322 INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF EDUCATION. 
The ethical teacher tells us that the human ideal, the first and chief end 
of life, should be self-realization, the attainment of the best that there ig 
n the possibilities, powers, and faculties of the individual. This guiding 
shought, this one ultimate end, brings into harmony all departments of 
numan training, This ideal gives us the basis of our science, and sug- 
vests many questions of fundamental importance. 
For example, What is the relation, more exactly than we know yet, of vol- 
antary muscular activity to the activity and training of motor brain centers, 
and through these to general development ? Again, what are the laws 
which indicate the order and method of growth and development in all 
she tissues, organs, and activities in man ? In such study as this, thou- 
sands of individuals must be carefully observed and accurately tested, 
and the various laws determined by induction, tabulation, charting, and 
che various methods of statistical study, which has come to be a distinct 
specialty. Then types are to be brought out in strong relief, not to mis- 
lead but to assist us. Independently of all personal bias or prejudice 
‘hese questions must be settled, through the scientific study of man him- 
self. Here are the fields for the biologist, the physiologist, the psycholo- 
gist, the physical and the general educator. These fields have been too 
much separated. They should overlap with generous margins, so that 
2ach may verify the results of the others, and that there may be unanim- 
ity among all. At present our exact knowledge with reference to these 
most important problems is very meager, especially in the field of physio- 
logical research. 
Dr. George W. Fitz has well brought out this thought in his excel- 
lent paper in the September number of Harvard Graduates’ Magazine : 
“In the absence of exact physiological knowledge, various more or less 
reasonable and far-reaching hypotheses have been assumed, and elaborate 
theories and systems of training based thereon. The advent of new sys- 
tems, and discussions provoked by them, have made clear to physiologists 
the ignorance in relation to some essential facts.” 
The rational study of the science of physical education will stimulate 
the efforts of investigators in many fields, and make plain the vital 
connection between facts hitherto unrelated even in the scientific mind. 
The work of the physical educator lies much in the field of the physical, 
but always from the standpoint of the ideal man, in whom the physical is 
the essential condition of his existence and activity. “It is seen,” says 
Dr. G. Stanley Hall, “that the most perfect physical development involves 
the choicest knowledge, the best morals and religion.” Here “best 
physical development” is related not to the material brute body, but 
to the possible admirable man or woman. 
What forms of exercise will best develop, or assist in development of, 
strength, speed, skill, self-control, accuracy, grace, endurance, automa- 
fism, courage, moral fiber, mental power, will power, character ? The