Page:Labour and childhood.djvu/184

 be in any doubt on this point. Nearly every German writer on the subject turns aside to emphasise the importance of it—to show that here is one of the greatest opportunities that can ever be enjoyed by any citizen. "The education authorities of many cities have the desire to reach the parents," says Schubart. "They find a great and new opportunity in meeting them. A school doctor who sees the real scope of his work appreciates this fact." It seems that nearly all are eager to speak to the parents at the examination. And the acquaintance does not end here for they send out circular letters asking for information. They send out letters, too, throughout the whole of the child's school life, giving information or warning. Strange it is to see how prophesy has not been fulfilled, how just the opposite thing has happened to what was prophesied. It was foretold that parental responsibility would be wiped out. It is noted that parental responsibility is created and developed on a large scale—the supply answering wonderfully to the new demand.

Thorough as the entrance examination is, it is not assumed to be anything more than a general diagnosis. It does not, in case of illness, take the place of a full home examination. The immediate aims of the school doctor are to give warning, to prevent in-