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Forty-Ninth Annual Report Of The Trustees Of The Perkins Institution And Massachusetts School For The Blind

Creator: Michael Anagnos (author)
Date: 1880
Source: Perkins School for the Blind

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1  

PERKINS INSTITUTION AND MASS. SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND,
SO. BOSTON, Oct. 19, 1880

2  

To the Hon. HENRY B. PEIRCE, Secretary of State.

3  

DEAR SIR, -- I have the honor to transmit to you for the use of the Legislature, a copy of the Forty-ninth Annual Report of the Trustees of this Institution to the Corporation thereof, together with the usual accompanying documents.

4  

Respectfully,
M. ANAGNOS,
Secretary.

5  

OFFICERS OF THE CORPORATION.
1880-81.

6  

SAMUEL ELIOT, President.
JOHN CUMMINGS, Vice-President.
P. T. JACKSON, Treasurer.
M. ANAGNOS, Secretary

7  

BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

8  

ROBERT E. APTHIORP.
JOHN S. DWIGHT.
JOSEPH B. GLOVER.
J. THEODORE HEARD, M.D.
HENRY LEE HIGGINSON.
JAMES H. MEANS, D.D.
ANDREW P. PEABODY, D.D.
EDWARD N. PERKINS.
SAMUEL M. QUINCY.
SAMUEL G. SNELLING.
JAMES STURGIS.
GEORGE W. WALES.

9  

STANDING COMMITTEES.

10  

Monthly Visiting Committee, Whose duty it is to visit and inspect the Institution at least once in each month.

11  

1881.

12  

January . . R. E. APTHORP.
February . . J. S. DWIGHT.
March J B,. GLOVER.
April J T HEARD.
May . . H. L. HIGGINSON.
June . . . J. H. MEANS.
July. . . . A. P. PEABODY.
August E N PERKINS.
September . S. M. QUINCY.
October . . S. G. SNELLING.
November . JAMES STURGIS.
December . GEO. W. WALES.

13  

Committee on Education.

14  

J. S. DWIGHT.
A. P. PEABODY.
S. M. QUINCY.

15  

Committee of Finance. R. E. APTHORP.
J. B. GLOVER.
JAMES STURGIS.

16  

House Committee.

17  

E. N. PERKINS.
W. WALES.
J. H. MEANS.

18  

Committee on Health.

19  

J. THEODORE HEARD.
E. N. PERKINS.
L. HIGGINSON.

20  

Auditors of Accounts.

21  

ROBERT E. APTHORP.
SAMUEL G. SNELLING.

22  

OFFICERS OF THE INSTITUTION.

23  

DIRECTOR.
M. ANAGNOS.

24  

MEDICAL INSPECTOR.
JOHN HOMANS, M.D

25  

LITERARY DEPARTMENT.
Miss M. L. P. SHATTUCK.
Miss J. R. GILMAN.
MISS JULIA BOYLAN.
Miss E. S. ADAMS.
Miss DELLA BENNETT.
Miss S. L. BENNETT.
Miss MARY C. MOORE.
Miss S. E. LANE, Librarian

26  

MUSICAL DEPARTMENT.

27  

Resident Teachers.
THOMAS REEVES.
FRANK H. KILBOURNE.
Miss FREDA BLACK.
Miss LIZZIE RILEY.
Miss LUCY HAM MOND.
Miss M. L. DROWNE.
HENRY W. STRATTON, Assistant.

28  

Non-Resident Teachers.
Mrs. KATE RAMETTI.
HENRY C. BROWN.
C. H. HIGGINS.

29  

Music Readers.
Miss ALLIE S. KNAPP.
Miss MARY A. PROCTOR

30  

TUNING DEPARTMENT.
J. W. SMITH, Instructor and Manager.

31  

INDUSTRIAL DEPARTMENT.

32  

Workshops for Juveniles.
J. H. WRIGHT, Work Master.
Miss A. J. DILLINGHAM, Work Mistress.
THOMAS CARROLL, Assistant.
Miss H. KELLIER, Assistant.

33  

Workshop for Adults.
A. W. BOWDEN, Manager.
P. MORRILL, Foreman.
Miss M. A. DWELLEY, Forewoman.
Miss M. M. STONE, Clerk.

34  

DOMESTIC DEPARTMENT.

35  

Steward.
A. W. BOWDEN.

36  

Matron.
Miss M. C. MOULTON.
Miss E. WARE, Assistant

37  

Housekeepers in the Cottages.
Mrs. M. A. KNOWLTON.
Miss A. J. DILLINGHAM.
Miss BESSIE WOOD.
MISS LIZZIE N. SMITH.

38  

PRINTING DEPARTMENT.
DENNIS A. REARDON, Manager.

39  

Miss E. B. WEBSTER, Book-keeper.

40  

Members of the Corporation

41  

ALL persons who have contributed twenty-five dollars to the funds of the institution, all who have served as trustees or treasurer, and all who have been elected by special vote, are members.

42  

Aldrich, Mrs. Aaron, Boston.
Alger, Rev. William R., Boston.
Amory, James S., Boston.
Amory, William, Boston.
Anagnos, M., Boston.
Appleton, T. G., Boston.
Apthorp, Robert E., Boston.
Apthorp, William F., Boston.
Atkinson, Edward, Boston.
Atkinson, William, Boston.
Austin, Edward, Boston.
Baldwin, William H., Boston.
Barrows, Rev. S. J., Dorchester.
Beard, Hon. Alanson W., Boston.
Bigelow, E. B., Boston.
Blake, G. Baty, Boston.
Bouve Thomas T., Boston.
Bowditch, J. I., Boston.
Bradlee, F. H., Boston.
Brewster, Osmyn, Boston.
Brimmer, Hon. Martin, Boston.
Brooks, Francis, Boston.
Brooks, Rev. Phillips, Boston.
Browne, A. Parker, Boston.
Bullard, W. S., Boston.
Chandler, P. W., Boston.
Chandler, Theophilus P., Brookline.
Childs, Alfred A., Boston.
Claflin, Hon. William, Boston.
Clapp, William W., Boston.
Coolidge, Dr. A., Boston.
Crosby, Joseph B., Boston.
Cummings, Charles A., Boston.
Cummings, Hon. John, Woburn.
Dalton, C. H., Boston.
Davis, James, Boston.
Dix, J. H., M.D., Boston.
Downer, Samuel, Dorchester.
Dwight, John S., Boston.
Eliot, Dr. Samuel, Boston.
Emerson, George B., Boston.
Emery, Francis F., Boston.
Emery, Isaac, Boston.
Emmons, Mrs. Nath'l H., Boston.
Endicott, Henry, Boston.
Endicott, William, jun., Boston.
Fisk, Rev. Photius, Boston.
Folsom, Charles F., M.D., Boston.
Forbes, J. M., Milton.
Freeman, Miss Hattie E., Boston.
Galloupe, C. W., Boston.
Gardiner, Charles P., Boston.
Gardner, George A., Boston.
Glover, J. B., Boston.
Goddard, Benjamin, Brookline.
Goddard, Delano A., Boston.
Gray, Mrs. Horace, Boston.
Gray, John C., Boston.
Greenleaf, R. C., Boston.
Hale, Rev. Edward E., Boston.
Hale, George S., Boston.
Hardy, Alpheus, Brookline.
Haskell, Edwin B., Auburndale.
Heard, J. T., M.D., Boston.
Higginson, George, Boston
Higginson, Henry Lee, Boston
Hill, Hon. Hamilton A., Boston.
Hilton, William, Boston.
Hogg, John, Boston.
Hooper, E. W., Boston.
Hooper, R. W., M.D., Boston.
Hovey, William A., Brookline.
Howe, Mrs. Julia Ward, Boston.
Houghton, Hon. H.O, Cambridge.
Hunnewell, H. H., Boston.
Hyatt, Alpheus, Cambridge.
Jackson, Edward, Boston.
Jackson, Patrick T., Boston.
Jackson, Mrs. Sarah, Boston.
Jarvis, Edward, M.D., Dorchester.
Jones, J. M., Boston.
Kendall, C. S., Boston.
Kennard, Martin P., Brookline.
Kidder, H. P., Boston.
Kinsley, E. W., Boston.
Lang, B. J., Boston.
Lawrence, Amos A., Longwood.
Lincoln, L. J. B., Hingham.
Lodge, Mrs. J. E., Boston.
Lord, Melvin, Boston.
Lothrop, John, Auburndale.
Lovett, George L., Boston.
Lowell, Augustus, Boston.
Lowell, John A., Boston.
Lyman, George W., Boston.
Mack, Thomas, Boston.
May, Miss Abby, Boston.
May, F. W. G., Dorchester.
Means, Rev. J. H., D.D., Dorchester.
Merriam, Mrs. Caroline, Boston.
Minot, William, Boston.
Montgomery, Hugh,. Boston.
Morton, Edwin, Boston.
Motley, Edward, Boston.
Mudge, Hon. E. R., Boston.
Nickerson, George, Jamaica Plain.
Nickerson, S. D., Boston.
Noyes, Hon. Charles J., Boston.
Osborn, John T., Boston.
Paine, Mrs. Julia B., Boston.
Parker, H. D., Boston.
Parkman, Francis, Boston.
Parkman, George F., Boston.
Parkman, Rev. John, Boston.
Parsons, Thomas, Chelsea.
Payson, S. R., Boston.
Peabody, Rev. A. P., D.D., Camb'ge.
Peabody, F. H., Boston.
Perkins, Charles C., Boston.
Perkins, Edward N., Jamaica Plain.
Perkins, William, Boston.
Peters, Edward D., Boston.
Pickman, W. D., Boston.
Pierce, Hon. H. L., Boston.
Phillips, John C., Boston.
Pratt, Elliott W., Boston.
Preston, Jonathan, Boston.
Quincy, Hon. Josiah, Wollaston.
Quincy, Samuel M., Wollaston.
Rice, Hon. A. H., Boston.
Robeson, W. R., Boston.
Robinson, Henry, Reading.
Rogers, Henry B., Boston.
Rogers, Jacob C., Boston.
Ropes, J. S., Jamaica Plain.
Botch, Benjamin S., Boston.
Russell, Mrs. S. S., Boston.
Saltonstall, H., Boston.
Saltonstall, Leverett, Newton.
Sanborn, Frank B., Concord.
Schlesinger, Sebastian, Boston.
Sears, David, Boston.
Sears, W. T., Boston.
Sherwood, W. H., Boston.
Shimmin, C. F., Boston.
Shippen, Rev. Rush R., Jamaica Pl.
Slack, C. W., Boston.
Snelling, Samuel G., Boston.
Stone, Joseph L., Boston.
Sturgis, Francis S., Jamaica Plain.
Sturgis, James, Jamaica Plain.
Taggard, B. W., Boston.
Taggard, Mrs. B. W., Boston.
Thaxter, Joseph B., Hingham.
Thayer, Rev. George A., Boston.
Thayer, Nathaniel, Boston.
Thorndike, S. Lothrop, Cambridge.
Tucker, Alanson, Boston.
Tucker, W. W., Boston.
Upton, George B., Boston.
Wales, George W., Boston.
Wales, Miss Mary Ann, Boston.
Wales, Thomas B., Boston.
Ware, Charles E., M.D., Boston.
Washburn, Hon. J. D., Worcester.
Weld, W. G., Boston.
Wheelwright, John W., Boston.
Wigglesworth, Edw. , M. D. , Boston.
Wigglesworth, Miss Mary, Boston.
Wigglesworth, Thomas, Boston.
Wilder, Hon. Marshall P., Dorch.
Winslow, Mrs. George, Roxbury.
Winsor, J. B., Providence, R. I.
Winthrop, Hon. Robert C., Boston,
Wolcott, J. H., Boston.
Wolcott, Mrs. J. H., Boston.
Woods, Henry, Paris, France.
Worthington, Roland, Roxbury.
Young, Charles L., Boston.


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COMMONWEALTH of MASSACHUSSETS

44  

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES,

45  

PERKINS INSTITUTION AND MASS. SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND, SOUTH BOSTON, Sept. 30, 1880.

46  

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CORPORATION.

47  

Gentlemen, -- In accordance with the requirements of the by-laws of the institution, we, the undersigned trustees, present to you, and through you to the executive of the commonwealth and to the legislature, the following report for the year ending Sept. 30, 1880: --

48  

We are very desirous that the general state of the establishment should be known, and that every suitable means should be employed to keep the mind of the public enlightened and the sympathies of our fellow-citizens awake with regard to the blind wherever they may be found.

49  

The publication of our annual report is one of the means for promoting this end, and the fact that those whom we thus address represent to a very great extent the enlightment and the benevolence of the community at large emboldens us to come forward year after year and ask attention for our affairs.

50  

In reviewing the history of the past twelve months, we may say at the outset that the general condition of the institution has been entirely satisfactory to the board, and that nothing has occurred to mar its advancement.

51  

The kind interest which the wise, the intelligent, and the benevolent of the community have continued to take in the welfare of the blind, has been a source of great encouragement to us.

52  

The quarterly reports of the director made to our board have set forth in detail the statistics of entrances and discharges. The substance of these communications is, that there have been 179 blind persons immediately connected with the institution, in all its departments, as pupils, instructors, employes, and work men, or women. Present number, 156.

53  

The health of the household has been remarkably good. No death and no case of serious illness has occurred during the year.

54  

The sanitary arrangements of the establishment are in excellent condition, and the medical supervision of our physician, Dr. Homans, has been regular and thorough.

55  

The trustees can speak in terms of approbation of the uniform cleanliness of the buildings, of the personal neatness of the pupils, and the quiet and order which have pervaded the school.

56  

The teachers and officers have performed their part zealously, and have worked faithfully to further the welfare of those committed to their care.

57  

The pupils in general merit commendation for their good behavior and obedience to the rules and regulations established for their government.

58  

We have endeavored to administer the affairs of the institution in such a manner as to attain the best results which the means at our disposal could effect; and, although we claim no infallibility, we cannot but be thankful for the degree of prosperity which has attended our efforts.

59  

The institution is well appointed in all its departments, and its work is carried on with good results. We have aimed to improve those systematic arrangements which have heretofore proved satisfactory, to carry forward the original plan of the institution, to enlarge the sphere of its usefulness, to incorporate in its workings the fruits of enlightened experience and the results of the best thought given to this branch of education, and to perpetuate the spirit of beneficence towards those for whose good the school was founded. But, although we have continued to press on in the way of progress, we do not allow ourselves to think that our system of instruction and training is complete in its details and perfect in its appointments. On the contrary, we are aware of its shortcomings, and are ever ready to welcome all rational improvements, and make such changes as shall promise after thorough examination better results than we have yet attained.

60  

Such is in brief the record of the year now closed. While we look back upon what has been accomplished during the past twelve months with gratitude, we regard the present with proper satisfaction, and the future with encouragement and hope.

61  

THE PRESENT STATE OF THE SCHOOL.

62  

The main object of the institution -- which is to give to blind youth of both sexes the same kind and degree of instruction as is afforded to other children in the best common schools of New England, and to train them up to industry and professional attainments -- has been steadily and successfully pursued, and has been followed by good results. The means and methods employed to promote this end have been improved and perfected from year to year, and our course of education embraces all branches which are necessary to fit pupils for a life of enlightened activity and usefulness.

63  

The modes of instruction followed in the various departments of the institution are of the most approved character, and its graduates will bear comparison in point of intellectual attainments with those of any organized academy. Those who attended the graduating exercises of our school, or who have become otherwise familiar with its workings and with the present: condition of its departments, will bear testimony to this fact.


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64  

These exercises were held at the close of the term in the music hall of the institution, and were witnessed by a large number of distinguished citizens. The State of Rhode Island was represented by Gov. Littlefield and Secretary Addeman, and the Massachusetts Board of Education by its secretary, Mr. Dickinson, and one of its members, Mr. Hussey. Many clergymen and several prominent musicians were also present.

65  

Diplomas were for the first time awarded to the members of the graduating class, six in number, and their award could not fail to be a very gratifying ceremony to all witnesses who had even the faintest feeling of interest in the welfare and prosperity of the recipients. The giving of these simple rolls told of a past of diligent application and meritorious endeavor, and prophesied a future of happy usefulness and well-earned reward. No pupil could receive one of these testimonials who had not gone through the regular school course and attained a certain degree of excellence by faithful and thorough work at his lessons and in his calling. Besides being valuable as a record of past exertions and distinction in the school, the diploma is also of importance to the deserving and active graduate as a promise of a prosperous future. The diplomas were given out by the Rev. Dr. Peabody of our board, accompanied by a few well-chosen remarks, and were received by the young people with very evident emotion, in which the audience keenly sympathized.

66  

FINANCES.

67  

The report of the treasurer, Mr. P. T. Jackson, companied by a detailed statement of his cash account, is herewith submitted, and shows the finances of the institution to have been wisely and judiciously administered.

68  

The amount of money received from all sources during the past year, as well as that of the disbursements made for all purposes, may be briefly set forth follows --

69  

Cash on hand Oct. 1, 1879$579 21
Total receipts during the year94,139 58
$94,718 79

70  

Total expenditures92,491 36
Cash balance in the treasury$2,227 43

71  

This result has been obtained only by the exercise in every department of the most rigid economy consistent with the proper administration of the affairs of the institution, and with the efficient training of the pupils, and the comfort and welfare of the household.

72  

To aid in a more complete and minute examination of the financial concerns of the establishment, the report of the treasurer is accompanied by an analysis of the steward's accounts, which gives specific information in regard to the principal articles consumed, their quantity, and the aggregate price paid for each.

73  

The director makes provision for all the wants of the institution, and is responsible for the prudent and judicious expenditure of its funds; but his accounts are scrutinized and audited monthly by a committee especially appointed by our board for this purpose, and the treasurer pays no money except upon their order.

74  

It is our pleasant duty to allude in this connection to the continued zeal, care, and fidelity, with which the auditors, Messrs. R. E. Apthorp and S. G. Snelling, have discharged their duty. They have certified that the accounts have been properly and correctly kept, and that all items of expense have been authenticated by vouchers.

75  

The books are open to your scrutiny, and we earnestly invite you to satisfy yourselves, by actual examination, that the funds of the institution have been applied with sound judgment and unwavering integrity.

76  

Mr. Endicott's Resignation.

77  

The trustees cannot close this part of their report without expressing their deep regret at the necessity which has compelled Mr. Henry Endicott to resign the office of treasurer. For twelve years his name and that of his elder brother, Mr. William Endicott, jun., have stood forth prominently among the kindest and most disinterested friends of the blind. Their efforts for the prosperity of the establishment were unremitting, and their generosity unceasing. An intimate knowledge of their benevolence and their devotion to the welfare of the school enables us to concur heartily in the well-chosen expressions of the following vote, which was unanimously passed by you at a special meeting held for the purpose of acting upon the treasurer's resignation.

78  

"Voted, that the warm thanks of the corporation be hereby tendered to Mr. Henry Endicott for the ability, disinterestedness, and courtesy, with which he has discharged his duties, and for his efficient and faithful services, which merit the highest praise and the expression of the deepest obligation from all friends of the institution."

79  

To the present treasurer, Mr. P. T. Jackson, and to his brother, Mr. Edward Jackson, who succeeded Mr. Endicott, but who was obliged, after a brief period of service, to tender his resignation in order to go abroad, we are greatly indebted for the diligence and promptness with which they have performed their duties. ..,

80  

REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS.

81  

The work of repairs and improvements inaugurated several years since, and carried on with more or less rapidity, is still far from complete. Yet an important step towards this end has been made during the summer vacation, in addition to the renovations effected in several parts of the establishment.


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82  

The erection of a new building in the girls' department is the most prominent improvement made during the year. This edifice is forty-nine feet long and twenty-five feet wide, and consists of four stories with a good basement, the windows of which are above ground. The first and second flights, together with the basement, when entirely finished, will furnish ample space for school, music, sewing, and knitting rooms, while the whole of the third story will be occupied by a library, which will be provided with cases for books, minerals, specimens of natural history, models, and educational; appliances of various kinds. This building is connected with the girls' schoolhouse by a covered but well-lighted bridge, and with the cottages by an underground passage. It has been carefully planned in all its details by the skilful manager of our printing-office, Mr. Dennis A. Reardon, -- of whose ingenuity we had occasion to speak in our last annual report, -- and it is admirably adapted for our purpose.

83  

An underground arch has been built between the cottages through which the steam-pipes are carried from one block of houses to the other under such protection as to prevent even the smallest waste of heat in the future. This tunnel is high enough to form a convenient underground passage.

84  

In the main building the work of renovation, to which an impetus was given some time ago, has been carried some steps forward during the past year. One of the dining-rooms, the small boys' sitting-room, and three of the schoolrooms have been, thoroughly repaired and put in good order. The walls and ceilings have been painted, the old pine sheathing has been replaced in hard-wood, the heating apparatus improved, the ventilation increased, and various conveniences for keeping things in their proper places have been provided wherever needed.

85  

Several other alterations and improvements of a minor character, supplying urgent wants and calculated to preserve the buildings and to promote the welfare of the household, have been made during the past year; but the limited means placed at our disposition have compelled us to restrict our operations in this direction to a small area. The necessity for continuing the process of renovation in the interior of the main building as rapidly as may be is evidently pressing; for the effects of time and rough usage are very obvious, not only in the corridors and the most frequented rooms, but everywhere. Both safety and economy demand that the loose plastering, the rotten wood-work, the worn floors, the decayed window-frames, the soiled wall; paper, the shaky sashes, and the impaired painting should be replaced, or repaired and made sound, and the sooner this is done, the better. It is our intention to push on the work of reconstruction as fast as we can; but, as our means are not sufficient to meet the ever increasing wants of the establishment, we must depend upon the friends of the blind for assistance.

86  

-PG. 20-21 NOT INCLUDED-

87  

NUMBER OF INMATES.

88  

The total number of blind persons connected with the various departments of the institution at the beginning of the past year, as teachers, pupils, employes, and work men and women, was 162. There have since been admitted 17; 23 have been discharged, making the present total number 156. Of these, 137 are in the school proper, and 19 in the workshop for adults.

89  

The first class includes 125 boys and girls enrolled as pupils, 8 teachers, and 4 domestics. Of the pupils there are now 57 boys and 47 girls in attendance, 13 of the former and 8 of the latter being absent on account of physical disability, or from other causes.

90  

The second class comprises 16 men and 3 women; employed in the industrial department for adults.

91  

Of the 156 blind persons connected with the institution 151 belong to New England, and 5 have come to us from the West and South, -- one from each of the states of Minnesota, Michigan, New York, Ohio, and Tennessee. A sixth, belonging to Indiana, is about to be admitted. Some of these young men have already passed through the course of study pursued at the several institutions of their respective states, and have graduated from them. They have come to Boston for the purpose of pursuing their musical education further and of acquiring the art of tuning piano-fortes, -MISSING TEXT-

92  

GRADUATES AND THEIR GENERAL SUCCESS.

93  

Six of those whose connection with the institution terminated at the end of the last school session were regular graduates, having gone through the entire course of study and training given here, and receiving diplomas at the close of the term. They have all labored faithfully and assiduously to qualify themselves for a career of activity and usefulness, and are all well fitted to enter the arena of practical life, and to become self-supporting.

94  

I may add, in this connection, that we continue to receive interesting and favorable accounts from a large number of our graduates, who are succeeding remarkably well in obtaining a comfortable living, and are respected as useful citizens. Many of these have. had great obstacles to overcome at the outset, and all of them have had to fight their way, more or less, through the clouds of incredulity and common prejudice as to their ability and skill to pursue any of the liberal professions, or to work at any of the mechanic arts. But, by diligent application and exemplary conduct, they have conquered all difficulties, and have not only taken their places in the ranks of society, but have, in some instances, even gained a certain degree of distinction..


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95  

SANITARY CONDITION.

96  

The general health of the household throughout the year has been excellent. No epidemic of any kind has prevailed, and no case of death or of serious illness occurred. This is the more extraordinary when we recollect the natural physical debility of the pupils, -MISSING TEXT-

97  

In a large number of cases blindness is caused by some severe illness in early life, which often leaves an indelible impression on the constitution, and renders it more liable to the attacks of disease ever after. In another class of those who come under our care, the extinction of sight is simply a visible symptom of some latent organic disorder; and in still another, which is quite numerous, dimness of vision is produced by what is called, in general terms, scrofula. This disease is usually hereditary, or, when not so, results from want of proper regard to diet, exercise, and habits of personal cleanliness during the early years of childhood. If left unchecked, it undermines the constitution, wastes its vitality, and leads to consumption and other fatal disorders. The fact is, that either from the same causes which bring about the loss of sight, or in consequence of the effects of this misfortune, and the habits which it superinduces upon its victims, there are but very few among the blind who may be considered as typical specimens of perfect health. I am aware that this is a very serious statement, but it is as true as it is grave.

98  

The healthfulness of the mental life and activity of our pupils depends solely upon the soundness of their material organism; that is, the physical condition which secures the uniform and regular performance of all the functions of the body arising from the harmonious action of every one of its parts. Hence all possible means are taken in our institution for the improvement and conservation of the health of the household, and no object is considered of greater importance than that of carefully and wisely guarding against any and all influences that would impair or endanger it. Our sanitary arrangements and hygienic regulations are most cautiously made; cleanliness and regular habits of life are strictly enforced upon all, and special attention is paid to the preparation, quality, quantity, and variety of food, which is one of the fundamental agencies in the promotion of physical well-being, since from it is obtained the material necessary for the growth of the body, and for the supply of the waste occasioned by muscular and mental action. It should be remarked, however, that in all changes of diet the real, and not the imaginary, wants of the pupils are consulted. For it is often the case that a false demand is created by injudicious supplies, which becomes imperious in after life.

99  

TERMS OF ADMISSION.

100  

YOUNG blind persons between the ages of ten and nine- teen, and of good moral character, can be admitted to the school by paying $300 per annum. This sum covers all expenses, except for clothing; namely, board, washing, the use of books, musical instruments, &c. The pupils must furnish their own clothing, and pay their own fares to and from the institution. The friends of the pupils can visit them whenever they choose.

101  

Indigent blind persons of suitable age and character, belonging to Massachusetts, can be admitted gratuitously by application to the Governor for a warrant.

102  

The following is a good form, though any other will do:--

103  

"To his Excellency the Governor.

104  

"SIR, -- My son (or daughter, or nephew, or niece, as the case may be), named --, and aged _ cannot be instructed in the common schools, for want of sight. I am unable to pay for the tuition at the Perkins Institution and Massachusetts School for the Blind, and I request that your Excellency will give a warrant for free admission.

105  

"Very respectfully,

106  

The application may be made by any relation or friend, if the parents are dead or absent.

107  

It should be accompanied by a certificate from one or more of the selectmen of the town, or aldermen of the city, in this form :--

108  

"I hereby certify, that, in my opinion, Mr. -- -- is not a wealthy person, and that he cannot afford to pay $300 per annum for his child's instruction. (Signed)

109  

There should be a certificate, signed by some regular physician, in this form: --

110  

"I certify, that, in my opinion __ has not sufficient vision to be taught in common schools; and that he is free from epilepsy, and -MISSING-

111  

These papers should be done up together, and forwarded to the DIRECTOR OF THE INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND, South Boston, Mass.

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An obligation will be required from some responsible persons, that the pupil shall be kept properly supplied with decent clothing, shall be provided for during vacations, and shall be removed, without expense to the institution, whenever it may be desirable to discharge him.

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The usual period of tuition is from five to seven years. Indigent blind persons residing in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, by applying as above to the Governor, or the "Secretary of State," in their respective states, can obtain warrants for free admission.


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The relatives or friends of the blind who may be sent to the institution are requested to furnish information in answer to the following questions:

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1. What is the name and age of the applicant?
2. Where born?
3. Was he born blind? If not, at what age was his sight impaired?
4. Is the blindness total or partial?
5. What is the supposed cause of the blindness?
6. Has he ever been subject to fits?
7. Is he now in good health, and free from eruptions and contagious diseases of the skin?
8. Has he ever been to school? If yes, where?
9. What is the general moral character of the applicant?
10 Of what country was the father of the applicant a native?
11. What was the general bodily condition and health of the father, --was he vigorous and healthy, or the contrary?
12. Was the father of the applicant ever subject to fits or to scrofula?
13. Were all his senses perfect?
14. Was he always a temperate man?
15. About how old was he when the applicant was born?
16. Was there any known peculiarity in the family of the father of the applicant; that is, were any of the grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters, or cousins, blind, deaf, or insane, or afflicted with any infirmity of body or mind?
17. If dead, at what age did the father die, and of what disorder?
18. Where was the mother of the applicant born?
What was the general bodily condition of the mother of the applicant, --strong and healthy, or the contrary?
20. Was she ever subject to scrofula or to fits?
21. Were all her senses perfect?
22. Was she always a temperate woman?
23. About how old was she when the applicant was born?
24. How many children had she before the applicant was born?
25. Was she related by blood to her husband? If so, in what degree, -- first, second, or third cousins?
26. If dead, at what age did she die, and of what disorder?
27. Was there any known peculiarity in her family; that is, were any of her grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts, sisters, brothers, children, or cousins, either blind, or deaf, or insane, or afflicted with any infirmity of body or mind?
28. What are the pecuniary means of the parents or immediate relatives of the applicant?
29. How much can they afford to pay towards the support and education of the applicants?

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For further particulars, address M. ANAGNOS, DIRECTOR OF THE INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND, South Boston, Mass.

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