The Phenomenon of Scattering in the Binet-Simon Scale

way a normal one whose development has been retarded or arrested. He is inferior, not in degree, but in kind. The retardation of his development has not been uniform. Obstructed in one direction his development has progressed in others. ... So far as certain faculties are concerned, he remains at the level of a younger child; but in respect to others, he is on a level with normal children of his own age. An unequal and imperfect development is consequently his Specific characteristic. These inequalities of development may Vary to any degree in different subjects. They always produce a want of equilibrium, and this want is the differentiating attribute of the defective." The difference between the feebleminded and the normal is qualitative rather than quantitative. We assume it is on the basis of these sweeping generalizations, which, we are led to conclude, represent merely the personal opinion of the authors as no supporting facts are adduced, that the conclusion has been drawn that the feebleminded "scatter" more in the BinetSimon scale than do normal children, i. e. they fail on more tests m lower age levels while passing more tests in various age levels above the basal age than do the normals. This alleged fact has almost been given the significance of a pathognomonic sign by which we are able to identify those who are "potentially feebleminded," and by which we are thus enabled to make an early prognosis of feeblemindedness in the case of doubtful children who scatter" considerably, but who cannot be diagnosed as feeble-