Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 10.djvu/346

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334 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

ing the feeble-minded and the juvenile offenders, and the vacation schools for summer vagrants among children, have made sub- stantial and appreciated contributions to the science of education.

Crises in commerce and industry are felt to be pathological; but a scientific study of crises reveals the principles which should regulate ordinary business in such a way as to avoid widespread financial ruin, as rules and laws controlling the issue of currency, the straining of credit, and the fluctuations in the production of commodities.

The labors of the philanthropist awaken and sustain those social habits of thought and sympathy which elevate and ennoble family life, refine customs, and inform legislation with a universal moral aim. Mediaeval charity was full of blunders, but its fail- ures are our warnings, and its spirit of devotion inspires us through the literary monuments of its typical heroes. In a similar way the institutions and laws which public and private charity are now constructing will shine over the waste of years a veritable pharos for the centuries to come.

CHARLES RICHMOND HENDERSON.

THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO.