Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 6.djvu/857

 STUDY OF MAN 843

at their beginnings. Special emphasis is therefore laid on the investigation of criminal and abnormal children.

SUGGESTIONS AS TO FURTHER STUDIES.

It would be important to find what physical and mental characteristics are common to criminal children, and whether such characteristics are due more to the child's nature or more to his environment. Only thorough and patient study of large numbers of children can answer such questions ; theory and speculation based on a few facts cannot, but they may accom- plish good in calling attention to the subject. It is generally believed, but not proved, that crime is mostly due to surround- ings ; if this can be determined, then there is great hope of lessening it, for it is much easier to change the surroundings of a child than to change its nature.

INVESTIGATION OF SCHOOL CHILDREN.

Much study has been devoted to children in our public schools ; mistakes have doubtless been made by those with more enthusiasm than training. But this is the case with all new lines of inquiry. Yet there are very practical matters we should know as to our schools. To establish the measure of the work accord- ing to the strength of the pupil is fundamental to health. For overtaxing the powers of the young can leave its mark for life.

What is the maximum work suitable to a child in the differ- ent periods of development in its school life ? And can this maximum be injurious at times, as at puberty, when all the vital force may be required for growth ? To answer such practical questions, we must know the physiology of normal growth ; its rate of increase or decrease, and what influences cause such increase or decrease. 1

UNRULY AND REFORMATORY CHILDREN.

It would be desirable to find what physical and mental traits are common to unruly school children and children in reforma- tories. If there is nothing peculiar as compared with children

'For further discussion see "Experimental Study of Children" (by writer), reprint from Report of Commissioner of Education for 1897-8, Washington, D. C.