(24 INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF EDUCATION. 
course of psychology and child-study as I have in mind need not neces- 
sarily be introduced as a new branch, but can very naturally be incorporated 
in the work of physiology, and be made to contribute its share toward the 
cultivation of the powers of observation and judgment in the student. I 
am sure that the facts contributed to the general sum of knowledge by 
this subject are of such vital importance that we cannot afford to set them 
aside. 
With regard to those persons who have already passed the school period 
and yet lack the necessary knowledge and interest in this subject, I am 
sure the time is ripe for action. The University Extension and kindred 
societies which are doing so much toward raising the standard of general 
culture can certainly lend a hand, by providing courses in psychology and 
child-study for parents. 
Already in London there has been formed a society known as the 
i Parents’ National Educational League,” of which the Earl and Countess 
of Aberdeen were presidents. This is a step in the right direction, and 
has been followed by the establishment of a class of mothers for the pur- 
poses of child-study in connection with the Brooklyn Institute, Brooklyn, 
N.Y. The exact character of the work of this latter class I do not know, 
jut it serves to indicate that a demand for such work exists. In these 
days of societies and clubs all that is needed is suggestion and intelligent 
Yirection. But there must be some one to suggest and some one to direct, 
and 1 am going to take the liberty of placing the responsibility of this 
npon the advocates of child-study. The knowledge that you are seeking 
's just the kind of knowledge that parents need. These questions which 
‘nterest you from a scientific point of view, should be made of interest to 
‘athers and mothers from a practical point of view ; and I want to ask 
you of what avail are all your research and splendid achievements, if after 
all they do not directly benefit the children ; and how can they benefit the 
=hildren except through the parents ? 
Let me entreat your interest in this movement, for the initiation of 
which two things are necessary: first, literature adapted to the use of 
parents. Will you not formulate the methods and results of your investi- 
zations in such a way as may be available in carrying on this work ? The 
second requirement is interest. Will you not, each one here present, 
take it upon yourself to create in your own social circle, whether it be 
great or small, such an interest in child-study as shall move parents to 
seek that enlightenment which is so necessary to the intelligent direction 
of home training ? 
And as we witness the marvellous harmony of things just over in the 
« White City” by the Lake, may we resolve to sound the chord of the 
dominant seventh in education, the resolution of which will ever bring us 
to the perfect harmony of man.