adually maturing a permanent course
of study to meet as far as practicable its conflicting elements."

The lack of method and discipline that characterized the mental habits
of the assembly of young women who gathered here, was even more evident
in their physical habits, and the effort to counteract the results of
injudicious food, dress, social excitement, etc., seemed for a time
almost hopeless. But, as order began to be evolved from the original
chaos of the educational elements, a corresponding improvement was seen
in the hygienic _morale_; and year by year this has made steady advance,
keeping pace with the constantly improved standard of scholastic
attainment.

Those who have had large experience as teachers will readily understand
how the disappointment and irritation that so many of these students
felt, both as to their mistaken notions regarding their previous
education, and their vague and irrational ideas about what they would
accomplish in a brief residence at this new Woman's College, acted
unfavorably upon their health. In not a few instances there was induced
an abnormal sensitiveness, which made it well-nigh, sometimes entirely,
impossible for them to remain in such a large household. This, added to
the usual homesickness of young people making their first essay in
independent living, and the absence of regular and definite duties, made
a peculiarly trying ordeal for the first few months. Then, all the while
and everywhere, beside and beyond these general disturbing influences,
there were found the special and individual lack of any sound hygienic
theory and practice, and a persistent antagonism to the sanitary
regulations which were made obligatory. That the time for sleep should
begin early, and be uninterrupted for eight hours, was a rule stoutly
resisted and habitually disobeyed by many a pale-faced, nervous girl,
who, when remonstrated with, had invariably at her tongue's end, "At
home I have always studied as late at night and as early in the morning
as I pleased, and it never hurt me!"

Numbers of little, stunted, dyspeptic girls "couldn't see any sense in
making such a fuss if they didn't go regularly to meals;" these it was
not easy to convince that no good brain-work could be done on a diet of
toast and tea, or crackers soaked in a paste of vinegar, molasses,
mustard, pepper and salt, or confectionery and pastry. They "hated" beef
and vegetables, and brown bread, as well as stated hours