Health in the nursery / by Henry Ashby.

  • Henry Ashby
Date:
1905
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Health in the nursery / by Henry Ashby. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    Among these hereditary tendencies, which are early in evidence, are the tendencies to the formation of habits which are necessary for the infant’s comfort and well-being, but these must be fostered and en¬ couraged under the influence of the nurse and parents, if they are to be formed aright. While the infant inherits much which makes for the right direction, there can be little doubt that early in life it shows tendencies which have been derived from our savage and uncivilised forefathers. It must be said, alas! that it is destitute of any sort of con¬ science, its pleasures are those of its appetite, it has a short and sharp temper, and will bite and ‘ butt ’ when its angry passions are aroused. As Sully puts it, ‘ Ages of civilisation have not succeeded in eradicating some of the most characteristic and unpleasant impulses of the brute.’1 In addition to the inherited tendencies which are common to all civilised races, the infant succeeds to various family virtues and failings, just as it also shows a family likeness in its face and configuration. It has been said that ‘ Nature is stronger than nurture,’ and strong hereditary tendencies often appear to defy the most persistent care and training ; but who can doubt that education in the broadest sense, and the influence of refined caretakers, power¬ fully stimulate the healthy tendencies and efficiently hold in check the evil ones ? Fortunately, very early in the infant’s career it is influenced very materially by its surroundings, and is capable of much physiological training. The nurse, for instance, learns to put it to sleep by some 1 Children’s Ways, p. 114.
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