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from the teaching it receives, or which make school life absolutely
harmful. It is unquestionable that a large amount of
the disease and defects found amongst school children can be
prevented or remedied, and the main purpose of the medical
examination must be to prevent disease where possible, or,
if disease be discovered, to see that measures are taken to
alleviate or cure. Again, the medical examination of a child
about to leave school may reveal such a state of health as to
make the proposed occupation in life quite unsuitable or
positively detrimental.
PRESENCE OF PARENTS.
Before the examination takes place, a note is sent to the
parents cordially inviting them to be present. The presence
of the parents is greatly to be desired, as much valuable
information can be obtained concerning the child which otherwise
is lost. The opportunity also arises of pointing out
personally to the parent any defects which may be found, such
a course being likely to have much more weight than simply
giving the same information by letter. The occasion also
occurs of advising the parents as to the occupation to be
followed by their children on leaving school; how important
this may be can be illustrated by the following instances:—
In one case, a girl nearly 14 years of age was to learn needlework
on leaving school: she was suffering from a high degree
of myopia. It would be difficult to imagine a more unsuitable
or harmful occupation. In a second case, a boy about to
leave school was found to be suffering from heart disease:
the family medical attendant was communicated with, who
was thus able to advise as to the boy's future. As will be
seen from the figures, only 372 (47.5 per cent.) parents were
present at the examinations; it is a pity that a larger number
did not attend, and it is hoped that, when the scope and purposes
of the examination are better understood and recognised,
a larger percentage of parents will make an effort to accompany
their children.