IN the sad years that have intervened since this book was published, we have all been impressed by the brilliant achievements of science in every depart ment of practical life. But whereas the application of chemistry and electricity and biology might, per haps, be safely left to the specialists, it seems to me that in a democracy it is essential for every Single person to have a practical understanding of the workings of his own mind, and of his neighbor's. The understanding of human nature should not be left entirely in the hands of the specialists — it con cerns all of us. There is no better way for beginning the study of human nature than by following the unfolding Of a spirit as it takes place before us in the growth of a child. I am humbly grateful of the assurances received from many quarters that these chapters have aided many parents and teachers in such study.