Page:Preparation of the Child for Science.djvu/49



It is a common mistake to suppose that no preparation for science is needful or possible, except early teaching of what are called scientific subjects. Early attitude is far more important than early teaching.

Medical authorities have told us that consciousness resides in but a small portion of the total machinery by means of which we think and learn, and that it is dangerous and futile to over-feed and over-exercise that small portion, while neglecting that larger portion the action of which does not immediately cause consciousness. And, indeed, there is much reason to believe that the amount learned by children might be very much increased without the least injury to their health of body or mind, and with much less exertion than is now imposed on them and on their teachers, if the