atomy of that organ. As yet there is no instrument
for the ear comparable to the ophthalmoscope. The acoumeter is largely
used by aurists and can be obtained from the optician. This instrument
has an advantage over the whisper or watch tests in that its tick is
uniform.

Each ear should be tested separately. Let the child place his finger
against the flap of one ear while the other is being tested. Then
compare the farthest distance from the ear at which the tick can be
heard with the normal, standard distance. During the test all sound
should be eliminated as far as possible and the eyes should be closed.
At a demonstration of ear testing at Teachers College, one student
stated that she could not hear the tick of the watch at a distance
greater than twenty inches. Then the tester walked noisily toward her,
leaving the watch on the desk, five feet away from the patient. She
heard it now. When the class burst out laughing she opened her eyes,
and, seeing the watch so far away, exclaimed, "Why, I thought I
imagined it." Be careful in testing a child to distinguish between what
he "thinks he imagines" and what he really hears. Because of the
difficulties of this test a doubt should be sufficient to warn the
teacher to send the child to be tested by an expert. Detection of
slight deafness may lead to the discovery of serious defects of nose or
throat. Inflammation from cold or catarrh may cause deafness, which if
neglected may permanently injure the ear. Often deafness is due to an
accumulation of wax. A running ear should receive immediate attention,
as it is an indication of inflammation which may imperil the integrity
of the eardrum, and, if neglected, may eat its way through the thin
partition between the ear and the brain and cause death.

It should never be assumed that deafness is incurable. Stupidity,
inattention, and slowness to grasp a situation accompany difficulty of
hearing and should cause the teacher to examine the ears. No ear
trouble is negligible. Children and parents should be taught that the
normal ear is intended to hear for us, not to divert our attention to
itself. When the ear aches or "runs" or rumbles there is something
wrong, and it should be examined together with the throat and nose.

NERVOUSNESS

In New York City one child in ninety-one already examined has had the
form of nervous disease known as St. Vitus's Dance, or chorea. So prone
are we to overlook moderate evils and moderate needs