-grade pupil. Cannot solve
such simple problems as "How many marbles can you buy for ten
cents if one marble costs five cents?" even when he has marbles
and money in his hands. Described by teacher as "mentally slow
and inert, inattentive, easily distracted, memory poor, ideas
vague and often absurd, does not appreciate stories, slow at
comprehending commands." Is also described as "unruly,
boisterous, disobedient, stubborn, and lacking sense of
propriety. Tattles."
Three years later, at age of 15, was in a special class and was
little if any improved. He had, however, learned the mechanics
of reading and had mastered the number combinations.
Deficiencies described as "of wide range." Conduct, however, had
improved. Was "working hard to get on."
A. C. must be considered definitely feeble-minded.
_H. S. Boy, age 11; mental age 8-3; I Q approximately 75._ At
8 years tested at 6. Parents highly educated, father a scholar.
Brother and sister of very superior intelligence. Started to
school at 7, but was withdrawn because of lack of progress.
Started again at 8 and is now doing poor work in the second
grade. Weakly and nervous. Painfully aware of his inability to
learn. During the test keeps saying, "I tried anyway," "It's all
I can do if I try my best, ain't it?" etc. Regarded defective by
other children. Will probably never be able to do work beyond
the fourth or fifth grade and is not likely to develop above the
11-year level, if as high.
[Illustration: FIG. 8. DRAWING DESIGNS FROM MEMORY. H. S.,
AGE 11; MENTAL AGE 8-3]
_I. S. Boy, age 9-6; mental age 7; I Q 75._ German parentage.
Started to school at 6. Now in low second grade and unable to do
the work. Health good. Inattentive, mentally slow and inert,
easily distracted, speech is monotone. Equally poor in reading,
writing, and numbers. I. S. is described as quiet, sullen,
indifferent, lazy, and stubborn. Plays little.
Three years later had advanced from low second to low fourth
grade, but was as poor as ever in his school work. "Miscalls the
simplest words." Moral traits unsatisfactory. May reach sixth or
seventh grade if he remains in school long enough.
I. S. learned to walk at 2 years and to talk at 3.
The above are cases of such marked deficiency that there could be no
disagreement among compe
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