The posture of the child and the condition of its vision must be particularly considered in the prophylactic measures instituted by the family physician. The attention of the parents should be directed to faulty positions assumed by the child, such as sitting with the body twisted or "crooked," the shoving forward of the right or the left shoul der while writing, or the advancing or dropping of one hip while stand ing, so that by constant correction the resulting evils may he prevented. The physician should personally correct the faulty attitude of the child, lest through lack of early attention the time should pass when a possible scoliosis may be prevented: and in order that the muscles of the back may not remain inactive, thereby hecoming the first step to a faulty posture, ns is so frequently the case.
The child should not he kept too long in any one position (sitting, or bending over as in writing), but should frequently interrupted, say at half-hour intervals, to made to sit erect, or to take short marches, or calisthenics, or some gymnastic exorcises.
Memorizing is most efficiently accomplished while standing, walk ing, or going tip or down hill.
One of the most important factors in the prevention of seoliosis is a proper writing desk for the use of the child. The ordinary desks found in the market, in spite of numerous improvements, leave much to be desired, for if the desk is not suited to the size of the child, it will do more harm than good. An ordinary table and chair are often prefer able, each bearing the proper relative height to the other, and to the size of the child: and both being so constructed as to afford the child a comfortable upright position while seated, without producing cramp or fatigue. The height. of the bench or chair should equal the length of the child's leg, the entire sole of the foot resting upon the floor. The depth of the seat should equal three-quarters the length of the thigh. The height of the table should be regulated according to the height of the chair, the vertical distance between the edge of the table and the anterior edge of the chair being, in boys, one-sixth to one-eighth the length of the body, and in girls 1 to 3 cm. more. The top of the table should be level with the child's elbow when seated. The edge of the desk in the rear should he about 2 to 5 cm. higher than the top edge of the bench in front to permit the correct position in writing (Minusdistanz). A
skilful carpenter can make an ordinary wooden chair and table fulfil all these requirements for the correct seating of the child, by adjusting them in the proper relation to each other and to the child. The "Minus distanz'' is readily ascertained by shoving the chair under the table for a short distance. Another method of preventing scoliosis is the intro duction of vertical writing (Steilschrift), practiced in the most radical manner, with the lower edge of the paper parallel with the edge of the desk.
The physician must instruct the parents regarding the harm which may result to the eyes by using them in the twilight or in artificial or poor light, or by reading small writing, poor printing, etc.
To prevent the morbid conditions, especially of the nervous system, which manifest themselves in muscular relaxation and anemia, it is necessary to exercise all the measures mentioned above: a simple but nourishing diet; rational development and cultivation of bodily strength; sufficient periods of rest after working; fully satisfying the requirements for sleep; plenty of time spent in the open air; and filling up the hours of freedom with childish play and sport. Special emphasis should be given to the importance of a healthy bringing up, which should include as its most potent factor a good example, and in \Odell due regard has Keen given to the child's talents and individuality. Just as the proph ylaxis of the child's physical life demands tlie sparing of its powers and their use in moderation, so are the same measures to prevent overtaxing of its mental strength, and for the conservation of its spirit. In regard to these latter, it is possible to make only a few brief suggestions. During the first year of life, it is proper and necessary to give the child absolute mental and physical rest, and not to interfere with its tendency to sleep, because sleep and rest mean development for it. Nor should we attempt in the second and third years to arouse its mental powers by questions and stories, in an endeavor to produce precocious development. During this time, it is merely a matter of fostering the senses; and, inasmuch as the spiritual life is built upon sensory impressions, everything depends upon the proper development of the senses and the reception of correct impressions obtained in the proper strength.