226 Alphabets for the Use of the Blind. 



With reference to these latter improvements, and a recent relative commu- 

 nication from Mr Gall jun., the Committee also reported, that — 



" In ordinary books, the letter-press is more easily read by those who see, when the 

 lines are a little separated from each other, than when they are set close together ; and 

 much more so must this be the case with books for the use of the Blind. The diffi- 

 culty experienced by the Blind in reading a closely printed page, has been ingeniously 

 obviated by Mr Gall, by simply leaving blank spaces between each printed line, suf- 

 ficiently large to admit of a corresponding number of lines being printed in these 

 •paces on the reverse sides of the page. Each leaf of paper is thus printed on both 

 sides, like books for the seeing, while to the /«? it appears to be only printed on one 

 side ; and the lines are at the same time perfectly distinct and separated, so as to pre- 

 vent the finger running from one line into another — an objection said to be hitherto 

 specially applicable to Mr Gall's angular character of type. 



" The plan oi fretting, or giving the types a dotted or rough surface, as hinted at 

 in some of the earlier communications to the Society, must also very considerably fa- 

 cilitate the processes both of printing and reading. By this means, the severe labour 

 of press-printing for the Blind is much diminished, and the fretted surface is well adapt- 

 ed for facilitating the progress of reading by the sense of touch. 



" On the whole, from these and other recent improvements in the means of educa- 

 ting the Blind, the Committee are liopeful that such a simple modification, and judi- 

 cious combination, of both capitals and small letters, from the various alphabets now 

 before the Society, will be speedily accomplished by Mr Gall, Mr Alston, or some of 

 the other philanthropic gentlemen now practically engaged in this important matter, as 

 will give general satisfaction, and be universally adopted for the use of the Blind.'' 



The Society unanimously approved of both of these Reports, and ordered 

 them to be printed for circulation in their Transactions. Mr Gall junior 

 has since sent to the Secretary the following communication : — 



" 24. Nidilnj Street, 2\st June 1837. 



Dear Sir, In consequence of the adoption of the report upon the Alphabets and 



methods of printing for the Blind, which were submitted for competition some years 

 ago, in which the capitals proposed by the late Dr Fry are preferred, and as the So- 

 ciety has also recommended their adoption along with the methods invented by my fa- 

 ther and myself of printing by means of the fretted types, and on both sides of the 

 paper, I beg to state that my father, in compliance with their recommendation, will 

 unite the two olijects, and print iu the manner which they recommend. 



I beg also to state, that neither my father nor myself will consent to any individual 

 making use of the inventions of fretted types and printing on both sides of the paper ; 

 for although the expense of a patent prevented our securing by luw a property in these 

 inventions, yet we appeal to every honourable mind whether, when our wish is thus ex- 

 pressed, any one ought to take advantage of this circumstance. 



If receiving any premium from the Society for these inventions be considered a per- 

 mission for any one to make use of them, we beg most respectfully to decline it. 



I would feel much obliged by your mentioning tiiis in any publication or letter in 

 which the decision of the Society is announced. 



I am, Sir, your most obedient Servant, 



James Gall, Jun. 

 James Tod, Esq. Sec. Soc. Arts, &c." 



The other Candidates, bssides Dr Fry, particularlv noticed in the jirincipal 

 ■Report, are Messrs Hay, Gall, Ponton, Lothian, Milne, and Richardson, all 

 of whom had evidently devoted great attention to the subject ; and the Com- 

 mittee expressed their obligations in an especial manner to the Rev. Mr Tay- 

 lor, Dr Carpenter of Bristol, and Mr Alston, for their valuable assistance 

 throughout the inquiry. 



The following were the Members of Committee : — 



Sin Thomas Dick Lauder. Bt.. late V.P. S.A. 

 Patrick Neii.l, Esq. LL.D., F.R.S.E. 

 John RonisoN. Esq. Sec. R.S.E. 

 George Mackillop, Esq. 

 John Dunn, Esq., Cur. S.A. 

 Rev. Edward Craiq, A.M. Oxon. 



Willtam Beilbv, Esq., M.D. 

 Robert Bald, Esq., F.R.S.E., V.P. S.A. 

 John S, More, Esq., K.R.S.E., Couns. S.A. 

 Edward Sang, Esq., F.R.S.E., Couns. S.A. 

 William Fraser, Esq., Couns. S..A., Con- 



