- Sars 
Report on the various modes of Printing for the use of the 
Blind. By the Rev, Wituiam Taytor, F.R.S. 
Ir must be a matter of great satisfaction and pleasure to every 
one, who is anxious to alleviate the misfortunes of his fellow- 
creatures, to find that the British Association has been pleased 
to take into consideration the various modes of printing in tan- 
gible characters for the use of the blind; a subject which has 
long occupied the attention of many individuals, and lately of 
some public societies, but which has not made much progress 
till within the last seven years. Now, however, under such 
powerful influence, it is likely to receive that attention and as- 
sistance which will probably bring it to the highest state of per- 
fection which it is capable of*. 
The object in view is twofold, 1st, to print such elementary 
books as may assist in the intellectual education of the blind, 
and afford them amusement and occupation during the many 
solitary hours which they must of necessity, especially in after 
life, be doomed to pass; and 2ndly, to put into their hands the 
word of God in such a tangible shape, that they may be able, 
of themselves, to “ read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest ”’ that 
holy book which is able to make them ‘ wise unto salvation.” 
When the blind are unemployed, they brood over their mis- 
fortunes and draw such comparisons between their condition 
and that of their seeing brethren, as tend to disturb their peace 
of mind, and often to make them discontented : what a blessing 
then will printing in tangible characters prove to that unfortu- 
~ nate class of society, by opening to them new fields of delight, 
and placing within their reach treasures which otherwise they 
never could by their own exertions possess ! 
Lam sorry, however, it has not fallen to the lot of one better able 
to report upon this most interesting and important subject ; not 
that I want zeal in the cause, but on account of the difficulty of 
acquiring a full and accurate knowledge of what progress it has 
‘made and is now making in various parts of the world. I have 
not spared to avail myself of such information as I could collect 
* The Edinburgh Society of Arts, &c. were the first, as a public body, to take 
up this subject in this country, and by their great and praiseworthy exertions 
they have not only collected much valuable information relating to printing 
for the use of the blind, but have ascertained the opinion of almost every per: 
son known to have turned his attention much to the subject, as may be seen 
by their excellent report published in June last. : 
