Page:A handbook of modern Japan (IA handbookofmodern01clem).pdf/244

184 appropriately has a "Shin [New] Onna-Daigaku," by Mr. Fukuzawa, the famous educator and writer. The following summary thereof is from the "Japan Mail":—

"The 'Sekai-no-Nihon' reviews at some length Mr. Fukuzawa's series of articles entitled 'Shin Onna-Daigaku,' which have now appeared in book form. We give in a brief form the gist of the reviewer's remarks. Mr. Fukuzawa's object in writing so much on the subject of women's position in modern times is to endeavor to create a new standard for women. Hitherto the teaching of Kaibara Ekiken's 'Onna Daigaku' has been accepted in all quarters. According to it woman occupies a subordinate position, and must on no account assert her independence or claim equality with man. While showing the untenableness of all such theories, Mr. Fukuzawa does not rush to an opposite extreme. He defines woman's position in a remarkably common-sense way. He would not have women attempt to imitate men. They have their own spheres and should keep to them. When discussing the education of girls he insists on the necessity of making a special point of giving them a thorough drilling in household duties. They should have a knowledge of cooking; they should be taught how to make the most of money, how to manage servants, &c. Next to these things he attaches great importance to their being instructed in the laws of health. Among other subjects botany is to be recommended as specially suited to the female mind. He further argues that women should be taught Economy and Law. He thinks that a knowledge of these subjects will tend to develop their general intelligence, and save them from becoming the creatures of emotion. In olden times a woman carried a dagger in her girdle to be used