Makers of Modern MedicineWalsh, James J. (James Joseph)
History
Makers of Modern Medicine
Walsh, James J. (James Joseph)
Medicine -- Biography
It is interesting to note what was Jenner's opinion with regard to two
subjects that are very much discussed at the present time. These are
the questions of religious training in education, and the advisability
of making nature study a part of the course for children. Jenner
considered that no education could possibly be complete which did not
include both of these subjects. Religious training he deemed
absolutely indispensable. Nature study he advised for somewhat
different reasons from those for which it is now urged. He thought
there was a depth of interest in the study of the objects of nature
that could scarcely fail to lessen the burden of education for the
child, but the main reason for its study to his mind was that children
intent on the wonders of nature could scarcely help but realize the
power of the Creator and, learning to admire Him more and more, be
thus drawn to respect His laws, to acknowledge His supremacy and to
devote themselves to bringing about the fulfilment of His will in this
world to the fullest extent in their power.
{109}
Jenner's religious opinions and beliefs must be left to the expression
of the biographer already mentioned, who gives them very fully. He
says:
"One of the most remarkable features in Jenner's character, when
treating of questions of a moral or scientific nature, was a devout
expression of his consciousness of the omnipresence of the Deity. He
believed that this great truth was too much overlooked in our
systems of education; that it ought to be constantly impressed upon
the youthful heart, and that the obligations which it implied, as
well as the inward truth and purity which it required, should be
rendered more familiar to all. Mrs. Jenner was constantly occupied
in teaching these lessons to the poor around her, in schools which
she established for the purpose of affording a scriptural education.
He, building upon this foundation, wished to add instruction of a
more practical description, deduced from their daily experience, and
illustrated by a reference to those works of wisdom and beauty which
the universe supplies. He always contended that some aid of of this
kind was necessary to impress completely upon the character of the
lower ranks those maxims which they derived from their teachers. He
had other views, too, in recommending such a plan; he thought that
the lot of the poor might be ameliorated, and many sources of
amusement and information laid open to them which they are at
present deprived of; that the flowers of the field and the wonders
of the animal creation might supply them with subjects of useful
knowledge and pious meditation."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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