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through repeated or prolonged absence from zymotics, tubercular, and parasitic diseases, the
children who do not learn to read, and the considerable mass who, although not actually "mentally
defective," are yet of such a low grade mentally that they are neither capable nor worth the effort
of being raised to the ordinary elementary school standard; for these simpler schools are required in
which objective teaching will to a great degree replace the intellectual work of the ordinary school,
and its ideals of literary attainment be very considerably lowered. Such intermediate schools are
the basis of the Mannheim School system. Quite apart from the medical aspect this system would
repay investigation on the spot by a purely educational expert.
BUILDINGS AND FURNITURE.
A considerable number of the older schools in London are very defective when judged by
modern ideals, more especially in the matter of lighting and ventilation, but it is impossible, at any
reasonable cost, to bring them up to modern requirements. The school work must remain
hampered by the conditions there existing.
Whilst our own schools appear more solidly built, and, as regards woodwork, must be very
much more expensive than foreign schools, yet many of these, especially the newer ones in
Germany, are better decorated, and produce a much more pleasing impression.
It is impossible, having regard to sites, cost of material and labour, to make any comparison
between English and German schools, but on inquiry recently I was told that loans on the cost of
school buildings were usually repaid in twenty years.
Heating and Ventilation.—There have been fewer complaints during the past year.
The Oculists have drawn attention to the unsatisfactory heating in 28 schools, unsatisfactory
ventilation in 52 schools, unsatisfactory window lighting in 104 schools, and unsatisfactory
artificial lighting in 77 schools. These matters have been referred to the Architect. Christianstreet,
which is mechanically ventilated and was one of the worst ventilated schools in London.
has been somewhat improved by new engines, which allow of speeding up the fans. It still
remains bad, however, as regards ventilation.
No further work, as regards general principles, has been done in addition to that of last year
In reporting then, it was stated that with mechanical ventilation, where less than 2,000 cubic feet
per hour of air was supplied, complaints of fatigued feelings were common, and the conveyance of
heat by the air was deprecated. A double system of combined propulsion and extraction was
suggested, because it would allow of the pressure in the classrooms being about normal, and permit
free opening of doors and windows. The conveyance of heat by steam or water pipes instead of
mainly by the air was advocated. Mr. W. N. Shaw, F.R.S., has pointed out that thermal considerations
play a great part in the physiology of ventilation. Numerous attempts to detect the cause
of the effects of foul air have been unsuccessful. Dust and particulate poisons are themselves the
cause of specific effects. For instance, the dissemination of measles is fostered by the ill-ventilated
temporary buildings in a way that is not found in the permanent schools. Apart, however, from
these specific results, all attempts to determine a definite chemical cause for the effects of foul air
have been unsuccessful.
Recent work abroad has emphasised the importance of "heat retention" by the body as the
chief factor in the exhaustion felt from foul air. This heat retention is due to the passage of
insufficient quantities of cool air over the body surface. It strengthens the idea that whilst air
must be moved mechanically to provide sufficient ventilation at all times, yet the chief distribution
of heat must be by other means than the air itself.
Desks.—Some experiments are now being made in the use of separate seats and continuous
desks. The conditions are not, however, entirely favourable, as they are being used in buildings where
the rooms had been planned for dual desks, and the dimensions are therefore rather unfavourable.
During the year the Oculists have drawn attention to the wrong position of desks in regard to
light, &c., in 38 schools, and desks of the wrong size in 43 schools. These matters have been
referred to the Furniture Superintendent.