Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 5.djvu/554

 538 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

with the large sizes, and passed to the smaller sizes until she failed to read clearly and correctly. One eye was tested at a time. Twenty-four showed a marked difference between the two eyes. The difference between delinquents and students was found in both strength and acuteness. The former tire more readily, and the average shows that they failed at a size twice as large as that upon which the students failed.

This may be due in part to the following reasons : The delin- quents were older than the students. On the other hand, how- ever, the physician at the reform school states that of the girls received there about two-thirds have defective vision. The students have read more and assist themselves more readily by association of words and phrases. The hesitancy with which the delinquents read and pronounce tends to render their per- ception of words less accurate. The irregularity of habits and excessive use of the eyes during night hours, often under glaring lights, must tend to weaken them, as does also the use of strong stimulants.

The tests for pain were made upon the temporal muscle with an instrument which registers the amount of pressure required to produce a just discernible painful sensation. When the subject feels the sensation of pain, she indicates it, the pressure is stopped, and the reading taken. Three tests were made upon each temporal muscle, and the average used. For the students the amount required was : right, 2,018 grams; left, 1,922 ; reform school: right, 2,159 ; left, 2,105 ; delinquents: right 3,243; left, 3,159. My results confirm the statement that the left side is more sensitive than the right.

Dr. MacDonald has advanced the theory that luxuries and refinements tend to increase this sensitiveness. As these are incident to higher cultural and educational standards, they would support the hypothesis herein presented. One peculiarity of criminals is noteworthy : while they have an extreme fear of pain, they endure it without complaint when it is actually applied.

A test for securing the coordination of eye and hand was next given. A blank containing a number of small circles, as arranged on a target, was placed upon the wall. The subject