Establishment for the study of vocal physiology : for the correction of stammering, and other defects of utterance; and for practical instruction in "visible speech." / Conducted by Alexr. Graham Bell.

  • Alexander Graham Bell
Date:
1872
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Establishment for the study of vocal physiology : for the correction of stammering, and other defects of utterance; and for practical instruction in "visible speech." / Conducted by Alexr. Graham Bell. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University.

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    the mastoid process, and in front of the ear; the other electrode being held in the hand of the opposite side. The current was gradually increased from two to four, six, and eight ele- ments, without any perceptible effect other than causing a slight dizziness. There was no perception of sound whatever. Case II. — Miss E. Theresa B. Dudley, aged seventeen years. Congenital deaf-mute, in good general health. The history, so far as it could be obtained, gave no evidence of there ever having been any perception of sound. The auricle and meatus on both sides perfectly normal, with the exception of a slight opacity. Eustachian tubes free. The tests with the watch and the tuning-fork gave precisely the same results as in the preceding case, so far as the want of perception of found is concerned. Letter from a Missionary. — Visible Speech in the Mission-Field. [From The Toronto Daily Globe.] The following letter, addressed to a gentleman in Paisley, Scotland, has been forwarded to Prof. A. Melville Bell, the author of ■■ Visible Speech (now resident at Tutelo Heights, Brantford, Ont.), and it is by him com- mended to the press on both sides of the Atlantic, that it may, perchance, be read by some whose interest in the subject may happily take a practical direction in connection with foreign missions. This interesting letter — though not intended for publication — directs timely attention to the linguis- tic applications of the invention, which the author will be happy to forwaid in any way within his power. The writer encloses the First Psalm in Chi- nese, showing that language to be as legible as English, when written in '• visible speech. Chefoo, Deo. 8, 1871. I have no doubt you will be glad to hear how your old pupil is progress- ing. ... I cannot say much about the Chinese as a people yet; but soon I shall have ample opportunity', as I am about to take my first journey. But I am inclined to think well of them. My study of the language has been successful, and greatly aided by our new ABC. It has given me a great advantage over those who are learning beside me. Some here were quite sure they would leave me in the distance very quickly, with all my aids; but now they are compelled to own themselves far behind. I offered to study with them, and give them the advantage of the 8)stem; but they said they did not believe in ' quack,' and declined. Now, although they have had the advantage of being here two or three months before me, I can read three characters to their one; and they cannot pronounce their words correctly. What a glorious system it is ! Such a blessing it could be made to China! Out of the male portion, only about five in the hundred can read, and much tewer still can write; and no woman can read, unless those that missionaries train, and it is a dreadful labor, and takes jears and great expense. Just think what a hinderance this must be to the progress of the Church in China !