JAMES MITCHELL. 147 



The extent of arithmetical instruction which it will be proper 

 to give him must depend on the degree of zeal and intelli- 

 gence which he displays in the progress of his lessons. Limit- 

 ed as the objects are which solicit his curiosity, he may disco- 

 ver in arithmetic, geometry, or some other science, a degree of 

 application, and acquire a degree of proficiency, which to the 

 greater part of men would appear miraculous. This would un- 

 doubtedly be highly interesting ; but it is evident that no par- 

 ticular anticipations on the subject can be cherished. 



That he may be enabled to trace minutely the lapse of time, 

 he should have access to examine the dial-plate of a clock with 

 the hours marked with common ciphers in relief; or a watch 

 should be given to him with a dial-plate formed in that man- 

 ner. This piece of instruction may easily be conveyed in- 

 dependently of any other, and the exercise is likely to im- 

 prove the regularity of his habits. 



If these and a variety of similar expedients are attend- 

 ed with the desired success, trials will naturally be made to re- 

 duce, for the sake of convenience, the size of all his characters. 

 When they are near the minimum, he will now be able to make 

 the circumstance distinctly known. As soon as the most eli- 

 gible size is discovered, a simple printing-press may be provid- 

 ed for him, which will serve the same purpose which pen and 

 ink do to others, and his friends may use it for furnishing him 

 with pages of interesting anecdotes or instructive lessons, to 

 occupy occasionally his moments of solitude. 



In his communications with others, it will not long be ne- 

 cessary for him to employ tangible letters. He will find, that with 

 certain materials he can write words which, though not pal- 

 pable to himself, are understood by others. By making this 



T 2 discovery, 



