Motography (Apr-Dec 1911)

10 MOTOGRAPHY Vol. V, No. Films Help Teach Surgery There seems to be little doubt that the moving picture machine is destined to become a recognized factor in the course of surgical instruction. Among others who will benefit by its introduction may also be reckoned those persons — and there are many such nowadays — who, although not actually following the profession of medicine or surgery, interest themselves in assisting the suffering, as they will thus acquire a knowledge of certain facts of immeasurable importance. It is probable that few persons, if any, can have foreseen in the invention of the moving picture machine that which would to a great extent revolutionize the world of teaching; and yet thisis precisely what the instrument promises to do, though originally offered to the public only as a toy, an amusement for an idle hour, in the form of a superior magic lantern combining motion with pictorial effect. The moving picture machine has already brought scenes of national and stirring interest before spectators prevented from seeing the actual occurrences, and with a promptitude that made the representation more valuable. Now it appears about to enter on a path of usefulness the extent and value of which it is impossible to estimate ; for it has been recognized as an unrivaled means of demonstration for the use of teachers, and in cases where the eye and hand require to be educated and trained, there is unmistakable evidence that before long its application will be widely established. Everyone will understand the enormous advantage to those engaged in imparting instruction of a demonstrator which can be called upon to repeat the examples required to explain a lesson whenever and as often as may be required, and can, moreover, be depended upon to reproduce the examples in precisely the same way. The latter attribute makes the moving picture machine extremely useful, especially in cases where delicate and exact manipulation is required, and gives the instrument a great advantage over a mere flesh and blood performer, whose fatigue, state of health, etc., might cause variations. The use of the moving picture machine, by which moving reflections of the subject under consideration will be distinctly seen by all, also enables a much larger number of students to assist at an illustrated lecture, and to derive benefit from the demonstration. In addition, the lecturer, whether he be the author of the examples or not, might be expected to give a far more clear and lucid interpretation of his subject if freed from the embarrassment of simultaneous performance. To students unable to attend the lectures of the cleverest and ablest professors, as well as those whom fate 'compels to reside at some distance from the centers of education, the moving picture machine in its new function will come as an incalculable boon, for it will be possible by its aid to repeat the illustrative action of the greatest authority on any given subject, and by means of an accompanying lecture to repeat the lesson not only as many times as may be required, but in as many different places. This will enable the poor as well as the wealthy, the country as well as the town, to enjoy the same high advantages. Useful as all this undoubtedly promises to be, the moving picture machine, however, proposes to make its greatest mark in the science of surgery, and by its illustrative power to add immensely to the knowledge of that science, as well as to simplify the means of acquiring it. It has also been suggested that by familiarizing people with the sights the moving picture machine might show much of the terror felt regarding a surgical operation could be dispelled ; while the apparent precision and ease with which everything is accomplished, as well as the calmness of the surgeon and his assistants would induce a feeling of confidence. Enough has been said to prove that the moving picture machine has a future of usefulness totally unsuspected by those who first launched it, and of an extent no one in these days of marvelous discoveries can possibly foretell ; while, in addition, there is stimulus given to and a change likely to result in the art of photography, of which the moving picture machine is a part. Kansas City Investigates The first report on the inspection of the moving picture shows and coin machines in the arcades, made by F. F. McClure, superintendent of the recreation department of the board of public welfare, is anything but complimentary. Thirty-nine theaters, half the number to be inspected, have been visited by the investigators, and if the report that will be submitted to the council committee influences the aldermen, an ordinance that will deal severely with the film shows will be recommended. The thirty-nine theaters visited were all in the downtown district and owing to the hours when the calls were made, 11:30 a. m. to 1:30 p. m., the percentage of children found was comparatively small. In the evening hours, it is said, the younger boys and girls are in the majority in attendance, and this, taken into consideration with the class of films shown, shows serious need of revision, the report says. In the thirty-nine theaters visited 131 films were inspected, and objectionable themes, actions and incentives in that number were suicides, murders, holdups, thefts, "con men" and embezzlements. They were listed as to comparison as seventy-six dramatic, forty-six comic and eleven educational. Those not fit to show to the class that visits these shows are tabulated as follows : Two picturing finish prize fights, six showing marital unfaithfulness, two which introduced illegitimate children, eleven that showed murder and desperate crimes, and fourteen that were considered questionable from all standpoints. Theaters in which vaudeville acts were a part of the show the committee classed as undesirable and the jokes coarse and in many instances vulgar. In many films that were supposed to be comic the committee declared that boys and children were made to perform "stunts" which attempted to be put into actual operation by some of the youthful patrons of the show would get them into serious trouble with the truant officers. In many of these, it is alleged, the mischief makers were allowed to escape without punishment of any kind that would carry a moral with it. The theaters in the residence districts are to be visited yet and a report submitted. It is hoped to inaugurate eventually a censor committee associated with the welfare board that will have control over the classes of films and pictures shown at all of the shows and arcades of the city.