Note 156 — PART II. OF DISEASES. (continued 6)

Though those who have the misfortune to be born deaf are generally suffered to continue dumb, and consequently are in a great measure lost to society, yet nothing is more certain than that such persons may be taught not only to read and write, but also to speak, and to understand what others say to them. Teaching the dumb to speak will appear paradoxical to those who do not consider that the formation of sounds is merely mechanical, and may be taught without the assistance of the ear. This is not only capable of demonstration, but is actually reduced to practice by the ingenious Mr. Thomas Braidwood of Edinburgh. This gentleman has, by the mere force of genius and application, brought the teaching of dumb persons to such a degree of perfection, that his scholars are generally more forward in their education than those of the same age who enjoy all their faculties. They not only read and write with the utmost readiness, but likewise speak, and are capable of holding conversation with any person in the light. What a pity any of the human species should remain in a state of idiotism, who are capable of being rendered as useful and intelligent as others! We mention this not only from humanity to those who have the misfortune to be born deaf, but also in justice to Mr. Braidwood, whose success has far exceeded all former attempts this way; and indeed it exceeds imagination itself so far, that no person who has not seen and examined his pupils, can believe what they are capable of.—As this gentleman, however willing, is only able to teach a few, and as the far greater part of those who are born deaf cannot afford to attend him, it would be an act of great humanity, as well as of public utility, to erect an academy for their benefit.