Library Collections: Document: Full Text

"No systematic efforts," says he, "have yet been made in this country to teach a class of these sorely bereaved creatures, but individual efforts have not been wanting in Massachusetts. The success here obtained for the first time in the education of persons who by the English law are considered to be necessarily idiots as 'wanting all those senses which furnish the human mind with ideas,' has encouraged attempts to educate idiots. (2) The results thus far are most satisfactory. In view of all these circumstances, we earnestly recommend that measures be at once taken to rescue this most unfortunate class from the dreadful degradation in which they now grovel.

"It is true that the plea of ignorance can made in excuse for the neglect and ill-treatment which they have hitherto received; but this plea be can avail us no longer. Other countries have shown us that idiots may be trained to habits of industry, cleanliness and self-respect; that the highest of them may be measurably restored to self-control, and that the very lowest of them may be raised from the slough of animal pollution in which they wallow; and can the men of other countries do more than we? Shall we who can transmute granite and ice into gold and silver, and think it pleasant work, shall we shrink from the higher task of transforming brutish men back into human shape? Other countries are beginning to rescue their idiots from further deterioration and even to elevate them, and shall our Commonwealth continue to bury the humble talent of lowly children committed to her motherly care, and let it rot in the earth, or shall she do all that can be done to render it back with usury to Him who lent it? There should be no doubt about the answer to these questions. The humanity and justice of our rulers will prompt them to take immediate measures for the formation of a school, or schools, for the instruction and training of idiots."

Acting upon these suggestions of their Commissioners, the Legislature of Massachusetts appropriated the sum of $2,500, annually, for three years, to try the experiment of education upon ten idiots. Mr. James B. Richards, who was appointed teacher, visited the schools in Europe, to derive such information as might aid him in his task, and in October, 1848, began his labors with four pupils, whose number has since increased to eleven -- all of them boys. The establishment is under the supervision of Dr. Howe, and under the same roof with the Perkins Institute for the Blind, -- a large and commodious building, occupying an airy and delightful position upon that part of South Boston known as Mt. Washington.

The benefits of the Institution are not limited to the ten for whom the present fund provides, private pupils being also received. The school is yet in its infancy -- only seven months having elapsed since its commencement. No report of its progress therefore has been offered to the public, but we are happy to lay before our readers such information as a recent visit thither afforded us.

The unfortunate children who a few months since were unable to control their limbs, had no idea of size, form, or number, we found seated at desks, of the usual kind, and when called upon to do so by their teacher, stood up before the black-board, on which was printed in chalk part of the alphabet, designated the letters, and combined them into words of three letters. After this they proceeded to exercises which would enable them to control and direct their muscles at the example of the teacher; such as folding their arms across the chest, placing them at the side, and extending them - the lessons not having been yet applied to the use of the left arm or of the feet. In the room were also placed ladders which they were taught to climb; (a straw mattress being placed on the floor to prevent injury in case of any falling.) Pupils who, when first received into the school, manifested much timidity, and indeed almost entire inability to mount one step, are now climbing up and down with facility, and seem to enjoy their newly acquired knowledge. One child who, on his arrival, knew the names of but four objects, and was not able to bring any of them when called for, went for several articles when sent, brought the teacher's hat when told, placed it on his head, and gave other indications of improvement. It should be remembered that these pupils were for the most part apparently from six to ten years of age, selected from pauper families, and suffering when brought to the school from every disadvantage and neglect.

One child only is incapable of using his lower limbs; but Mr. Richards hopes to find him much improved in that respect in the course of a couple of months more; his other faculties had made sufficient progress to excite the wonder and gratitude of his father, who burst into tears, on marking his improvement when he visited him a few weeks since.