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52
School baths for cleansing purposes are advisable in all districts where the majority of the homes
are not provided with house baths. No public provision of swimming baths can either sanitarily or
economically supply the needs fulfilled by these shower baths for school children.
Both teachers and doctors in Germany agreed that good effects of the douches could be observed
directly and indirectly in the children, more especially as regards—
i. Better and cleaner clothes chiefly as regards underclothing, with an increased selfrespect
in the children.
ii. Diminution of verminous conditions in the children, and noticeable results of this
in absence of irritation and restlessness during school work.
iii. Considerable improvement in the condition of the classroom atmosphere.
iv. A tonic effect of the baths in sharpening up the school work is also very generally
asserted to be quite noticeable.
James Kerr,
Medical Officer (Education).