furniture may be in part to blame for these
positions. Investigations of this problem have shown that most of the
school desks and seats in use in our public schools are unhygienically
constructed, in that they _force_ pupils into unnatural positions. School
seats should support the pupil in a natural position, both in the use of
his books and in writing, and there are many arguments in favor of the
so-called "adjustable" school furniture. Fig. 106 shows the seat and desk
designed by the Boston, Mass., Schoolhouse Commission after much study and
experimenting and used in the Boston schools. This furniture, which
provides a seat adjustable for height, having a back rest also adjustable
for height, and a desk which is likewise provided with a vertical
adjustment, supplies all essential hygienic requirements. It is to be
hoped that school furniture of this character may in the near future come
into general use.

[Fig. 106]

Fig. 106--Adjustable seat and desk used in schools of Boston, Mass.

*Correction of Skeletal Deformities.*--It is, of course, easier to prevent
deformities of the skeleton by giving attention to proper positions, than
to correct them after they have occurred. It should also be noted that
severe deformities cannot be corrected by the individual for himself, but
these must come under the treatment of specialists in this line of medical
work. In mild cases of spinal curvature, drooping of the head, and round
shoulders, the individual _can_ benefit his condition. By working to
"substitute a correct attitude for the faulty one,"(81) he can by
persistence bring about marked improvements. It is better, however, to
have the advice and aid of a physical director, where this is possible. It
should also be borne in mind that the correction of skeletal deformities
requires effort through a long period of time, especially where the
deformities are pronounced; and one lacking the will power to persist will
not secure all the results which he seeks.

*"Setting Up" Exercises.*--The splendid carriage of students from military
schools shows what may be accomplished in securing erectness of form where
proper attention is given to this matter. The military student gets his
fine form partly through his exercises in handling arms, but mainly
through his so-called "setting up" drill. As a suggestion to one desiring
to improve the form of his body, a modification of the usual "setting