Abstract
MANY people have an idea that it is impossible to learn physiology without the complex paraphernalia of the modern laboratory. Some go to the other extreme, and imagine it is possible to become acquainted with the subject from books alone. Both are obviously wrong, and Miss Coomber's manual will show how easy it is to teach the principles of elementary hygiene (applied physiology) with quite simple materials, such as a few bottles, a spirit lamp, a chemical reagent or two. and material such as any butcher can furnish. Whilst thoroughly agreeing with the underlying idea of the book-that such teaching, to be effective, must be practical-one is a little doubtful whether the system of question and answer, which is adopted throughout, though most suggestive to the teacher, is really the best for the learner. Some little summary of the main conclusions in each section should follow (or precede) the catechism and practical exercises. Indeed, the authoress oftens feels this herself, for some of the answers are prodigiously lengthy. Experience will, however, show whether some short connected accounts will be advisable in future editions. Any competent teacher could quite well supply the want if it is found necessary, and perhaps Miss Coomber thinks that this is the duty of the actual teacher rather than that of the writer of the present admirable little guide.
Lessons and Experiments on Scientific Hygiene and Temperance for Elementary School Children.
By Helen Coomber. Pp. xx + 163. (London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd., 1914.) Price 1s. net.
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H., W. Lessons and Experiments on Scientific Hygiene and Temperance for Elementary School Children . Nature 95, 643 (1915). https://doi.org/10.1038/095643b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/095643b0
