
structure of the human body. Phases of development. General survey 
of its various systems (nervous, circulatory, respiratory, osseous, muscular, 
digestive, and excretory), with special reference to the nervous system and 
organs of sense, including especially vision, nose breathing, and voice 
production. 
II. Food and Beverages.—Nature and varieties. Standard diets as 
applicable to different ages. 
