TRANSACTIONS OF SECTION L. 527 



It is urged that languages teach perseverance : this is learned by ' sticking 

 at ' any branch of study. The Humanities may give a quality which we iised 

 to call ' culture,' but, if so, it can only be gained by those few who learn 

 enough to read masterpieces in the original with ease. Sufficient knowledge 

 of languages to give definition of language should be taught. 



Science study is the best method O'f learning to weigh evidence. Investi- 

 gating the evidence on which scientific statements are based induces a habit of 

 mind afterwards invaluable. 



II. Order of choice of various branches of science. 



1. First, Biology, because it has most bearing on every-day life; in Biology, 

 I include Botany, Elementary Zoology, and Physiology. 



(A) Mistakes are commonly made from ignorance of this subject : e.g. (a) in 

 the interests of economy we are nrged to forgo sugar, though it is a most 

 important food; (6) the Daylight Saving Act, accepted as a war emergency 

 measure, has been passed Avith no consideration of its possible pathological 

 effects. It is seriously lessening the amount of sleep of the children, as they 

 will not, or cannot, get to sleep in daylight. 



(B) A knowledge of the origins of life in plants, protozoa, insects, birds, and 

 mammals is essential, in order to give a rational, consecutive account of the 

 origin of human life when our children begin to question us. Ignorance on this 

 subject leads to harm. 



2. Chemistry and the various branches of physics should be included so far 

 as time permits. An elementary knowledge of the facts of heat, light, and 

 electricity makes life more interesting, and a thorough knowledge of these sub- 

 jects is needed for a medical student. Sufficient chemistry should be taught 

 to make physiology intelligible. 



III. Information concerning present amount of science teaching in various 

 large girls' schools. 



9. Discussion on the Place of Science in the Education of Girls. 



FRIDAY, SEPTEMB'ER 8. 

 The following Reports were received : — 

 1. Re-port on the Character, Worlt, and Maintenance of Museums. 



2. Report on the Influence of School Books upon Eyesight. 



3. Report on the Free-place System in Education. 



4. Report on Popular Science Lectures. — See Reports, p. 326. 



5. Report on the Mental and Physical Factors involved in Educatioi 

 See Eeports, p. 307. 



6. Discussion on the Report on the Mental and Physical Factors 

 involved in Education. 



