:born blind and deaf. 



37 



made in the method, which the circumstances of the case 

 would readily suggest. This pupil, (as has often happened in 

 the education of the deaf and dumb), would soon become the 

 master of his teacher ; and every step which was gained, would 

 of itself, point out the next which was to be taken *. 



" May such a system of instruction remain always matter of 

 pure speculation ! God forbid, that a child should ever be brought 

 into the world, without any substitute but the hand for the eye 

 and for the ear ! But as, unfortunately, such a deviation of nature 

 from her usual course, is an event but too possible, let us con- 

 sider beforehand what may be done, by way of remedy or of 

 alleviation. To restore a Man to society, to his family, and to 

 himself, would be an enjoyment too exquisite, and a conquest 

 too proud, to permit us to abandon the undertaking in de- 

 spair." 



For a comment on the above observations, I must refer to 

 the work at large. They who read it with attention, and who 

 enter fully into the author's views, will be at no loss to per- 

 ceive the different modifications which his plan will require, 



in 



* It is somewbat surprising, that the Abbe Sicard should have overlooked 

 the aid wliich the sense of Smelling seems so peculiarly calculated to furnish, for 

 rearing his proposed Metaphysical Slruclure. Some of the most significant word's 

 relating to the Human Mind, (the word sagacity, for instance), are borrowed 

 from this very sense ; and the conspicuous place wliich its sensations occupy in 

 the poetical language of all nations, shew how easily and naturally they ally 

 themselves witli the refined operations of the Fancy, and with the moral emo- 

 tions of the Heart. The infinite variety of modifications, besides, of which they 

 are susceptible, might furnish useful resources, in the way of association, for 

 prompting the memory, where it stood in need of assistance. 



One of the best schools for the education of such a pupil, would probably be a 

 well-arranged Botanical Garden. 



