Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 3.djvu/596

 582 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

No form of athletics is tolerated which simply gives pleasur- able sensations ; there must be a definite relationship between the gvmnastic etYort and the object desired in particular groups of pupils.

In Group I (mathematical defectives) the gymnastic action of swinging dumb-bells and clubs is not left to the individual, but is performed in regular time, guided by a particular note at inter- vals on the piano or at command, and thus alertness, quickened perception, and prompt execution are secured. In outdoor games each pupil is required to lay out to a standard size courts for hand- and football, tennis, etc., and measure the jumps with a small unit, say two feet. All such exercises tend to develop the mathematical faculty as well as to keep the body in healthv action.

In Group II (self-control defectives) the United States army and navy " setting up " exercises are used, in which regularity of movement and persistence in particular performances are the principl-

Group III (general mental quickening). Wherever there is regular muscular movement, there is increased activity within definite limits controlled by the brain. In weak-minded per- sons, or those of limited mental capacities, though normally sane, these physical harmonies are undeveloped, and so, instead of erect carriage, easy, graceful movement, we have the awk- ward, shambling, ungraceful form, operated by the undeveloped brain. Exercises for these include calisthenics, dumb-bell, long- pole and bar-bell, special apparatus known as "chest weights," marching to time, rope and pole climbing, and frequent baths. Phvsical growth has its reflex development in mental training. This is mental quickening, through physical performances.

Military discipline. -The entire prison population is enrolled in the military organization. The regular daily movement of squads for any purpose whatever is under the command of an officer who may rank from sergeant to major, each responsible to the colonel for the order, time, and presence of each man. One of these majors is detailed in charge of the discipline in the manual school, having as aids citizen captains and inmate lieu-