80 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



Besides this sub-class, there are the speaking-deaf, the semi- 

 speaking deaf, the speaking semi-deaf, the mute semi-deaf, the hearing- 

 mute, and the hearing semi-mute, these two last sub-classes being, 

 usually, persons of feeble mental power. 



With a class involving such essential differences among its sub- 

 classes and orders, no single method can be expected to be 

 successful. 



The first requisite in the instruction of the deaf, as in all teach- 

 ing, is the establishment of a ready and adequate means of com- 

 munication between teacher and pupil. 



The natural language of the deaf, is beyond all question, the 

 language of signs and gestures. But experiment has proved that 

 many deaf persons, including not a few congenitally deaf, may be 

 taught to speak, orally, and to understand what is said by others, 

 from the movement of their vocal organs. 



The value of the power of speech is so great, that many have 

 insisted that all deaf persons can, and must be taught to speak. 



To suppose that all can be taught to speak well is an error. 



Many deaf persons are lacking in imitative power, in their power 

 over the muscles of their vocal organs, in their power of vision, and 

 in other particulars, which make it impossible for them to attain 

 success in speech. 



For them it is the wise course to forego all effort to impart 

 speech, and give them education through the use of signs, the 

 manual alphabet, and writing. 



Experience has abundantly proven that deaf persons so educated, 

 may lead happy and useful lives, mingling readily with hearing and 

 speaking people. 



It is recommended that in all cases where success seems prob- 

 able attempts be made to teach the deaf to speak ; that where it is 

 practicable special schools for oral teaching should be maintained ; 

 that in all institutions for the education of the deaf articulation 

 should receive attention j that the manual alphabet should be used 

 in all schools for the deaf, and that signs should be made use of 



