An account of the origin and progress of the Pennsylvania Institution for the Deaf and Dumb : with a list of the contributors, &c / Published by order of the directors.

Pennsylvania Institution for the Deaf and Dumb

Date:: 1821

Credit: An account of the origin and progress of the Pennsylvania Institution for the Deaf and Dumb : with a list of the contributors, &c / Published by order of the directors. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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$\ in the mute pupil is useless, preferring the more efficient me¬ thod of signs for the purposes of communication. Among the most important convictions with which the mind of our instruc¬ tor was impressed during his recent visit at Hartford, was the benefit which resulted from the location of all the pupils in one building, where, by continual association, the lessons inculcated during the hours of tuition were confirmed, and not dissipated, as is the case when they mix with the mass of society. When the pupils reside remote from the school, it is impossible to en¬ sure regular attendance, and as the mode of instruction de¬ pends, in some measure, upon a classification of the learners, every interruption of the entire class seriously embarrasses the operation of the institution. Your committee so fully feel the force of this suggestion as to be induced, at an earlier moment than they had intended, to solicit your attention to the subject of procuring a building on rent, for the accommodation of the school, in which the pupils may be lodged and subsisted under proper regulations. If this proposition should receive your sanction, it will of consequence be necessary to limit the number of scholars which are to be admitted for a given period, and also to determine, in the pre¬ sent state of our funds, what proportion of pupils can be taught gratuitously. Your committee are of opinion, that the success and perma¬ nence of our institution will depend upon the location of our pupils as a family. The following resolutions are respectfully submitted. 1. Resolved, That the corresponding secretary be requested to communicate the thanks of this board to the principal and tutors of the Hartford school, for the kind reception which they gave to David G. Seixas, on his late mission from .this institu¬ tion, assuring those gentlemen of the gratification which.it will afford this board, to maintain with them the most friendly rela¬ tions. 2. Resolved, That the committee appointed to inquire for a building suitable for our purposes be requested to report at our next stated meeting. 3. Resolved, That the ladies’ committee be requested to as¬ sist this board in determining the kind, quantity, and cost of such furniture, &c. as may be necessary for the accommodation$