either to the want of intelligence on
the one hand or of inattention on the other, on the part of the child,
but may be traced to slight defects of eyesight and of hearing. In order
that they may discover these defects teachers ought to be trained in the
observation of the main symptoms which imply defects, and should be
practised in the art of applying the simpler and more obvious remedies
for eye and ear defects. More difficult cases should be referred to the
medical officer of the school. Again, it ought to be a matter of inquiry
at the beginning of the school period as to whether the child possesses
any physical defect which would make it difficult for him to undertake
the full work of the school. In some cases it would be found that the
child was altogether unable to undertake this work, and measures should
be taken to remedy the defect before the child enters upon the school
course. Lastly, it is now realised that more attention must be paid to
the differences that exist between individual children, and that in the
case of children with a low degree of intelligence it is much better
both for themselves and for the school generally to institute special
classes or special schools for their education.

But in order that this medical examination may be thoroughly and
systematically carried out, special legislative authority must be given
to education authorities to incur expense under this head, and
regulations must be laid down by the central authority for the carrying
out of this inspection so as to secure something like a uniform system
of examination throughout the country. For this purpose there should be
attached to each school area a medical officer, or officers, charged
with the sole duty of attending to the hygienic conditions under which
the school work is carried on, and of periodically examining the
children attending the schools of his district.

That the duty of carrying out the medical examination of school
children falls upon the State and should be met out of public funds may
be justified on various grounds. In the first place, it is necessary as
a measure of protection, in order to prevent the child's growing up
imperfectly, and thus becoming in adult life a less efficient member of
society. School work often accentuates certain troubles, and these if
neglected tend gradually to render the individual more and more unfitted
to undertake some special occupation in after-life. Any eye specialist
could