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49
A.H., aged 12, Standard IV. Vision recorded in 1904 as 6/12. In March 1905 it had
fallen to 6/18. The first specimen of writing was then made, shewing want of alignment, and
some ataxic characters. It did not appear to be due to any colour scotoma, although this
was not actually tested. Cigarette smoking to a considerable extent was acknowledged
by the boy, who abandoned the habit. At the succeeding school testing he was absent
suffering from scarlatina, but on return had normal vision, no tremor and wrote the
specimen as illustrated.
J.S., aged 13, in the same class, had normal vision recorded in 1904, but only 6/24 in March,
1905. He had similar handwriting and smoking habits to his friend and equally recovered
on abstaining. At the school inspection in February, 1906, the second specimen was
written. His vision normal and hands steady and the teacher stated that there was considerable
improvement in character.
A boy who wants to do accurate work of any kind will eschew tobacco. But for the full development
of the highest mental qualities which make up the moral control, as well as for the sake of
good physique, there should be legislation to prevent the use or purchase of tobacco by young persons.
11045 G