quares, a prelude to the drawing of similar
lines; and the copying of stick dictations, either from the table, or
from memory, into drawing, is a most excellent exercise, calling into
requisition great correctness and good judgment, besides an unusual
amount of calculation, since the stick dictation will be on a scale of
one inch, and the drawing on a scale of one fourth inch, reducing the
original design to one in miniature. The child will almost always
begin by attempting to make the picture exactly like his model in size
without counting the inches and trying to make it mathematically
correct; but after the idea is carefully explained and fully
illustrated, he will have no further difficulty excepting, perhaps,
with the more complicated figures containing slanting lines.

Ambidexterity.

We should encourage in all possible ways the use of both hands in all
the exercises with gifts and occupations, not only that one may be as
skillful as the other, but also to avoid a one-sided position of the
body which frequently leads to curvature of the spine. The well-known
physiologist, Professor Brown-Sequard, insists on the equal use of
both hands, in order to induce the necessary equal flow of blood to
the brain. Through the effect of our irregular and abnormal
development, the cause of which is the too persistent use of the right
hand, one lobe of our brains and one side of our bodies are in a
neglected and weakened condition, and the evils resulting from this
weakness are many and widespread. Dr. Daniel Wilson says: "In the
majority of cases the defect, though it cannot be wholly overcome, may
be in great part cured by early training, which will strengthen at
once both the body and mind."[73]

[73] "Whenever the early and persistent cultivation of the
full use of both hands has been accomplished, the result is
greater efficiency, without any corresponding awkwardness or
defect. In certain arts and professions, both hands are
necessarily called into play. The skillful surgeon finds an
enormous advantage in being able to transfer his instrument
from one hand to the other. The dentist has to multiply
instruments to make up for the lack of such acquired power.
The fencer who can transfer his weapon to the left hand
places his adversary at a disadvantage. The lumberer finds it
indispensable, in the operation of his woodcraft, to learn to
chop timber right-and-left-handed; and