BORN DLIND AND DEAF. 43 



clouded and inexpressive countenance ; his doubtful and shift- 

 ing eye ; his silly and suspicious air, — all seemed to announce, 

 that Massieu was incapable of any instruction. But it was not 

 long till he began to inspire his Teacher with the most flatter- 

 ing hopes." 



Abstracting, however, entirely from all conjectural specula- 

 tions with respect to Mitchell's possible attainments in future, 

 the particulars already in our possession afford data for some 

 important conclusions concerning the capacities of the Human 

 Mind, considered in contrast with the instincts of the Brutes. 

 For these I do not think that the Transactions of this .Society 

 afford a proper place ; and I have accordingly, all along, confi- 

 ned myself to the detail of facts, leaving the philosophical 

 inferences to which they may lead for future consideration. 



Nor is it, in this point of view alone, that his case is an ob- 

 ject of curiosity at the present moment. The examination of his 

 powers of external perception (considered merely as articles of 

 natural history *) promise, under the peculiar circumstances of 



F2 his 



* I cannot help quoting here a very curious observation of Mr Wardrop's, 

 with respect to the partialities and dislikes conceived by Mitchell, in conse- 

 quence of the moral expression, (if I may be allowed such a phrase), which he 

 seems to have attached to particular sensations of smell. " When a stranger (says 

 he) approached him, he eagerly began to touch some part of his body, common- 

 ly taking hold of his arm, which he held near his nose ; and after two or three 

 strong inspirations through his nostrils, appeared decided in his opinion. If it 

 happened to be unfavourable, he suddenly went to a distance with the appear- 

 ance of disgust ; if favourable, he shewed a disposition to become more intimate, 

 and expressed, by his countenance, more or less satisfaction." 



