98 SEVENTH REPORT—1837, 
beginning of this year I published a selection of Psalm tunes, in 
an embossed form, printed from engraved pewter plates, using 
the common form of notes, cliffs, time, &c., which are thus ren- 
dered familiar to the blind, and enable them more easily to be- 
come teachers of music to those whosee. Thus I have given an 
abstract of what I have been able to collect on this subject ; 
but as I have not had an opportunity of visiting many of the 
institutions abroad, it is probable that much has been done, in 
the various branches here noticed, which has never yet come 
under my observation, and of which I am totally ignorant. 
A comparison between the advantages and disadvantages of the 
common Roman and arbitrary Alphabets. 
The great question ‘ whether it is better to employ the com- 
mon Roman letters or an arbitrary alphabet in printing for the 
blind,” has long engaged the attention of many who feel an in- 
terest in this subject, and numerous and ingenious arguments 
have been advanced on both sides. 
It has been contended that an arbitrary alphabet may be com- 
posed of such characters as to possess greater characteristic 
difference, he more legible hy the touch, and occupy less room, 
and therefore be altogether better for the blind than that in 
common use. This may be possible, but such an alphabet I have 
never seen. There are two things to be considered in forming 
a new alphabet before the shape of the letter or character be de- 
termined upon, viz. whether it is better to have the usual num- 
her of characters, or to use a few and to give to each a variety 
of positions to make up the difference. 
It has also been contended by those who advocate arbitrary 
characters, that giving a variety of positions to one character 
reduces the number of forms, and must therefore be less bur- 
densome to the memory. But as every new position does in 
effect become a new form, or something new to be remembered, 
the difference cannot be very great. Some persons hold that 
angular characters are more legible by the touch than such as 
are formed partly or altogether of curves; and the contrary has 
been held by others. 
The Edinburgh Society of Arts have recommended (as before 
stated) the fretted types, as being more easy to make out by the 
touch; but I tried four of the children in the York school with 
specimens of Mr. Gall’s characters both fretted and plain, and 
they all said they liked the plain best as they could read it with 
greater facility. The same was the result of Mr. Alston’s experi- 
ments at Glasgow, as communicated to me in a letter from him*. 
* Mr. Alston has lately greatly improved the paper on which he prints, and 
has also had some improvements made in a few of his letters. 
