MENTAL BACKWARDNESS
I
MENTAL BACKWARDNESS
ONCE upon a time, not many years ago, a distinguished French psychologist paid a visit to a Parisian public school. It was accounted an excellent school, and its principal beamed with pardonable pride when the visiting psychologist, Doctor Alfred Binet, explained that he would like to see the pupils at work. Forthwith his desire was granted, and for a time he attentively followed the exercises of a class of forty children. He said little by way of comment, until, toward the close of the lesson-hour, he abruptly inquired:
"Which of these pupils do you consider the most intelligent?"
"That boy yonder," the master answered, nodding toward a pleasant-faced youngster who was diligently reading his book.
"And, pray, how old is he?"
"He is twelve."
"That, I suppose, is the average age for the class?"