The next step of development, after forming clear visual impressions,
and closely allied to it, is the development of the faculty of
observation. The eyes see, but the brain perceives. The sense organs
bring a sensation to the brain where, by the act of perception, it is
classified or identified as being like certain other objects and filed
away in its proper place.
Recognition goes a step farther and places this object alongside of one
particular mental image, which it resembles.
Standing by the gate in the twilight you see an object coming down
the road. As it approaches you Perceive that it is a cow. As it comes
closer you Recognize it as Neighbor Jones' cow. You Perceive that it
is a cow, but you Recognize her as a certain cow, different from all
others.
It is a fact that the eye may be perfect, and the nerve connecting it
with the brain may be in good working order, and yet no impression
may be received by the brain. Injury to that area of the brain which
receives the impression from the eye may cause total blindness; at
the same time the eye and nerves connecting it with the brain may be
physically perfect.
When the brain is not injured, the same result is brought about by lack
of Attention. The eye can look straight at an object and you do not
perceive it. The brain does not accept any impression of it.
Attention is necessary that the sense impressions may be properly
perceived and recognized; and this completed mental operation is
commonly called Observation. Trained senses that react quickly make
possible quick perception and recognition. The result is quick,
accurate, and complete observation. Observation requires knowledge and
it develops definite knowledge, but most people are poor observers.
Help your children to be definite in their knowledge and to know what
they know. How many can tell the different trees by name? How many legs
has a spider, a fly, a bee, a butterfly?
It is a strange fact that the poorly educated are the best observers.
Do not lose sight of the necessity of helping the child to form the
habit of observation. It is the basis of common sense. Do not let him
grow up ignorant of the common knowledge and experiences.
The faculty of observation is also the basis of science and of the
success of specialists in every line. The story is told of a young
man, who, having made up his mind to become a naturalist, went to a
celebrated teacher in that line of study. The professor set the young
man at work drawing a picture of a fish. The picture was soon finished
and carried to the teacher for inspection, who, without looking up,
said: "Draw it again." This seemed foolish to the young man, but he sat
down and drew a new and better picture, which he again carried to the
teacher for approval. This time the professor told him to go back and
improve it and to wait until he should come to inspect it. The young
scholar returned, did some more work on the picture and then pushed it
back and waited. The professor did not come and so he started wandering
restlessly around the room, thinking he had been forgotten.
Soon he became interested in studying the fish he had been drawing; he
noticed several peculiarities of the eye which he added to his picture.
This led him to a more careful study, and other details were noted and
added. He then decided he could draw a better picture, so started all
over again. After days had passed, the professor came in and glanced at
the picture which the young man then realized was still only partially
complete. For one year this young scholar was kept busy studying and
drawing the fish, then the old professor told him: "You have learned
the greatest lesson of the scientist, observation." This young man was
Agassiz, who became America's foremost naturalist.
Observation usually occurs where there is a motive. Do not ask the
child to develop it, but induce him to play games and to strive to
excel in contests which require observation.