‘ 
ON THE INFLUENCE OF SCHOOL-BOOKS UPON EYESIGHT. 275 
having régard to the ages of the scholars who are 
required to use them, and of employing only such 
books as reach these standards. 
The importance of the matter becomes still 
more evident when we remember that, according to 
recent medical inspection, at least 10 per cent. of 
the children in our elementary schools have serious 
defects of vision, and about 20 per cent. errors of 
refraction, and see less easily and clearly, even 
when provided with proper glasses, than do normal- 
sighted children. 
At what age should children begin to read from 
books? From the hygienic point of view the later 
the better, and there is reason to believe that little, 
if anything, is lost educationally by postponing the 
use of books in school until the age of seven at 
earliest. Beginners may learn to read from wall- 
charts; and in the general instruction of young 
children, teaching by word of mouth, with the help of 
black-boards, large-printed wall-sheets, pictures, and 
other objects which are easily seen at a distance, is 
preferable from the medical standpoint, for it has the 
great advantage of involving no strain on the eyes. 
Hygienic Requirements with which School-books should 
conform. 
The Committee desires to acknowledge the 
helpful advice received from Mr. J. H. Mason, Mr. 
R. J. Davies, Mr. F. J. Hall, Mr. H. Fitzhenry, and 
Mr. F. Killick in connection with the technical and 
trade aspects of this section of its report; also to 
thank Messrs. Caslon & Co., the Chiswick Press, 
John Haddon & Co., the Imprint Publishing Co., 
Miller & Richard, Shanks & Sons, Stephenson, 
Blake & Co., R. H. Stevens & Co., for the loan 
of specimen books, types, and printing papers. 
T2 
