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165
Report of the County Medical Officer—Education.

An attempt was made to trace any beneficial result in the mental state of the class. With that
end in view the various class mistresses were requested to watch the children and to note the progress in
their school work. It appeared that there was mental improvement in 8 children. The remarks of the
class mistresses in these cases are appended:—
E. C. "Ellen is much sharper than she used to be."
L. B. "Has improved generally. Is bright and cheerful, working well."
E. D. "Elsie has been much brighter lately." She (teacher) does not know why.
A. E. "Seems brighter in every way."
I. G. "Ivy is naturally quiet." Mrs. K. (teacher) thinks she is brighter and
altogether has more life " in her.
M. H. "She has much improved and is considerably more energetic."
M. S. (Mouth Breather) "Much brighter lately."
C. M. "Was very listless in her class and quite contented to sit still and play with
her fingers. Seems much brighter lately and certainly is interested
in her work."
Camden Street, E. St. Pancras (G.)—(Dr. Norman).—This class originally (June, 1913) consisted of
23 girls specially selected. Eight have left the school, one has been excluded on account of organic heart
disease. Three girls were absent at the final inspection, eleven only forming the class. The girls show
considerable improvement for the 8 months1 special drill, but in their exercises there was a lack of energy
and enjoyment thrown into their movements, in striking contrast to the boys examined in the special
class at Prospect Terrace, St. Pancras, E. They do not show so much improvement as the boys in similar
classes, and it will be advisable for them to remain in the class for a considerable time longer. The girls
are drilled each day for a period of about 20 minutes.
Catherine Street, Hoxton (G.)—(Dr. Chaikin).—The children were selected for the above class from
those presented by the head mistress. They were examined twice. The spinal deformities were postural.
T he class was held daily for 20 minutes. The teacher was very enthusiastic. The exercises were those of
the Board of Education with the addition of crawling. There were 13 children in the class so that individual
attention could be given. Every praise should be given to the head teacher and the teacher in
charge for the interest and care shown. An attempt was made to interest the parents by inviting them
to the first examination. The numbers in the class were few, and rightly so, for only with small numbers
can individual attention be given.
(1) Changes in antero-posterior curves.—5 children had antero-posterior curves; 3 of these
improved.
(2) Changes in lateral curvature.—11 children had lateral curvature. 10 of these improved;
4 were noted with unequal shoulders; 1 improved.
(3) Changes in measurement.—Circumference of chest in "rest" position expressed in centimetres.
3 gained 1 centimetre. 5 gained 2 centimetres. 2 gained 3 centimetres. 1 gained 4 centimetres.
There was thus general improvement. The most noticeable change was in the case of two children
who were rickety. The girls with uneven shoulders did not improve as well as might have been expected.
This is, no doubt, due to their practice of nursing babies.