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PUBLIC DOCUMENT No. 27.

rORTY-SEYENTH ANNUAL REPORT

THE TRUSTEES

PERKINS INSTITUTION

Slassatljusctts Sr^nnl iax lljc §Imtr,

FOR THE YEAR ENDING

September 30, 1878.

BOSTON:

ISttnti, a&crg, $c Co., printers to tfje C0mmon&jcaltj[,

117 Franklin Street. 1879.

(Jlommonrocaltl) of illaosacljusetts.

Perkhts Institution and Mass. School for the Blind, Boston, Oct. 14, 1878.

To the Hon. Hexkt B. Peirce, Secretary of State.

Deab Sm, — I have the honor to transmit to you, for the use of the legislature, a copy of the Forty-Seventh Annual Report of the Trustees of this Institution to the Corporation thereof, together with the usual accompanying documents. Respectfully,

M. ANAGNOS,

Secretary/.

OFFICERS OF THE CORPORATION.

1878-79.

SAMUEL ELIOT, President. JOHN CUMMINGS, Vice-President. HENRY ENDICOTT, Treasurer. M. ANAGNOS, Secretary.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

ROBERT E. APTHORP.

FRANCIS BROOKS.

JOHN S. DWIGHT.

JOSEPH B. GLOVER.

J. THEODORE HEARD, M.D.

HENRY LEE HIGGLNSON.

ANDRE\V P. PEABODY, D.D. EDWARD N. PERKINS. JOSIAH QUINCY. SAMUEL G. SNELLING. JAMES STURGIS. GEORGE W. WALES.

STANDING COMMITTEES. Monthly Visiting Committee,

1879.

Whose duty it is to visit and inspect the	Institi	Uion at least once in each month.
January . . . R. E. Apthorp.	1879.	July A. P. Pf.arodt.
February. . . Francis Brooks.		August . . . . E. N. Perkins.
March J. S. Dwight.		September . . Josiah Quincy.
April J. B. Glover.		October. . . . S. G. Snelling.
May J. T. He-^rd.		November . . James Sturgis.
June H. L. Higginson.		December . . Geo. W. Wales
Committee on Education.		House Committee.
J. S. Dwight.		E. N. Perkins.
A. P. Peabody.		G. W. Wales.
JOSTAH QUINCT.		Francis Brooks.
Committee of Finance.		Committee on Health.
R. E. Apthorp.		J. Theodore Heard.
J. B. Glover.		E. N. Perklns.
James Sturgis.		H. L. Higginson.
Auditors o	f Ace	ounts.
Rouert E	. Apthorp.
Samuel G	. Spelling.

OFFICERS OF THE I^STITUTIOISr.

DIRECTOR.

M. ANAGNOS.

MEDICAL INSPECTOR. JOHN HOMANS, M.D.

Miss M. L. P. Sfiattuck Miss J. R. Oilman. Miss Julia Boylax.

LITERARY DEPARTMENT.

Miss Della Bennett.

Miss LiDA J. Parker. Miss S. L. Bennett.

Miss Mary Moore.

MUSICAL Resident Teachers. Thomas Reeves. Frank H. Kilbourne. Miss Freda Black. Miss Lizzie Riley. Miss Lucy Hammond.

Assistant. Miss Arianna Carter.

DEPARTMENT.

Non-Resident Teachers. Mrs. Kate Rametti. Henry C. Brown.

C. II. IIlGCINS.

Music Readers. Miss Allie S. Knapp. Miss K. M. Plummer. Miss M. L. Allen.

TUNING DEPARTMENT. J. "W. Smith, Instructor and Manager.

INDUSTRIAL DEPARTMENT.

■Workshops for Juveniles. J. H. "Wright, Work Master. Miss A. J. Dillingham, Work Mistre Thomas Carroll, Assistant. Miss H. Kellier, Assistant.

Workshop for Adults. A. W. Bowden, Manafjer. P. Morrill, Foreman. Miss M. A. DwELLY, Forewoman. Miss E. M. Whittier, Clerk.

Steward. A. W. Bowden.

Matron. Miss M. C. MouLTON. Miss A. F. Cram, Assistant.

DOMESTIC DEPARTMENT.

Housekeepers in the Cottages. Mrs. M. A. Knowlton. Miss A. J. Dillinghajvi. Miss Bessie Wood. Miss Lizzie N. Smith.

Miss E. B. Webster, Book-keeper.

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PROCEEDINGS

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CORPORATION.

Boston, Oct. 2, 1878.

The meeting was called to order by the president, Dr. Samuel Eliot, at four o'clock p.m.

The minutes of the last annual meeting were read by the secretary and declared approved.

The report of the trustees and that of the director were presented, accepted and ordered to be printed.

The treasurer, Mr. Henry Endicott, read his report, the acceptance of which was followed by the election of officers for the ensuing year.

It was then voted that the second by-law be amended, so that the annual meeting of the corporation shall hereafter be held on the second instead of tlie first Wednesday in October.

This concluded the usual business, and the members of the corporation then proceeded to the reception-room, where a marble bust of Dr. Howe was presented to them by the director on the part of Mr. George W. Wales, now absent in Europe. ,The president. Dr. Samuel Eliot, in accepting the gift in behalf of the corporation, spoke as follows : —

" Mr. Director, I am sure that the corporation are not content to receive the gift of this bust in silence. They must wish that some one should speak for them, and I there- fore offer myself to express the feelings which move them

8 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND.

all. No bust, no likeness of any kind, is needed to keep Dr. Howe in our minds, or in those of the inmates of this Insti- tution. He lives here almost as evidently, and altogether as really, as before he departed, and his memory will be cher- ished by those who come after us as long as there are any to come. But we are not the less thankful to our friend and associate, whom you represent, and to whom we beg you to make known our thankfulness, for this admirable bust, admirable both as a work of art and as a likeness, and which we trust will long adorn the school, and revive its most cher- ished recollections, should they ever need revival. It seems peculiarly appropriate that one who knew Dr. Howe so well, and was associated with him for so many years as Mr. Wales, should be the giver of this memorial. We accept it, sir, for ourselves and for our successors, and promise it careful and honorable keeping."

The meeting was then dissolved, and the members of the corporation proceeded with the invited guests to visit the school and inspect the premises.

M. ANAGNOS,

Secretanj^

CommoniDcaltl) of iHassacliuBctta.

EEPORT OF THE TRUSTEES.

Perkins Institution and Mass. School for the Blind,

Boston, Sept. 30, 1878.

To THE Members of the Corporation.

Gentlemen, — The undersigned, Trustees, respect- fully submit to your consideration their forty-seventh annual report upon the affairs of the Institution.

It embraces the usual record of their transactions for the financial year which closes to-day, and a statement of the progress and wants of the establishment, and is accompanied by such documents and information as are requu-ed by law and usage.

A Brief Review of the Past Year.

The history of the past year, like that of the preced- ing one, has been quite uneventful.

General prosperity has attended the concerns of the Institution since our last report was laid before you. Its course of usefulness has been uninterrupted ; and we have good reason to believe that the favor with which it has so long been regarded by the community, has continued undiminished.

10 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

The present number of blind persons immediately connected with the estabhshment in all its departments as pupils, instructors, and workmen and workwomen is 158.

The health of the household has been, with few ex- ceptions, very good ; and it is no small cause of grati- tude that entu-e years should pass aWay without a smgle death.

The comfort and happiness of the inmates have been judiciously attended to, and theii' improvement has been very gratifying.

The attention paid to cleanliness, exercise, a whole- some and generous diet, and to the division of the hours of study, music, labor, recreation and rest, is ap- parent in the healthful appearance of the pupils, and in the zest with which they pursue their occupations.

The numerous inmates of the establishment, then- countenances beaming with intelligence, contentment and happiness, seem like members of one large family, bound together by a common tie of affection and recip- rocal regard.

The work of the Institution m its various branches has been dihgently carried forward mth a commendable degree of success.

The methods and appliances of instruction and train- ing have undergone such changes and improvements, and received such additions, as steady progress and en- lightened experience seemed to demand.

The quarterly reports of the Director made to our Board have set forth minutely the admissions and dis- charges, and have kept us informed of the details of the internal management of the school.

1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 11

Besides these, we have oiu'selves exercised general supervision over the immediate operations of the estab- lishment by formal and informal visits and careful inspection and examination of the premises ; and we are happy to express our entire satisfaction with the manner in which its administration has been conducted.

The matured experience and discretion of faithful and conscientious officers and the harmony existing among them, have greatly contributed to the high moral tone of the household and to the general pros- perity of the school.

Such is, in brief, the history of the past year. For a detailed account of the Institution in its several de- partments, as well as of its present condition and pros- pects, we refer you to the report of the director, which is herewith submitted. From his exhibit, and especial- ly from a minute scrutiny of the administration of the establishment, it will be found that there is abundant reason to congratulate ourselves upon its continued success.

The Education and Training of the Blind.

The nature and objects of this Institution, despite the change of its name by the substitution of the word school for asylum, seem stiU so imperfectly understood by the many, that perhaps a few words of explanation may not be amiss here.

As has been repeatedly stated in our annual reports, the establishment is purely an educational one, and has been so conducted as to prevent it from degenerating into an asylum or refuge. It constitutes an important link in the great chain of public schools, and aims at

12 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

the intellectual and moral culture of the blind, and then- social elevation. It iDroposes to teach them self- reliance, independence, manliness, pride of character, and the love of truth. Its system of education includes the development of all their powers, both mental and bodily, and the increase of their activity and manual dexterity. It intends to train them in various pursuits by means of which they may be able to earn a livelihood in these days when the struggle for life is so hard and the law of the survival of the fittest is becoming very general.

In advocating the cause of the education of the blind, and endeavoring to obtain for them those advantages to which in fairness they are entitled, we ask for no special favors, nor for pri\aleges arising from the gen- erous sources of pity, and justified on the score of sym- pathy and indulgence. We vindicate a higher claim. We appeal to the sense of justice and not to the tender feelings of charity in the community. We assert the right of the blmd to demand a participation in all benefits which our State provides for every child in the Commonwealth, maintaining that, since they camiot be taught iu the common schools, an express provision must be made for the purpose ; and we must grate- fully acknowledge that the claim has been promptly recognized and cheerfully accorded to them.

This policy, founded upon the rock of equity, while it is honorable to the State and creditable to its people, acts favorably upon the blind themselves. It strength- ens theh good impulses, and fosters in them an upward tendency and a noble determination to become useful and independent. It inspires them with self-respect,

1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 13

and makes them aim at a higher place in the social scale than they would otherwise seek.

How far the system of education and training adopted in oui- Institution has succeeded in the fulfilment of its object, and how high the standard of the mental and moral condition of the blind of New England has been raised through its agency, can be easily seen by the large numbers of respectable, prosperous, thriving, and industrious sightless persons scattered everywhere, who fill places of trust and responsibility, are self-support- ing, perform the duties and enjoy the privileges of citizenship, and are active and useful members of

society.

The Condition of the School.

The condition of the various departments of the Institution continues to be very satisfactory, and its usefulness and importance increase from year to year.

The musical, tuning, and technical departments are complete in theii" equipments, and keep their rank among the best and most efi"ective instrumentalities for raising the moral and social condition of the blind.

The intellectual department has been greatly im- proved during the past year, and good progress has been made in its re-organization. The course of studies has been systematically arranged, and the standard of .the acquirements of the pupils considerably raised.

The degree of success attained in all the classes, in proportion to the time of instruction, reflects great credit on the diligence and capacity of both teachers and scholars.

The advanced condition of the school and the char- acter of its curriculum were manifestly shown in the

14 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct. -

searching quarterly and annual examinations, as well as at the graduating exercises, which were held at the close of the term, and witnessed by a large number of citizens. From two of the many favorable notices on the subject in the daily newspapers we extract the following : —

" For the first time in its historj^ the Perkins Institution for the Blind at South Boston observed the close of the school year with public commencement exercises. There has been a regular course established, and classes have been annually graduated for many years, but not with that eclat which attends a public commence- ment. The advanced condition to which the Institute has now attained and the character of the studies pursued make a creditable exhibition possible.

"There were several peculiarities about the exercises which were surprising to those who never had witnessed similar exhibi- tions. In the first place the scope of the instruction as shown in the exercises was a revelation. Nineteen persons out of twenty have so little information upon the subject, that they are unaware that this noble institution long ago left behind the idea that rudi- mentary instruction could alone be given to the blind, and launched out into the teaching of every branch of knowledge that is included in the curriculum of a well established academy-.

" A young miss, feeling along from bone to bone of a ghastly skeleton, gave an admirable description of the construction of the framework of the human body ; a young gentleman exhibited some of the operations of electricity, performing delicate experi- ments with remarkable accuracy ; two j'oung pupils picked out. geographical points on raised maps unerringl}' ; and all this was done not parrot-like or by rote, but with the stamp of originality and genuineness. Concerning individuals, it was remarkable that they exhibited none of that shamefacedness which is so conspi- cuous among the blushing graduates of the common schools.

"In the essaj-s there was a total absence of those hackneyed expressions which make up the ordinary composition, and the vale-

1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 15

dictory especially was a sweet, pure, strong, and really remarkable production, in which its author spoke of the changes which had come upon the Institution during the ten years of his acquaintance

with it."

The Trustees expressed theii' gratification at the prog- ress of the school m the following vote, which was unanimously passed at the quarterly meetmg, and com- municated by the secretary to aU the teachers : —

" Voted, That the thanks of the Board of Trustees are hereby cordially tendered to the whole corps of instructors of the Institu- tion ; — that we regard with entire satisfaction the devotion, the kindness, the united feeling and the rare tact and skill shown at all times by each and all in the fulfilment of tasks so difficult ; — and that we congratulate them on the signal success of their work, so manifest to all who witnessed the annual examinations, and especially the graduating exercises at the close of the past school year."

The Board, mindful of the attachment of the corps of teachers and officers to the interests of the Institu- tion, and of their earnest efforts and efficient services cheerfully rendered for the improvement and welfare of its pupils, consider this vote as something more than a formal one.

While the present condition of the various depart- ments of the estabhshment and the fruits of the labors of the past year are satisfactory to us, and, we hope, to the friends of the school, let us add that the future is full of promise. With a well-organized and wisely arranged system of education ; with teachers possessing zeal and abiUty to carry it out ; with methods of instruc- tion which are the product of many years' experience and reflection; with sufficient tangible appliances and

16 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

apparatus, and with the constant supervision of efficient officers, we do not hesitate to state that the best results will be attained that the capacity and ckcumstances of the pupils admit.

Finances.

The report of the treasurer, Mr. Henry Endicott, herewith submitted, contains a detailed account of the finances of the Institution for the past year.

It appears from this exhibit that the amount of cash on hand Oct. 1, 1877, was |2,836 75

Total receipts during the past year 66,122 80

168,959 55 Total expenditures 66,309 88

This leaves a cash balance of $2,649 67

in the treasury.

The report of the treasurer is accompanied by an analysis of the steward's account, which gives specific information in regard to the principal articles purchased, their quantity, and the aggregate price paid for each.

The funds of the Institution have been carefuUy man- aged and judiciously applied, both to promote the intel- lectual advancement of the pupils and to secure their physical comfort.

The strictest economy, consistent with the health of the household- and the efficiency of the school, has been studied and practised in every department.

Great care has been taken in the purchase of sup- plies, which have been bought for cash at the lowest cost, and all the disbursements have been prudently made.

The accounts have been kept during the year with

1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 17

the same precision, distinctness, and method as hereto- fore.

The auditors, Messrs. E,. E. Apthorp and S. G. Snell- ing, have exercised the usual supervision over the expenditures of the estabhshment, examining every month's accounts regularly, and have certified that they are correctly kept, and that all entries are authenticated by vouchers.

It is no more than just to these gentlemen, as well as to the treasurer, to say that they have discharged theu' respective duties with singular fidelity, disinterestedness, and wisdom, and to acknowledge our obligations to them.

The Board would cordially invite the most rigid examination of the finances of the Institution, feeling assured that such a scrutiny cannot but result in the confii'mation of the favorable views above expressed in reference to the same.

Need of Additional Funds.

We take sincere pleasure in stating that the Institu- tion has been so fortunate in the administration of its afi"au's in general as to reach a high degree of efficiency and usefulness. Yet even more could be efi'ected, were the necessary means at bur command.

Our great and pressing need is for more aid than can be furnished from the ordinary sources of income pos- sessed by the Institution, for carrying out several pro- jects which are of immense importance to our pupils.

The value of the school as an agency in developing and diversifying the powers of the blind, and in raismg them to the rank of industrious and productive mem-

18 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

bers of society, can only be maintained by increasing its means.

We trust that an establishment, which was conceived and reared by the benevolence and generosity of the noblest citizens of Boston and of the State of Massachu- setts, and has already contributed so much to the reali- zation of some of the leading principles of social philoso- phy and political economy, wdll not be allowed to fail of the highest results for want of additional funds.

Improveiments and Repairs.

By exercising rigid economy in the expenditure of the annual income of the Institution, we have again been enabled to make a number of improvements and repairs, which were greatly needed, the former to add to the comfort and well being of the inmates, the latter to keep the buildings in good condition.

The principal of these are as follows : —

Gymnasium.

The erection of a gymnasium, which has been a great desideratum for a long time, has been accom- plished during the past year.

A commodious brick building, 97 feet long, 26 feet wide, and 16 feet high, has been erected where the greenhouse stood, and will soon be furnished with suita- ble apparatus and made ready for use. It is so con- veniently situated as to be accessible from all parts of the establishment, and is well calculated to answer the purpose for which it is designed.

The importance of the erection of a building of this kind is so evident as hardly to require demonstration.

1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 19

As a general rule, many among the blind childi-en are stunted in their growth and wanting in bodily strength and vigor. The elasticity of the arm and limb, which seeing youth obtain by their free gambols and ceaseless activity, must be developed in the sightless by means of systematic and progressive exercise. It is necessary therefore to have our pupils devote a part of every day during the years of theii' school course to regular gym- nastics, or to some manual occupation, which may build up and invija:orate their physical constitution, thereby stimulating their energy and increasing their activity.

The gallery erected the year before last for the use of the gu-ls during recesses in inclement weather, and for exercises of various sorts, has proved a valuable adjunct in our system of physical training, and has con- tributed in many ways to the improvement of the health, carriage, and appearance of the female pupils.

We trust that the gymnasium will prove no less

beneficial.

Laundry and Printing -Office.

The capacity of the laundry was not adequate to the size of the household, and its extension over the old coal-vault had been for some time planned. This was effected during vacation at a comparatively moderate expense, and will give room enough for the introduc- tion of all kinds of improved machinery for washing and ironing, and for facilitating the work.

Over the whole extent of the laundry, which is 70 feet long and 2^ feet wide, another story has been built of the same materials and in the same style. This spa- cious superstructure is intended for the printing-office of the Institution and for a bindery, and is well lighted

20 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

and ventilated. Its situation being dii'cctly above the boilers affords uncommon facilities for the employment of steam-power in prmting and other purposes.

Boiler-Room and Coal-Vault.

In connection with the engine-house a large vault has been built to contain an additional boiler, which is very much needed, and the capacity of the coal-vault has been so increased as to accommodate more than .our annual supply of fuel. In order to avoid the least encroachment upon the play-ground, both the new room and the extension of the vault are under ground. They are covered with arches built of brick and cement, and the proximity of the vault to the boilers is such that much labor and waste wiU be saved in moving the coal to the furnaces.

Minor Changes and Improvements.

Many other alterations and improvements of a minor character have been made during the year. They consist in the remodelling of the whole system of drainage both in the mam building and in the cottages, executed in accordance with the suggestions of Dr. Heard of the committee on health, who has paid par- ticular attention to this subject and studied it in all its phases ; in increasing the accommodations of the main building to meet the wants of the household; in re- fitting and rendering habitable the attic rooms in the east wing ; in furnishing a spacious attic with shelves for storing all the books that are for sale ; and in making another convenient little room for maps and apparatus in the attic of the schoolhouse for girls.

1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT— No. 27. 21

In executing the above-named repaii's and improve- ments we have aimed at advancing' the best interests of the Institution so far as the means at our command would allow, and securing in the highest practicable degree the comfort and convenience of its inmates.

All the plans, specifications, and contracts were pre- pared by the officers of the establishment, and we are happy to state that the work has been completed in an economical and satisfactory manner.

Legacies.

The decision of the supreme court respecting the munificent gift of the late Miss Charlotte Harris was favorable to the Institution, and the amount of the legacy has been paid over to our treasurer.

It is very gratifying to be able to report that the noble ranks of the friends of the blind are increasing from year to year, and that this establishment is the occa- sional recipient of generous bequests from benevolent men and women.

We gratefully acknowledge the following legacies, which have been received since our last annual report was presented to the corporation : —

From the estate of the late Ruth .G

De Witt of South Berwick, Me. . $1,997 50

From the estate of the late Thomas

Liversidge of Boston . . . 5,000 00

From the estate of the late William

Taylor of Tewksbury, Mass. . 5,000 00

Thus three new names, together with that of Miss Charlotte Harris, have been added to the list of the benefactors of the blind, and will shine, like bright

22 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

stars, in the constellation of beneficence. The seed which they have generously sown in the fertile field of humanity will not perish, but will continue to yield fruit through long years to come.

The disposition of the income of these bequests will be made in such a manner that both the memory of the donors and the benefit of their gifts shall be perpetuated.

Printing for the Blind.

The work in our printing-office has been carried on vigorously and uninterruptedly during the past year, and four volumes have been published. Those of the books which are of permanent value, such as the English Reader, or extracts from British and American literature in prose and verse, have been electrotyped, and the plates produced by this process are very accurate and durable.

The importance of embossed books and tangible apparatus for the development and happiness of the blind is too obvious to require demonstration. They are the most effective means to enlighten the under- standing, beguile the solitary hours and delight the hearts of persons thus afflicted. They are to the improvement of the intellectual and moral nature of the blind what sunlight is to the growth of plants. Nothing can be more precious to a sightless person than books legible by the finger. There are many hours in which blind people depend entirely upon their o^vn resources for comfort and enjoyment, and every thing that lessens their dependence on others for entertainment and occupation must necessarily tend to lighten the burden of their calamity and brighten their existence.

1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 23

This Institution was the pioneer in this country in the work of creating a library for the bhnd. The only real and substantial improvements for embossing books and constructing apparatus adapted to the sense of touch were originated and carried out here. The mat- ter was earnestly taken up in the year 1834, and more has been contributed by this establishment to the suc- cess of the enterprise from its own funds and from those specially raised for the purpose, than by any and perhaps all others. The difficulties and obstacles which Dr. Howe met with in pushing on the work were dis- heartening and almost overwhelming at times, and for thirty-five years the whole weight of the undertaking was borne on his shoulders with very little encourage- ment from any source outside of Boston and Massa- chusetts.

There are at present several other printing-offices in various parts of the country, which are doing a good work. But we are determined that oui;s shall continue its beneficent operations as long as the Institution lasts. It will soon be removed to the spacious brick building recently erected for the purpose, and will be supplied with new materials and improved machinery. Its mere existence is permanently secured by the income of a special fund of about sixteen thousand dollars ; and we appeal to the public for such additional aid as shall increase its usefulness, and place it beyond the reach of need.

The consciousness of having been instrumental in sweetening the cup of life to the affiicted is a great boon to those who have the stewardship of riches. To instil the blessings of light and knowledge into other-

24 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

wise darkened minds, to alleviate the pangs of misfor- tune by providing the means of intellectual expansion and enjoyment is a deed, the beneficial results of which can hardly be over-estimated. No trumpets may announce its performance; no heralds cry it in the

streets.

" It droppeth as the gentle dew from heaven."

The pseans of gladdened hearts proclaim the welcome benefaction.

The " Howe Memorial Fund."

About five hundred and fifty-six dollars have been added during the past year to this fund, which was established by the " Howe Memorial Committee " for the purpose of securing the means for embossing books for the blind in accordance with the purpose and well known wishes of their lamented friend and great bene- factor.

Nearly the whole of the above amount was con- tributed by a life-long friend of Dr. Howe, Mrs. Sarah S. Russell, who accompanied her munificent gift with the following letter, dated May 15, 1878 : —

"Please find enclosed a check for five hundred dollars, which please add to the ' Howe Memorial Fund ' for embossing books for the blind. I take much interest in your Institution not only for itself, but for the friendship and respect I have alwa3's felt for Dr. Howe, and trust you have many subscriptions for the same object."

The following reply was written by the Director, to whom Mrs. Russell's letter was addressed : —

" I hardly know how to express to you my gratitude and sur-

1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 25

prise on receiving your munificent gift of five hundred dollars (SoOO) , to be added to the ' Howe Memorial Fund ' for emboss- ing books for the blind. The Institution has indeed reason to rank 3'ou among its benefactors, and the intelligence of your generous donation will give the utmost delight both to our pupils and to all who are interested in their cause. The printing enter- prise deserves and needs almost more encouragement than any other branch of our endeavors, as being so extremely expensive ; and I only wish it had more such friends.

"The affectionate regard ever cherished by the doctor towards Mr. Russell and yourself, and your mention of this friendship, ren- ders the gift doubly precious."

The Trustees cordially concur in the acknowledg- ments and sentiments expressed in the above letter, and earnestly hope that IVIrs. Russell's generous contribution to so worthy a cause may prove a stimulus to similar benefactions from others.

Bust of Dr. Howe.

The Institution has been made the recipient, through the generosity of one of its kindest friends, Mr. George W. Wales, of a noble bust of its founder, by the Cheva- lier Cantalamessa, Professor of the Academy of St. Luke in Eome.

As a likeness of our late beloved Director, as weU as a memento of the generosity of the donor, this beautiful work of art will be prized and held sacred as long as the Institution shall stand. The Trustees return their thanks, in their own name and in that of the entire school, to Mr. Wales for his princely gift. The bust is placed in the reception room. This location has been selected as the best fitted for its display, and as one where it may be enjoyed by all who visit the Institution.

26 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

Work Department for Adults.

This department continues to be affected by the gen- eral depression of business in the country, and our accounts show that there is but little variation in its financial condition.

During the past year the receipts from all sources Amounted to $12,026.74, being less by |T04.15 than those of the previous one.

The balance against the department is $1,711.74, while $1,749.27 were paid out of the treasury the year before the last.

In order to curtail the expenses of the concern, and, as far as possible, balance them with the receipts, we have been obliged to adopt strict economic measures. At the beginning of the year the services of one of the clerks at the store were dispensed with, and the sched- ule of wages and of the rates paid for piece work was revised, and a reduction of ten per cent made. This was done with great reluctance and sincere regret on our part; but the question whether to do this or to allow the work department to stagger along under a heavy burden and to run the risk of being finally crushed by it, presented itself so forcibly that there was no alternative left.

We hardly need repeat the statement, that this shop is a blessing to blind persons, and that its preservation is a great boon to many of them. Through its agency they have been enabled to become independent and to secure for themselves by diligence and thrift the com- forts of home, and the inestimable enjoyments of domes- tic happiness. They live in lodgings of their own, or in

1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 27

respectable boarding-houses in the neighborhood, and come at regular hours to their work as other men and women do. Their time is usually kept employed, and they are paid for their labor at fair rates, each one receiving a certain sum" according to his industry and skill. Those who are experts in their trades are able not only to pay their expenses, but to lay aside a part of thek wages for a rainy day ; but the majority of them can earn only enough to pay for theu' board and clothing. This, however, is of immense value to them, because it relieves them from that state of dependence which more than any thing else makes the blind man unhappy and discontented with his lot in life.

The rules, arrangements and supplies of stock in the work department are such as to facilitate the prompt and faithful execution of all orders for new mattresses, pillows, comforters and feather-beds ; for dressing, cleansing, and making over old ones ; for repairing and re-upholstering of all kinds of parlor furniture ; for reseating cane-bottomed chairs ; for supplying churches and vessels with cushions ; for brooms, brushes, door- mats, and the like. The materials used are of the first quality, and warranted to be precisely such as they are represented, while the charges are generally more rea- sonable than those made in other stores of the kind. We have neither the rent of a factory nor the high wages of workmen to pay, and we can therefore afford to compete with other establishments on favorable terms.

Ladies, housekeepers and others are respectfully invited to call and examine the articles made by the blind, the materials used in their manufacture, and the

28 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

scale of their prices ; and we venture to say that they will be fully satisfied in their expectations. We beg of no one to purchase the manufactures of the blind from charity ; but feeling confident that they can work well, knowing that they do work faithfully and skilfully, and believing that a generous public will give them at least a fair share of patronage, we do not hesitate to nrge theii- claims.

General Remarks.

It is a source of sincere pleasure to the members of the Board to be able to express their satisfaction at the high standing of the Institution as a source of intel- lectual and moral light for the blind of New England.

It has reached a position not only creditable to the community and honorable to the State, but encouraging to the great cause of general education.

While we would make no invidious comparisons between this and other schools of the kind, we do not hesitate to affirm that ours is as well organized and equipped with educational appliances and tangible apparatus as any other in the world, and that the work of instructing and benefiting those who are under our charge is prosecuted with as much efficiency and success as anywhere else. No Institution for the blind in this country has sent out into the world a larger proportion of useful and prosperous men, who by manly, correct and active lives have honored themselves and their alma mater.

The feeling of confidence and kindness between pupils and officers, manifested in various ways, proves that the government of the establishment, while it is efficient, is at the same time mild and parental.

1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 29

The Trustees cordially invite the executive officers of the New England States, and all who are officially or personally interested in the blind, or in the cause of education in general, to visit the Institution and to observe its workings and the means employed for the intellectual, physical, musical, and technical training of the pupils, as closely as possible, believing that such an investigation will prove beneficial to the establishment and its interests.

We cannot close this report without earnestly com- mending the school and its concerns to the guardian care of a wise and prudent legislature, and to the favorable consideration of a generous public, hoping that it may prosper in all future time as it has done hitherto, until it shall have fully accomplished the be- neficent ends and purposes for which it was established.

All which is respectfully submitted by

ROBERT E. APTHORP, FRANCIS BROOKS, JOHN S. D WIGHT, JOSEPH B. GLOVER, J. THEODORE HEARD, HENRY LEE HIGGINSON, ANDREW P. PEABODY, EDWARD N. PERKINS, JOSIAH QUINCY, SAMUEL G. SNELLING, JAMES STURGIS, GEORGE W. WALES,

T7'ustees.

so INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

THE REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR.

To THE Board of Trustees.

Gentlemen^ — In obedience to the regulation and cus- tom, which require nie to lay before you an annual account of the operations and the management of the internal affairs of the Institution, I have the honor to present to you herewith the report of the Du'ector for the past year.

This communication is in substance a resume of the brief statements quarterly submitted to your Board, together with such thoughts and suggestions on the education of the blind as come within the scope of a document of this kind.

It is pleasant to be able to report that nothing has occurred during the year to mar the general harmony and orderly working of the Institution.

The intellectual, moral, musical, and technical in- struction of the pupils has been prosecuted with com- mendable diligence and encouraging success.

A fair number of scholars have excelled in their studies and occupations, and the large majority may be considered as having done well.

Every department of the Institution has been con- ducted with sound discretion, and the duties devolving

1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 31

upon all my assistants have been faithfully discharged to the best of their ability.

The good fruit of last year's labors is mostly due to an uncommon spirit of devotion to the objects for which the school was established on the part of all connected with it.

Increasing experience suggests from time to time some modification of our methods of instruction and administration, and every opportunity for improvement is promptly seized.

The management of the domestic affairs of the Insti- tution and the comfort of its beneficiaries have received as faithful care and attention as heretofore, and peace and contentment have generally prevailed.

Number of Inmates.

The total number of blind persons connected with the Institution at the beginning of the past year as pupils, teachers, employes and workmen or workwomen, was 162. There have since been admitted 20 ; 24 have been discharged, making the present total number 158. Of these 139 are in the school proper, and 19 in the work department for adults.

The fust class includes 126 boys and girls enrolled as pupils, seven teachers, and five domestics. Of the pupils there are now sixty-six boys and forty-two girls in attendance ; eleven of the former and seven of the latter being absent on account of physical disability or from other causes.

The second class comprises fifteen men and four women employed in the workshop for adult blind per- sons.

32 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

The number of applicants is steadily increasing from year to year, and all who are of proper age and quali- fications are promptly admitted. Besides these, there are within my knowledge many little blind children who are too young to be received in a school like ours, but who would derive an immense benefit from a kin- dergarten adapted to theu' wants, if one could be organized either near here or elsewhere.

We continue to receive interesting accounts from many of our graduates, and often hear details of their usefulness as members of the communities in which they live, and of their virtues and exemplary conduct. It must be gratifying to the friends of the Institution, as it is to its officers, to find that some of them have gained access to places of profit and trust which it was once supposed they were unfitted to occupy by their peculiar deprivation.

AssisT.iNT Officers.

In reviewing the history of the past year it is not the least gratifying consideration that there has been no change, or occasion to desire a change in any of the teachers and officers of the Institution. All of them, givmg head and heart, as well as labor and their time, to the discharge of their arduous duties, have continued to exercise their respective offices with the accustomed fidelity and with those higher qualifications and capaci- ties for usefulness, which opportunities for enlarged observation and experience could not fail to impart. As a natural consequence there has been harmony, mutual confidence, and earnest co-operation.

For circumstances so satisfactory in the past and so

1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 33

auspicious for the future the Institution is indebted to the wisdom, sagacity, broad-mindedness, and kind de- meanor of that truly great and good man, who first gave order and direction to the management of its con- cerns, and proportion and symmetry to a system of edu- cation for the blind, thus raising the standard of their social and moral condition, and building for himself a noble monument, which is fairer and more enduring than granite or bronze.

Sanitary Condition.

It is a great privilege to be able to report that an- other year has passed without the occui'rence of a single death in the Institution itself; yet we are called to mourn the loss of a much loved and most interesting pupil, Herbert E. Goodwin of Detroit, Me., who died at his home on the 28th of August last after a short illness. He was a young man of uncommon mental abilities, excellent character, cheerful disposition, and great promise, and his death is profoundly felt and deeply lamented by every member of our house- hold.

Two cases of serious illness have occurred during the year, one of typhoid and the other of lung fever. Both patients were speedily removed to the Massachusetts General Hospital^ where they received the best of medi- cal care and nursing, and were restored to health. The measles broke out among the inmates near the close of the school term, attacking nine; but the disease was of a light character, and caused us no anxiety as to its effects. With these exceptions, the general health of the household has been very good, and the few ailments

34 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

which have called for medical treatment have been easily controlled.

It is certainly remarkable that a large community of childi'en and youth, many of them vrith constitutions either originally defective or shaken by the disease that has destroyed the visual organs, should pass through entii-e years with so little sickness and no death. But regularity of livmg, wholesomeness of diet, proper regard to personal habits, moderate yet systematic occu- pation, and prompt attention to any indisposition, to- gether with fresh aii- and regular hours of exercise and rest, serve in many cases to mitigate or remove all tendencies to disease, and conduce to the good measui-e of health which our pupils enjoy, and to their success in all theii- pursuits. For a child learns well when he eats, digests, sleeps, and plays well. The breathing of fresh and pure air is a special necessity. It tends to invigorate the body and strengthen the mind. It brightens the intellect and stimulates energy. It tran- quillizes the temper, softens the disposition, mollifies the passions, and contributes to the expansion of the understanding. Sharpness of attention, clearness of apprehension, and readiness of memory, are aU pro- moted by it.

The dietary of the Institution is ample, wholesome and sufficiently varied to meet the demands of the sys- tem, and sustam a high degree of muscular vigor and physical health.

Daily exercise, in the open air or under shelter, at suitable intervals and for a proper length of time, is one of the requirements of the school, and no one is

1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 35

allowed to omit this more than any other of the pre- scribed duties of the course.

Habits of order and of personal neatness are enjoined upon all our pupils, and none of them is permitted to enter upon his daily duties without having first paid the necessary attention to cleanliness and tidiness.

Kequirements for the Education of the Blind.

The importance of special schools for the education and training of the blind has been recognized by all civilized communities during the last century, and pro- visions for their establishment and maintenance made in Europe and in this country. It is evident to any think- ing mind that such institutions are indispensable for enabling those bereft of the sense of sight to use all their faculties to the greatest advantage of themselves and others, to equalize the social standard, to alleviate misfor- tune, to enlarge the sources of production and strengthen the industrial ranks, to secure individual independence and domestic happiness, and to prevent the mcrease of pauperism and degradation. But, in order that they may fulfil their purpose they must be so organized as not to sacrifice the substance to mere show, and their adminis- tration must be conducted upon such sound principles as to render them exhaustless sources of light to those whom they are intended to benefit. Fine buildings, expen- sive furniture and beautiful grounds and groves alone do not make a great institution. These of themselves are hardly sufficient to render an establishment of this kind a beneficent agency, dispelling, like a bright sun, intel- lectual and moral darkness, and sending cheerfulness and joy into the dwellings of man. The true test of

36 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

the power of such an institution for usefulness and of the real influence it exercises, is the completeness of the means for carrying out its work successfully.

The attainments specially required for the ameliora- tion of the condition of the blmd and for their elevation in the social scale, may be summarized as follows : —

First, A full development of the intellectual faculties, together with a systematic discipline of the mental powers and capacities.

Second, A thorough cultivation and refinement of the moral and aesthetic nature.

Third, A general improvement of the physical con- dition, so that the body may be rendered strong and healthful, a pleasant and elegant dwelling-place for the mind, as well as a perfect medium for its communica- tion with the external world.

Fourth, A careful and efficient training in suitable professions and profitable mechanic arts and industrial occupations, and a fair chance to earn a reasonable liv- ing and maintain a decent independence.

Fifth, A participation in the organic life of society to the largest practical extent, so that its culture, its cour- tesies, its rewards, and its human impulses may operate to make them conscious of the grand fact of individuali- ty which is so weighty in character, and to produce a more perfect manhood.

This Institution has ever striven to render its instruc- tion and training so efficient, that its pupils shall be qualified to enter the practical walks of life. It has spared no means to \ievelop and strengthen in them those powers from which is derived the true dignity of man, and to prepare them for becoming useful and

1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 3T

happy members of society. To compass this end, many agencies are requisite, and none is more important than a division of work, based upon sound principles, and conscientiously carried out in every department and in every detail.

Literary Department.

The condition of this department may be fairly pro- nounced very gratifying to all who are interested in the intellectual advancement of the blind.

The progress made by the pupils of the various classes has been in every way commendable, and attests their diligence and intelligence, as well as the zeal and fidelity of their instructors, and the efficacy of the course pursued and of the processes and methods em- ployed.

The exercises of study and recitation are not only useful as disciplinary agencies, but are also the best auxiliaries in the acquisition of the ability to think and act efficiently in any sphere of life.

Pains have been taken to give the pupils clear and correct instruction with careful explanations of words and principles, so that they might understand and know what they were studying.

Whatever has been undertaken has been learned as thoroughly as possible, and the fact that a defective acquisition of knowledge educates neither in form nor in substance has been constantly kept in view.

For the successful prosecution of our peculiar work industry, patience, perseverance, ingenuity, and skill are eminently necessary, and all the human virtues can find room for active exercise ; and I take great pleasure in acknowledging that our instructors have not been found

38 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

wanting in any of those qualities of head or heart which are essential to render theh services efficient and valuable. To establish or confirm habits of study, industry, application, order, punctuahty, neatness, and steady and cheerful attention to duty in every form, and to improve the condition of thek pupils in aU respects, has been theh most earnest endeavor and unceasing effort.

Classification and Course of Study.

The pupils are distributed with a careful reference to theh actual state of progress and theh ability to ad- vance together, into eleven classes, the largest of which contains seven and the smallest sixteen pupils. Expe- rience has shown that fifteen blind childi-en are about as many as can be taught together with advantage.

Our classes are so arranged as to promote uniformity of method and efficiency in general, and at the same time ofi"er a powerful incentive to study and good con- duct m our pupils. The course of instruction has been carefully revised and sufficiently enlarged to secure a thorough and broad mental development. The branches therein embraced do not difi'er essentially from those taught in the public schools and private academies, and may be summarized as follows : —

Reading in various raised characters, spelling, writ- ing with a lead pencil in the square hand and in Braille's point system, geography (civil and physical), arithmetic (mental and with type boards), algebra, geometry, history (ancient, medieeval, and modern, spe- cial attention being paid to that of the United States), grammar, rhetoric, composition, the English language

1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 89-

and literature, civil government, natural history, physics, anatomy and physiology, mental philosophy, and Latin.

An unnecessary increase of the number of studies for each class has been avoided, as their multiphcation leads to superficial knowledge rather than to the harmonious development of the intellectual faculties. True, Pliny has aptly said, that, " as the land is improved by sowing it with various seeds, so is the mind by exercising it with various studies ; " but the force of his words can be maintained only when their application is not carried beyond the limits of reason. When the soil is crowded with seeds the result is shown in plants of a sickly and distorted growth.

But, however well arranged and complete a course of study may be, its real value consists in the degree of healthful growth and discipline which it gives to the mind of the student. The words of Contillac on this subject are full of significance, and ought to be inscribed in every schoolhouse and to serve as a guide to every educator : " It is neither geography, history, nor Latin," says he, " which we are to teach children. The first thing to be kept in view is to give to the mind the exer- cise of all its faculties."

In addition to the regular instruction given in the school, the usual evening reading by the teachers and officers has continued as heretofore, and great care has been exercised in the selection of books, periodicals, and newspapers to be read aloud to the pupils. Highly- colored and highly-flavored fiction has been, as usual, carefully excluded. No descriptions of elopements and murders, nor tales of love-making and of hah-breadth escapes, have been allowed to be read in our school, to

40 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

pervert the imagination and corrupt the hearts of pure and innocent childi-en. We bear constantly in mind the fact that it behooves us as guardians of our pupils to look well to then- reading, and provide them with wholesome intellectual food. Men do not gather figs of thistles, nor can we expect a well-ordered life to come after a youth which is familiarized in imagination with vice and blood, violence and crime. The best means to prevent children from acquhing a taste for sensational reading and vicious publications is to furnish them with pure and nutritious mental aliment. To a mature mind reality is more attractive than fiction, and the simplicity of truth more wonderful than the complications of fancy.

Modes of Instruction and Training.

The methods of teaching and training employed in this Institution are such as are well adapted for the com- munication of knowledge to the pupils' minds in the sim- plest and most practical way. By a skilful combination of oral instruction and tangible illustration, and by the agency of embossed books, they are enabled to become acquainted with the mtellectual and moral as well as with the material world.

Rousseau recommends that man should be treated as an organism, and that education should be a development of all his faculties. In his battles against the prejudices of society and the dogmas of authority his watchwords were nature, reason, individuality. These simple words are replete with wisdom and scientific truth. The prin- ciples therein involved are so comprehensive as to form a solid basis for a broad and complete system of instruc- tion, and ought not only to lie at the foundation of all

1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 41

efforts for the mental improvement and the amelioration of the general condition of the blind, but to be the guides of those who are struggling bravely for the intro- duction of reforms in the domain of indolent conserva- tism, and for the liberation of suffering humanity from the despotism of pedantic empiricism and the caprices of ignorance.

The main aim and end of all the methods and illus- trative appliances adopted in our school" is not to fill the mind of the pupils with knowledge of various kinds, but to develop the human being from within outward ; to give primary importance to the perceptive, conceptive, and reflective faculties, and to foster self-activity, which is an essential condition of progress.

Moreover, clearness of thought, accuracy in acquisi- tion, precision of expression, distinctness of articulation, correctness of intonation, and ease and grace of deport- ment, are all considered necessary elements in a thor- ough system of education, and receive careful attention in our school. The pupils are generally trained to make a simple, fluent, correct and concise statement upon any subject with which they are supposed to be familiar. In the primary classes every effort is made to avoid a kind of logical drill which belongs to the later period of school life. To teach beginners to under- stand the philosophy of every step is very injurious. It is grasping at the shadow and losing the substance.

Individual traits in the pupils are carefully consid- ered, and the importance of drawing out the mind according to its natural bent, rather than stuffing it and moulding it after a preconceived pattern, is steadily kept in view. As a general rule, our teachers lead

42 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

instead of driving, encourage originality of thought and method instead of requiring the exact language and the forms of the book, and are enjoined always to ask with Montaigne, not who know the most, but who are the best taught among the scholars.

Discipline of the School.

The discipline of the school has been, as heretofore, mild and entii'ely free from sternness or any kind of severity. Moral suasion with gentle lii-mness and strict- ness constitutes its main features. Punctuality and reg- ularity have been enforced without relaxation, and the pupils have been taught to conquer and suppress mere self-will and inclination to stubbornness, and to conduct themselves with propriety and decorum. Self-control, which undoubtedly forms the basis of all moral virtues, is considered as an essential element in the progress and success of our school. Goethe has aptly said that " the best government is that which teaches us to gov- ern ourselves ; " and these words are the essence of our system of discipline.

That the passions of childhood and youth should be restrained, then* motives elevated and refined, their hopes regulated and their fears assuaged, no one de- nies : but this cannot be done by the parade of harsh rules or mere precepts, or by dogmatic commands. It must be accomplished by reasonable requirements in regard to obedience and submission, by the teachings of wisdom and experience, by the exercise of patience and fortitude, and by examples of self-denial and devo- tion to duty.

For an enforcement of an efficient system of disci-

1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 43

pline, our school, with its organic growth into good habits and moral purpose, its healthy social life, its amusements and its cheerfulness, needs no assistance from an inorganic rectilinear order of rules and com- mandments, by which children are led to so-called good behavior at the expense of strength and happiness. Earnest instruction and interesting illustrations are fol- lowed by peace and good order as naturally as physical health and bodily strength are the outcome of vigorous nutrition and perfect digestion ; and to these our teach- ers pay special attention.

Illustrative Apparatus and Embossed Books.

In order to direct the cultivation of the intellect properly and in a scientific manner, and to avoid what- ever hinders the process of normal development, it is necessary to understand its nature, its operations and the mode of its growth from childhood to mature age.

The human mind acts, as it were, by a number of separate faculties. It appears to possess distinct powers. Nevertheless it is a unit. Its faculties or powers are without doubt intimately associated. They are the ministers of a supreme sovereign. Conscious- ness, sense-perception, conception, association, memory, imagination, comparison, abstraction, generalization, judgment and reason, all are functions of a single agent, and depend du'ectly or indirectly upon some rudimental process : but they are functions distinct both in then* mode of operation and in the objects upon which they are exercised. Hence, all efforts for the systematic and harmonious development of the intellect should be guided by a sufficient knowledge of its facul-

44 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

ties and of theii* respective spheres of action. Each of these faculties should receive due attention, but those of perception and conception should be fii'st appealed to in education. The latter especially re- quires the most careful cultivation in childhood and youth, since it alone enables the mind to store up the materials of knowledge and thought in its wonderful and mysterious depository. This faculty retains past perceptions, out of w^hich it produces its subsequent creations, whether these are the fantastic pictures of fancy, the more regular combinations of the imagination, or the sequences of ratiocination. Isaac Taylor says, " Nature has allowed an absolute predominance to the conceptive faculty during the season of infancy, and has granted it a principal share in the mental economy during the succeeding years of childhood ; " and Currie remarks more explicitly, that "'a rich and ready con- ception is the soil out of which grows a sound judgment. The cause of error in our judgments lies as frequently in the lack of materials on which to base them as in the w^ant of powxr to compare them when requu'ed." Unless the activity of this faculty is fostered in child- hood by being supplied with abundant food from exter- nal sources, the intellect shrivels, its vitality dies out for want of exercise, and torpor takes the place of elas- ticity and vigorous life.

In view of these guiding principles our system of instruction is so organized as to attain a progressive development of the mental functions of the pupils, and to foster in them habits of attention, observation, reflec- tion, expression, ready exercise of their intellectual faculties, and thorough manual skill. To this end a

1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 45

great variety of sensible objects from the animal and vegetable kingdoms, of tangible representations of the wonderful creations of nature, and models of the works of art and products of ingenuity, of illustrative appara- tus for the several branches of study, and of embossed books of all kinds, are indispensable. Without these aids, the instruction of the blind is not only abstract and inefficient, but tends to intensify some of the ab- normal effects arising from the loss of sight.

During the past year a human skeleton and a com- plete set of Bock-Steger's models for the study of anat- omy and physiology have been added to our collection and advantageously used by our pupils. A set of the kindergarten gifts, with the exception of those which are specially adapted to the sense of sight, and a new set of philosophical apparatus, like that used in the public schools of Boston, have also been procured.

The facilities which this Institution affords for the study of geography have been greatly increased during the past year. Two new globes in relief have been purchased, and four complete sets, two of dissected and the others of wall maps, have been constructed by our own special workman. Thus our present supply of geographical apparatus consists of six globes of various sizes, and of fifty-two large maps, twenty-two of which are dissected. To these may be added a large number of small maps used for class work. Special attention has been given to the construction of the new maps, and they are considered in point of workmanship, accu- racy and distinctness of outline, durability and beauty far superior to all thus far made in Europe or in this country. At the meeting of the American Institute of

46 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

Instruction held at the White Mountains last July, the dissected maps were highly commended by eminent educators, and several among them are earnestly endea- voring to introduce these maps into the public schools of Boston. Samples have been placed by request in several offices for the inspection and examination of school boards and instructors.

During the past year four volumes have been added to our list of embossed books^ and a new edition of Milton's poetical works is in press.

Music Department.

The "department of music continues to perform its important part in our system of education, both as an essential element of mental development and culture, and as a powerful agent in training up the young to usefulness and independence.

The usual routine of study and practice has been pursued with regularity and earnestness, and the results have been as satisfactory as those in any former year.

No endeavors have been spared to increase the inter- nal means and facilities for a broad and thorough musi- cal education, and to render the department complete in all its appointments.

During the past year two full concert grand pianos and an upright have been added to our collection of musical instruments ; and several old ones have been repaired and put in good order.

Our course of instruction is methodically arranged, and every opportunity consistent with our means afford- ed for the thorough study of music as a science and its practice as an art.

1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 47

The number of pupils who received instruction in music during the past year was eighty-five, and the branches taught may be summarized as follows : Piano- forte ; the parlor and church organ ; solo and class sing- ing ; the flute, clarinet, cornet and other brass instru- ments ; harmony ; the history of music and pedagogics.

Our corps of mstructors consists of five resident teachers and one assistant, — all former pupils of the school ; — three non-resident professors, and three music readers.

At the close of the last term nine pupils graduated from the music department, some of whom were also well qualified as tuners of piano-fortes. The success of all in the practical walks of life will depend upon theii* ability to turn their knowledge and skill here acquired to useful account, and upon thek exertions to secure their full share of the public patronage.

Of the three classes in harmony one completed that study, in which the extracts from Richter's manual copied the preceding year in Braille's system of musical notation rendered great service. The study of har- mony, even in an elementary course, is of special advan- tage to the formal training of the pupils. It opens to them an entirely new view of music, and gives them a systematic knowledge of its grammar as well as of the nature of its sounds. Exercises in tones train alike the understanding, the memory and the aesthetic faculties. In learning the variations of musical tones, the pupils must, fii-stly, consider them with reference to their melodic, rhythmical, dynamic, and harmonic character ; and secondly, with reference to then* inner or aesthetic nature, through which they exemplify the beautiful.

48 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

The former of these two processes is accomphshed by the musical faculties, the latter by the fancy and by the sense of beauty. Hence harmony forms the foundation upon which a scientific musical knowledge is reared ; and the deeper and broader the basis, the higher will the structure rise.

Embossed books on the subjects of counter-point, fugue, composition and the history of music, are becom- ing great desiderata. These studies have undoubtedly been mastered by blind students without the aid of such books, but at a great disadvantage and with the loss of much valuable time.

Most of our scholars receive instruction in several branches of music, and at the same time are carefully trained in the methods of imparting their knowledge to others with equal success. The plan of placing the younger pupils under the charge of some of the more advanced ones continues to be attended with most bene- ficial consequences. It gradually familiarizes them with the habit of teaching, and prepares them to leave the Institution with some practical experience in their pro- fession.

The efficiency of the band is somewhat impaired by the retii-ement of several of its leading members, whose term of instruction had expu-ed ; but their places are filled from among the younger members of the depart- ment, and the remodelled group will soon be in good practice and in fak condition for public performances.

All pupils have a fail' trial in music and devote some time each day to its study and practice : but only those who show special talent and possess such general men- tal ability as is essential for the attainment of excellence

1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 49

in any art devote as much time to it as can profitably be employed.

In the selection of music great care is exercised, and the sensuous trash, which \ailgarizes the art and cor- rupts the popular taste, is excluded from our school. Compositions of an acknowledged excellence alone are recommended to the pupils. It should be borne in mind, however, that, unless the intellect and the senti- ments are fully cultivated and the feelings awakened and refined, the acquisition of an ardent fondness for classic music and of taste and skill for playing it well is hardly possible. Those and only those who are well developed mentally, and have a sufficient foundation of knowledge and practice, can study advantageously the works of the great masters.

Such is in brief the nature of the work pursued in our music department, and such are the internal means and facilities afforded by this Institution to make thor- ough musicians and good teachers of those of its benefi- ciaries who possess the requisite talent and ability.

External opportunities for the cultivation and refine- ment of the musical taste of the pupils by attendance upon performances of various kinds and hearing great compositions interpreted by eminent artists, have been on the increase during the past year. Nor has the interest or the ready and active sympathy of most of the distinguished musicians of our city diminished. On the contrary, a brilliant array of talented artists, whose names, together with those of other generous bene- factors, will be hereafter mentioned in the list of ac- knowledgments, have given in the hall of the Institu- tion a series of entertainments, which delighted all who

7

50 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

had the privilege of hearing them, and added much to the happiness and instruction of our pupils. Our sincere and heartfelt thanks are due to them, as well as to the societies, proprietors, performers and managers, who have been so kind and so liberal as to allow our students of music to attend gratuitously most of the best concerts, rehearsals, operas, oratorios, and the like, given in the city of Boston. The significance of these opportunities can hardly be over-estimated. They are extremely valu- able to the blind of New England in many ways. They afford the best means for the education and refinement of the musical taste. They contribute largely to the aesthetic culture, stimulate the powers of appreciation, and lay the foundation of sound analytical criticism. Finally, they introduce our pupils into those peaceful and harmonious gatherings of the people, where the storm of antagonisms and the violence of human pas- sions are calmed down by the sound of music, and all enmity and acrimony of feeling are softened mto kind- ness and good will.

The salutary effect of music on the mind and heart of youth has been an axiom in education since the days of Lycurgus : and if our system of instruction and training aims at develoj)ing the character and the mtel- lect of our pupils in strength and completeness, and at lifting their occupations and then- lives to a higher range, the study of music as an art and as a science must form one of its most promment branches.

Music is unquestionably the most emotional of the arts, as well as one of those intellectual endowments by means of which man is to become conscious of himself and of his mental life. According to Klopstock, it is

1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 51

the most joyous of joys. It lifts the mind to a sense of grandeur and sublimity, or tranquillizes it through its softenmg influence. Its magnetic power draws the thoughts and feelings for a time away from selfish interests and fixes them on higher objects of contem- plation. It suggests noble aims, lofty resolves, brave deeds. It develops the love of beauty, refines the feel- ings, and gives to character and life a new possibility of strength and sweetness. Dr. Karl Kosenkrantz thus describes the power of the art : " Music by its rhythm and time imbues the feelings wdth a regular harmony. So highly did the Greeks value music, and in so many ways did they practise it, that their expression ' a musi- cal man ' was equivalent to ours of ' a cultivated man.' They therefore bestowed the extremest care upon this study which was designed to unite in a beautiful habitude readiness, openness, circumspection, and a most powerful mental discipline." Another eminent writer says, that " humanity itself can find only in music a sufficient mode of expression ; " and Nageli completes the climax by stating, that " music is a means of culture so healthful for sense and soul, so powerfully promotive of virtue and godliness, that we are bound to train our youth in it with conscientious- ness and dignity, zeal and perseverance."

But, if music is so valuable an adjunct in the educa- tion of youth possessed of all their senses, to that of the sightless it is, in view of its social, aesthetic and economic bearings, indispensable.

I deem it hardly necessary to dwell iipon the subject of the passionate fondness for music shown by the blind throughout all ages. The sculptured granite of Egyp-

52 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

tian tablets no less than the imperishable record of the Grecian bard attest their devotion to the " concord of sweet sounds." Their aptness for music is universally admitted, and can be easily explained.

In consequence of the loss of the visual sense, an unusual amount of exercise is required from that of hearing, whereby the sphere of its acquired percep- tions is greatly enlarged and its usefulness enhanced. Hence the intellectual susceptibilities of this sense are so cultivated by practice and education, and its discriminating power is so increased, that it becomes an efficient medium for the acquisition of objective knowl- edge and an exhaustless source of pleasure and enjoy- ment. The world of sound with its endless changes and modulations is to the blind what the scenes of ex- ternal nature with all its pleasing varieties of form and color and its numberless combinations and beauti- ful blendings of light and shade are to those who are permitted to look upon them. In the infinite variety of warbling melody and the rich and boundless fields of harmony the sightless man finds not only recreation, solace and compensation for the loss of the joys of sight, but ample means for the cultivation of the aesthetic faculty and the development of the inner sense, — a discrimi- native consciousness of the beautiful in thought and action, — which is weU illustrated by the foUowiug lines : —

" The rill is tuneless to his ear, who feels No harmou}' within ; the south wind steals As silent as unseen among the leaves. Who has no inward beauty, none perceives

1878.] PUBLIC D0CUME:^T — No. 27. 63

Though all around is beautiful. Nay more,

In nature's calmest hour, he hears the roar

Of winds and flinging waves ; — puts out the light

When high and angry passions meet in fight."

But, in addition to its aesthetic effects, there are other advantages of a practical character which render proficiency in music of vital importance in the edu- cation of the blind. The loss of sight is less of an obstruction and an obstacle in this vocation than in any of the mechanical occupations. Here the technical difficulties may be easily overcome and the sightless student may attain excellence as a teacher. Here the hand may perform its task without the assistance of sight and the streams of harmony penetrate the inner chambers of the ear without the aid of the eye. A wide field of great usefulness is thus opened to those who are endowed with marked ability and talent, and a source of available means for self-maintenance pro- vided for all who are not wanting in capacity, perse- verance and general culture.

For these reasons music is considered as one of the most important branches in our school, and neither expense in increasing the number and variety of instru- ments nor pains in securing the services of zealous and talented teachers are spared. It is hoped that the necessary means may be supplied for continuing our efforts in this direction unrelaxed until the music department of the Institution may become a truly complete and efficient conservatorium, the graduates of which shall be well fitted to be classed with the best players and vocalists, and be in demand as among

54 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

the most competent instructors in composition, counter- point and fugue.

Tuning Department.

Closely interwoven with the interests of the musical are those of the tuning department. Many of our musical pupils incline rather toward tuning than teach- ing as a profession ; and, even when this is not the case, the power of taking care of his own instrument is of great value to a musician, and is in fact one requisite of a perfect artist.

The affahs of the tuning department are being vig- orously carried on, and steady progress has been made during the past year.

Eighteen pupils have received instruction in tuning, five of whom graduated at the close of the school term. These were all carefully prepared and well fitted to enter into the domain of practical business, and so far as heard from, are doing extremely well.

The work of our tuners has given entire satisfaction to our customers, and its quality is best attested by the comparative readmess with which some of the most intelligent families of Boston and the neighboring towns place thek costly instruments under the care of the tuning department of this Institution.

The contract for tuning and keeping in repair the piano-fortes used in the public schools of Boston for one year expu'ed on the first of May last, and the work of our tuners was so thoroughly and conscientiously done as to dispel all doubts as to their skill and ability, and meet with the unanimous and unqualified approval and

18T8.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 55

commendation of the instructors of music in the public schools, expressed in the following testimonials : —

Mr. J. W. Smith. My dear Sir, — I am pleased to state that you have taken excellent care of the pianos in our public schools during this and last school year. As far as I am concerned, I find your tuning, &c., fully equal to the best. Let me express the hope that our pianos will continue in your competent and faithful charge. Yours very truly,

JULIUS EICHBERG. Boston, Feb. 2, 1878.

J. W. Smith, Esq. Dear Sir, — I take the opportunity to state my pleasure at the prompt and efficient manner in which the city tuning has been conducted by you in the interests of the blind. The tuning is good, and stands well: this being true, right-minded citizens should see that the unfortunates have a fair opportunity.

Wishing you full success, I am yours sincerely,

J. B. SHARLAND. Boston, Mass., Feb. 7, 1878.

Mr. Smith. Dear Sir, — I am happy to say that the pianos used by me in the public schools the past year, that have been tuned under your supervision, have been tuned to my entire satis- faction. Respectfully yours,

H. E. HOLT.

Mr. Smith. Dear Sir, — lam happy to cordially testify to the excellent care taken by you and 3'our assistants of the pianos in my district. Yours truly,

LUCY H. GARLIN, Special Instructor of Music, W. Roxhury and Brighton. Boston, Sept. 30, 1878.

Mr. J. W. Smith. Dear Sir,—1 take pleasure in expressing to you my entire satisfaction with the tuning of the pianos in the public schools of my district the past year. The work has been promptly and faithfully performed, and I shall cheerfully recom-

56 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

mend your services to any one in need of them. Stiould tliis be of any service to you, 3'ou are at liberty to use it as you please.

Yours truly,

J. W. MASON.

In view of these facts, and after a careful considera- tion of the matter, the committee on accounts of the school board have unhesitatingly and cheerfully re- newed the contract for another year on the same terms as before, " as an evidence of their entire satisfaction," and have touched upon the subject in their last annual report in the following words : —

" Last May, owing to the decease of the former tuner of pianos for the cit}', the contract for the tuning and small repairs was awarded to the management of the Perkins Institution for the Blind at South Boston. The committee were not unanimous in this selection : it seemed to some of them to be of doubtful expe- diency ; while they did not question the abilit}^ of the blind people to correctlj- tune an instrument, ^- a matter depending upon the ear, — they did not feel that they were as fuU^^ capable of judging the need of small repairs constantly required by instruments sub- mitted to such hard usage as the pianos in our schools. They also believed that should they be obliged from these circumstances to transfer the contract to other parties at the end of the year, it would be a matter of great regret to all concerned, and work to the injury of the Institution. The contract, however, was awarded, the management assuming the responsibilities cheer- fully and with a full knowledge of their importance. At the end of the year their work received the unanimous approval of the music instructors, and the approbation of the committee. As an evidence of their entire satisfaction, the contract was again awarded to them at the same price."

The renewal of this contract is a subject of much congratulation. It is an explicit recognition and an

1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 57

official acknowledgment of the ability and proficiency of the tuners of this Institution made by the school board of the city of Boston. It is an eloquent recom- mendation of their skiU and competence, which will open a broad field of activity and usefulness, and at the same time confer an incalculable benefit upon their brethren in misfortune everywhere. It is a noble act of justice and fairness, and its effects will doubtless be to inspire the bhnd in all parts of the country with cour- age and hope, and to stimulate them to more strenuous exertions and greater efforts to attain efficiency in their respective vocations and take their place in the social ranks. May the example of the school committee of Boston be followed by those of all other cities, where there is an opportunity to give employment to compe- tent tuners of this class.

The receipts of the tuning department during the past year amounted to about sixteen hundred dollars, the greater portion of which has been paid to those who have done the work, and in some cases has sup- plied a pressing need.

Several of the more advanced scholars in this depart- ment have practised tuning reeds with satisfactory results. Their success has removed the doubts which have hitherto existed as to the possibility of the blind becoming adepts in tuning reed organs. We have already received encouraging reports from several young men, who, since they left us, have done this kind of work successfully and to the entire satisfaction of the owners of the instruments.

At the convention of the American instructors of the blmd, recently held in Columbus, O., much interest was

58 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

manifested in the art of tuning piano-fortes as a suitable employment for the blind, and, so far as there was any opinion expressed as to the qualifications of the sight- less tuners, it was in the right direction. Too much stress cannot be laid upon the importance of havmg these tuners carefully trained and thoroughly qualified in then art. To this end the course of instruction must be systematic and progressive, the facilities for the cultivation of the discriminating power of the ear varied and adequate, and the means for study, illustra- tion, and practice ample.

But even a great proficiency and acknowledged excel- lence in the art of tuning and repairing piano-fortes cannot be of great avail to its owner unless accompa- nied by intelligence, good address, tact, pleasing man- ners, neatness in person and apparel, modesty in de- meanor, freedom from unclean and objectionable habits, and above all promptness and sterling honesty in all business transactions. Unfortunately these requisites are often overlooked by the blind, and some among their number are partly responsible for the prejudices existing against them. Such persons are those who have sought and obtained employment on the ground of charity rather than of competence, and who were utterly unfit to do the work intrusted to them. Thus, while proving themselves unworthy of the confidence and patronage generously given to them, they have at the same time raised a strong disbelief in the abilities of the blind as a class, thereby ruining the prospects of skilful workmen who but for this might be hired with quite as much profit to their employers as to themselves. By similar individual acts the blind in general have

1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 59

been unjustly harassed, their labor undervalued, their efforts for self-maintenance misapprehended, their fitness to do various kinds of work doubted, and their interests injui-ed. Happily the time for asking and receiving aid on the score of charity has passed. The memory of Bartimeus' old seat by the gates of Jericho is a per- petual protest against what is so pitiable a disregard of man's dignity and self-respect, and an unequivocal con- demnation of the unsoundness of a faded civilization. There prevails among the blind of to-day a higher standard and a nobler ideal of true manhood and womanhood. The educational advantages which they have enjoyed for the last forty-seven years in this coun- try have created and fostered in them a just aspiration for independence and social equality, and an ardent deske to accept and assume the responsibilities of life under the same conditions with their more fortunate brethren. Mdton wrote, —

" What in me is dark, Illumine ; what is low, raise and support,"

and the echo comes, from the cultivated and elevated ranks of the blind of New England, " Let intellectual and moral light penetrate and dispel the clouds of physical darkness, give us educational facilities for the development of our faculties and the increase of our capacity, grant us suitable opportunities for preparing and arming ourselves efficiently for the struggle of life, and we ask no more."

Our tuning department is suppUed with every appli- ance necessary to give the pupils a thorough knowl- edge of the mechanism of the piano. A practical

60 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

acquaintance with all parts of the instrument is consid- ered so essential in the traming of our tuners that no one wanting in it is allowed to undertake to tune, and much less to repair, a piano-forte. Pupils are required to study all the smaller parts of the action minutely, familiarizing themselves with the shape and use of each one, just as young surgeons are taught the use of the muscles and tendons of the human body by dissection.

No endeavors are spared in securing every appliance to facilitate the work of our tuners, and place them as nearly as possible upon an equal footing with the seeing members of the craft. We have recently introduced a new and useful contrivance, by means of which they are enabled to remove the dust from the sound-board, as well as any small articles which may have lodged upon it, and which cannot be reached in any other way. It is simple in its construction, not liable to get out of order, can be obtained at a reasonable cost and carried in the bag with other tools.

It is a very propitious omen that manufacturers of piano-fortes are beginning to recognize the claims of the blind tuners and to admit them to their shops. Much credit is due to one of the most famous houses in Lon- don, Eng., for employing several of these tuners. A few of them have also met with encouragement in some of the manufactories of this country, and the head tuner of one of our leading American firms is a blind man. May this example be followed by other piano- makers of high standing and great influence. Experience obtained by observation and supported by a scientific ex- amination of the functions of the sense of sight and of the efi'ects of its loss, asserts that the blind develop a most

1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 61

astonishing power and accuracy in distinguishing the pitch and quality of sounds, and that they acquu-e great proficiency in the art of tuning piano-fortes. The testi- mony of artists, music-teachers, amateur players and school committees confu*ms this affirmation. Mendels- sohn, that bright star in the firmament of music, was heard to say of a piano tuned by a blind man, that it was in the finest condition of any he had ever known.

Is not all this sufficient testimony to induce American piano-manufacturers to give these tuners a fair and patient trial, and decide then* case, not by a mere a priori reasoning, but on its own merits ?

Technical Department.

This department constitutes a most important branch of our course of training, and an essential factor in the education of the blind.

As has often been stated in these reports, manual labor is of great value to all men, and of inestimable bene- fit to the sightless. It is important as a hygienic agency. It trains the body to strength and activity, and the hand to dexterity. It furnishes a gentle stimulus to the men- tal faculties, while it prevents the morbid activity of the brain, which too much study is apt to produce in young persons. It is an essential feature in the division and employment of time in every well-regulated mstitution for the blind. Finally, it acts as a balance-wheel to the deportment of the pupils ; for when a child is put into the workshop and set to doing something that requires close attention of the mind and careful use of the hand, he soon becomes more orderly in his habits, more easily

62 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

controlled, and applies himself more readily to his studies in the schoolroom.

Manual labor has always been considered of para- mount importance, and received due attention in this Institution. It has been the aim of its management so to arrange the studies, occupations, and recreations of the pupils as to secure the full and harmonious develop- ment of all their faculties, and place them in the condi- tions most favorable to mental and moral improvement, health, happiness, and the prospect of future mdepend- ence. No effoi-t has ever been spared to impress upon the minds of the scholars the fact that character is the great mark of distinction among men, and that it is of little consequence what pursuits they follow, if they can oidy answer life's great ends, and become good, useful, and upright citizens. The silly and wicked notion that manual work is menial has always been emphatically refuted in our school, and the pupils, without distinction of social station or sex, are practically and constantly taught the necessity and dignity of labor as the primal source of all human excellence and progress. They are brought up with the feeling that to learn to be useful is alike their duty, privilege, and interest.

Our system of instruction does not concern itself ex- clusively with mere book-learning, but gives an equally prominent place to training for the productive employ- ments of life. Wliile it addresses the mind, it does not ignore the hands and the whole range of faculties of which they are the special instruments. It aims to develop all the aptitudes and professional or mechan- ical tastes, and to send out graduates not only pos- sessed with the proper amount of knowledge, but also

1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 63

sufficiently prepared to become practical men and wo- men. Most of our pupils belong to those classes of the people who depend upon their exertions in some form for their support. Hence, the professions they ac- quire and the trades they learn here place them in an independent position, unite them to the productive classes of society, and give them the ability not only to maintain themselves, but often to assist their friends.

The business of the technical department has been conducted during the past year with intelligence and fidelity on the part of those in charge of it, and with very gratifying results. It is divided into two branches, one for the boys, and the other for the gMs, and the pupils have applied themselves with earnestness and unfaltering diligence.

/. — Workshop for the Boys.

A variety of trades, such as seating cane-bottomed chairs, manufacturing brooms, upholstering parlor fur- niture and making mattresses, are taught in this shop, and the pupils receive such training as is essential to insure their skill and success. As soon as they have learned the elements of their handicraft they make marketable articles under the supervision and often with the assistance of their instructors, so that they at once feel that they are engaged in real business. This plan excites thek interest and ambition, gives a dignity to then- work in their own estimation, and lays the foundation of energy and patience, of economy and insight, self-reliance and firmness of will.

The object contemplated in teaching trades is not pecuniary profit, nor is it expected that in the short

64 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

intervals of time devoted to their acquisition mere boys can acpuire the skill and ability of those who make it then- chief end and pursuit. The most that is designed is to turn the activity peculiar to children to a purpose useful to themselves, to foster in them habits of order and industry, and to prepare them for the successful prosecution of manual occupations after they leave the school, so that they may become able to minister to their own wants.

11. — Workrooms for the Girls.

The female pupils have been regularly occupied in various branches of handicraft, and a high degree of activity has prevailed in their workrooms during the past year.

They have received daily instruction in the use of the sewing-machine, in knitting both by hand and ma- chme, in crocheting, and in making a great variety of articles of fancy, worsted, and bead work. Sj)ecial attention is always given to plain sewing as an indis- pensable part of the practical education of our female pupils, and most of them become adepts in it.

The various articles manufactured by the girls during the year have given evidence of faithful instruction and diligent practice, and have been promptly disposed of at our weekly exhibitions.

Of course, in an age like the present, when iron fin- gers are employed in all branches of industry at a great deal less cost than is requu'ed for those of flesh, it is hardly possible that our pupils shall gain their living by needle or bead work. AU that can be reasonably expected is tliat they should be able to earn something

1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 65

besides doing their o^vn work and that of their famihes. But, however small may be the pecuniary advantages derived from sewing or making bead baskets and cups, the mental effect produced by the soothing monotony of stitching, or counting and stringing beads, is valuable to them. It subdues restlessness and nervousness, and cultivates patience and perseverance. It draws out the faculties of the intellect and rouses them into energy, directness, and precision of effort. It counteracts that propensity to idleness and mischief which is so apt to develop itself among young pupils unprovided with any useful occupation, and at the same time teaches them unselfishness by enabling them at the earliest possible moment to begin to prepare with then- own little fin- gers gifts for their parents, relatives and friends.

In addition to the above-mentioned manual occupa- tions, the female pupils are required to devote a portion of each day to housework under the direction of their respective matrons, and to the performance of such domestic duties as will probably in due time devolve upon them.

Physical Training.

" Corpus enim male si valeat, parere nequibit, Prseceptis animi, magna et preclara juventis."

Marcellus Palingenius.

In preparing and carrying out a complete course of general education, the physical training of the pupils has received all the attention which its importance demands.

A sound and vigorous body is indispensable to suc- cess in any active form of intellectual life. It is the

66 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

ground-work upon which the superstructure of what may become a noble temple of moral and mental excel- lence can be safely erected. Rousseau says, " A weak body weakens the soul. ... If you would develop the understanding of your pupil, develop the powers which his understanding is to govern ; incessantly train his body. Make him strong and healthy, that you may make him wise and intelligent ; make him work, run, cry out, always busied about something ; let him be a man in strength, and then he will be one in reason!"

The well established principle, that regular and systematic exercise promotes and strengthens all the powers of a human being, is the basis of all education. The idiot, in whom the feebleness or perverseness of wiU is perhaps the real reason why his faculties are at fii-st so dormant, is reached thi'ough the cultivation of his physical organization. The instructor by a series of progressive exercises teaches him the use of his muscles ; and when this is accomplished, he is enabled to make physical exertion voluntarily in a given direc- tion, which was at one time impossible. The will is thus strengthened, and may thenceforward be gradu- ally brought to bear upon the operations of the mind. Indeed, it is remarkable what an influence systematic gymnastics and concerted movements have upon the health, mental vigor and the habits of aU childi-en. Such exercises, arranged with a full knowledge of the natural laws of human development and of the special requhements of the class of people for whose benefit they are designed, and faithfully carried out, wiU lessen organic weaknesses, raise the standard of their health and strength, and bring them out hale, sound,

1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 67

and well-built. Want of exercise, and neglect of physi- cal training act injuriously upon the nervous system, and often predispose to melancholy, indigestion, hysteria and hypochondriasis. Children brought up in the lap of indolence, inactivity and ease become sickly, dissat- isfied and nervous : but, tlu'owTi by some seeming mis- fortune on their own resources, are aroused by the necessity of their situation from drowsiness and infirm- ities to healthy and vigorous action.

The indispensableness of gymnastics in a system of education professing to train the entire man and claim- ing to be especially appropriate for the blind, whose stamina are lower than the common average, is so clear as to need no demonstration ; and it is a cause for gratification to be able to report that during the latter part of the last year calisthenic exercises "for physical development were pursued as a regular school duty by our female pupils as much as their studies. These exercises are so eminently adapted to improve the health, promote agility and gracefulness of movement, and to add to the beauty of personal appearance, that for the purpose of carrymg them out methodically a variety of apparatus has been placed in the gallery and a suitable uniform dress has been pro- vided by 'each of the ghls and their teachers. Thus physical training has come to be considered enjoyable and almost attractive among the female scholars, and its effects are already visible in the whole carriage, in the freshness of the skin, in theh manner of entering and leaving the rooms, in the erectness of theu' forms, in their intelligent activity, and in the zest with which they pursue their studies.

68 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

When our new gymnasium is equipped and complete in all its appointments, and physical education takes its proj)er place in our course of training, all our pupils will improve both in body and in mind. They will be trained to hold their heads high and erect, to move their hands and arms gracefully, to sit, stand and walk properly, and will acquii'e habits of promptness, pre- ciseness and decision.

Culture and Social Intercourse.

Of all the agencies which can be effectively employed to ameliorate the intellectual and moral condition of our pupils, and enable them to reach the tone, grace and finish which give to society its m-esistible attraction, culture and sound development of the social nature are the most important ones.

Culture is the enlightenment and discipline acquired by mental training. It comprehends both the development and refinement of the intellectual faculties. It culti- vates and fertilizes the soil in which new ideas are to grow. Matthew Arnold defines it as the " study and pursuit of perfection" with "sweetness and light" for its characteristics. An ancient Greek author says that " they who share our culture are more our brothers than tho^e who are of our blood." Akenside speaks of the influence of culture as foUows : -^

^' But though Heaven In every breast hath sown these early seeds Of love and admiration, yet in vain, Without fair Culture's kind parental aid, ' Without enlivening suns and genial showers, And shelter from the blast, in vain we hope

1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT— No. 27. 69

The tender plant should rear its blooming head, Or yield the harvest promised in the spring."

A broad culture seasons and ripens the whole man. It civihzes, humanizes and perfects him both in mind and character. Persons, in whom the processes of cul- ture have done their complete work in forming the capacity to think, in giving felicity of expression, breadth and accuracy of knowledge, firmness of manners, the sense of beauty, and the art of living, are placed in proper relations with their fellow-men irrespectively of any physical defects. This is undeniably a great boon to all human beings, but especially to men whom the loss of the visual sense tends to segregate and isolate from those who are blessed with sight. The reasons are obvious.

A blind person is an inherent part of the social organ- ism. His individuality celebrates its noblest triumphs when it co-ordinates itself with that of others ; when he becomes an element of society. He has an instinctive longing for social growth. He must therefore have social as well as individual training ; and this he can attain only through intercourse with other individual portions of that organism. Hence blind childi'en must commin- gle constantly with seeing persons, in order to cultivate those traits of social character and habits of conduct which attract rather than repel the sympathies of those with whom they are called upon to associate, and to transact business.

Considerations like these have induced us to seek every possible means, which could contribute to the in- tellectual and testhetic culture, as well as to the devel-

70 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

opment of the social nature of oiu* pupils. Thanks to the generosity and kindness of various litterateurs and artists, whose interest in the progress of our school and friendly feehng toward its inmates prompted them to oiFer their services gratuitously, an almost uninterrupted series of lectures, readmgs, and concerts was enjoyed during the past year. These entertainments, which were highly appreciated by the members of our own household and a large number of invited friends and neighbors, served also as a most effective vehicle of gen- eral culture and of social intercoiu'se and interchange of ideas and thoughts between blind and seeing people.

Remarks on the Education of the Blind.

In touching upon this subject, I have neither time nor space to give an elaborate account of its various phases, or to enter into a scientific treatment of its nature and objects. I intend, therefore, simply to set forth a few reflections of a general character.

The question of the education of the blind, no less than that of those who can see, is not as plain and simple as may appear. It is, on the contrary, a com- plex and difficult one. It involves great principles of physiology, mental philosophy, and sociology, and takes its mould and fashion from these sciences. It is of vital interest and vast importance to the community, both from its special bearing upon poUtical economy and its effects upon humanity at large.

There is hardly any difficulty in imparting to blind childi-en a certain amount of information in the various branches of knowledge through their remaining senses. The great problem m thek education is how to mamtain

1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 71

the proper equilibrium in mental, moral and physical development, and to promote the harmonious growth of the whole nature ; how to balance the increase of the capacity of the perceptive and reflective faculties, and prevent an undue preponderance of the latter over the former ; how to counteract the effects of the obstruction of one of the important avenues of sense, and to check certain pecuHarities of character and a tendency to abstract and unsound generalization by which it is inevi- tably followed ; how to inspire a love of manual labor and to secure varied and precise skill in its performance ; how to conduct the pupils to the fountains of sound knowledge and render it the important and indispensa- ble means for dkect, vigorous and efficient action ; to lead them to grace of movement and strength of muscle, to noble purposes and firm endeavor; to truth and beauty and vii'tue ; to free usefulness and full happi- ness ; to self-reliant, dignified and loving manhood and womanhood. In other words, how to enlarge the force and variety of their intellectual faculties and capacities, to suppress undesu'able tendencies, and to employ all attamable good influences for the broadening of the mind, the cultivation of the intellect, the strengthening of the body, the purifying of the heart and the improve- ment of the taste.

It is true that the intellectual and moral faculties, as well as all the essential characteristics of humanity, exist in the blind in as perfect a state, and with capa- bilities as vast and extensive as have been conferred upon others. But one very important condition of theii* development and expansion, namely, the means for con- stant observation of different objects and their form,

72 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

color, qualities, relations, and successions, are wholly wanting. Persons possessing the visual sense are ha- bitually and without any special exertion on their part noticing every thing which surrounds them. The sub- limities of nature, the beauties of art, the monuments of human genius, the endless varieties of the vegetable and animal kingdoms, the innumerable products of industry and ingenuity, all are accessible to them, and afford them ample means for the active exercise of both then- perceptive and conceptive faculties. This is essen- tial to the healthy development and vigorous maturity of the intellect. Goethe says that,

" All that we are and haA'e must grow into action ; "

and Emerson remarks that, " in all human action those faculties will be strong which are used." Thus so much of mental discipline as is acquhed by the perception of external objects through the sense of sight is lost to the blind. Hence special study should be devoted to the physical peculiarities and psychological phenomena arising from the obstruction of the visual sense, in order to employ the proper methods for reducing its consequences to the minimum and for exercising all the mental faculties harmoniously as far as possible.

Hie labor ^ hoc opus est. This is the labor, this is the task with which the educators of the bhnd are com- pelled to grapple.

The solution of this and similar problems demands activity, true scholarship, boldness, serious delibera- tion, a live mind, and a sincere desire for reform and improvement. Surely, this subject has attracted the

1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 73

earnest and steady attention of a few distinguislied phi- lanthropists in this country, and there has heen a great work accomplished in enlightening and imparting an impulse to the intellect of those deprived of the bless- ings of sight, in stimulating their energies, and vivifying theu' activity, and in improving, elevating and raising them from a lower to a higher social and moral status : but the advancement hitherto effected should be re- garded as merely a prelude to that which is to come. Our system of instruction and training, although pro- ductive of good and abundant fruit, is far from being perfect. It must keep pace with progress, otherwise the fate of Lot's wife is reserved for those of our schools which look back on the city of unphilosophical empiri- cism whence they have fled. The beacon of s'cience is constantly burning, and sends an abundance of light into every department of human thought. What seemed to be excellent ten or fifteen years ago may prove very incomplete and deficient in this light. Vigilant atten- tion and hard work are therefore required in order to arrange our school courses in such a manner as to include the subject matter as well as the methods of science, and to reconstruct, simplify and beautify, and to secure perfect proportion and symmetry to the whole educational system.

Closing Remarks.

In administering the afi'airs of the Institution I have steadily kept two objects in view : first, to promote its efficiency and usefulness as a school for the blind ; and secondly, to serve the ends of economy in its true mean- ing, and its bearings upon the social organism. To the

10

74 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

political economist it is a well known fact that the proper means adopted for the fulfilment of the former end contribute more than all others to the achievement of the latter.

For whatever success or prosperity may have attended our efforts in the management of the Institution, I am greatly indebted to the devotion, industry and vigilance of the matron and of all the teachers and officers who have labored with me. In full sympathy with the pupils, and with perfect knowledge of their tempera- ments, mental capacity, weaknesses, peculiarities and difficulties, they are ever ready to help, encourage, in- struct and guide them in the paths of virtue, morality, truth and learning. Surrounded by such faithful and able assistants, the duties of the Dii-ector are rendered pleasant and comparatively easy.

In closing these remarks, allow me to express to you, gentlemen, my deep gratitude for your continued kind- ness and confidence manifested in so many ways, and my sincere thanks for your ready assistance and cordial co-operation in the performance of the duties devolving upon me m the care and management of the Institution. Respectfully submitted by

M. ANAGNOS, Director.

1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 2T. T6

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

Odr sincere thanks and grateful acknowledgments are herewith returned to the following artists, litterateurs, societies, proprietors and editors, for concerts and various musical entertainments enjoyed in our hall and elsewhere, for operas, oratorios, lectures, readings, and for an excellent supply of periodicals and weekly papers.

These favors have not only proved a source of the highest grati- fication to our pupils, but also a valuble means of aesthetic culture, of social intercourse, and of mental stimulus and improvement.

I. — Acknowledgments for Concerts given in our Hall.

For a series of fine concerts and musical entertainments gra- tuitously given in our hall we are under great obligations to the following distinguished artists : —

Mr. William H. Sherwood, Madame Cappiani, and some of their best pupils.

Miss Fanny Kellogg, Mr. John Orth, and Mr. Wulf Fries.

Mrs. Rametti and an excellent quartette composed of her friends and pupils. To the same, for a second concert, assisted by Mr. John F. Winch, the distinguished basso.

Mr. Hermann Chelius and Miss Dyke.

To Madame Dietrich Strong, for a piano recital.

Mr. H. C. Barnabee and his friends, Mrs. Carter, Miss Clara Pool, Mr. William Winch, and Mr. H. M. Dow accompanist.

For a series of classical organ recitals, to Mr. Eugene Thayer and some of his accomplished pupils, ampng whom may be men- tioned one of our own graduates and musical instructors. Miss Freda Black, who has been for several years under Mr. Thaj^er's tuition, and whose playing has attracted much attention among organists.

76 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

//. — Acknowledgments for Concerts, &c., in the City.

To the Harvard Musical Association, through its president, Mr. John S. D wight, for fift}- season-tickets to the ten sj'mphony concerts.

To the proprietors of the Boston Theatre, through Dr. Orlando Tompkins, for admitting parties in unlimited numbers to eight operas.

To the Handel and Ha3'dn Society, through its president Mr. , C. C. Perkins, for admission to five of their grand concerts.

To Dr. E. Tourjee, for admission to two concerts by the Jubilee Chorus and Orchestra.

To the Boj'lston Club, through its conductor, Mr. George L. Osgood, and secretar}', F. H. Ratcliff, for admission to four con- certs.

To Mr. H. C. Brown of Brown's Brigade Band, for a standing invitation to attend all his Sunday evening concerts from October till April.

To the following distinguished artists, for admitting our pupils to their classical chamber-concerts : Mr. William H. Sherwood, to five ; Mr. Ernst Perabo, to four ; Madame Schiller, Mr. Julius Eichberg, Mr. John Orth, Mrs. Guild, and Mr. Higgins.

III. — Acknowledgments for Lectures and Headings.

For a ver}' interesting and highly instructive series of lectures and readings we are under great obligations to the following kind friends : To Dr. A. P. Peabody of Harvard University, Professor L. T. Townsend of the Boston University, Mr. B. P. Mann of Cambridge, "Paxton," Mrs. M. T. Richards of Providence, Miss Alice Baruicoat of Charlestown, Mr.' R. W. Jamieson, and Miss A. J. Littlefield of South Boston.

IV. — Acknoidedgments for Periodicals and Newspapers.

The editors and proprietors of tlie following reviews, magazines, and weekly or semi-monthly papers, continue to be ver^^ kind and liberal in sending us their publications gratuitously, which are always cordially welcomed, and perused with interest : —

1878.]

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27.

77

Unitarian Review .... Boston, 3Iass. The Journal of Speculative Philosoph}^ St. Louis, Mo.

New York City.

Springfield, Mass.

Philadelphia, Penn.

Cleveland, 0.

Boston, Mass.

The National Review

Sunday Afternoon

Lippincotts' Magazine

Braiuard's Musical World

The Atlantic Monthly

The Literary Woi'ld .

The Golden Rule

The N. E. Journal of Education

Dwight's Journal of Music

The Folio

The Saturday Evening Gazette

The Watchman

The Christian .

The Eclectic

The Christian Union .

The Scientific American

Salem Register Salem, Mass.

Goodson's Gazette, Va. Inst, for Deaf-Mutes and Blind. Tablet . . West Va. " " • " "

Mirror . . Michigan " " " "

Companion . Minnesota " " " "

Philomathean Argus . Oldo Inst, for the Blind.

II Mentore dei Ciechl . . . Florence, Italy.

New York City.

I desire to render the most hearty thanks, in behalf of all our pupils, to the kind friends who have thus nobly remembered them. The seeds which their friendly and generous attentions have sown have fallen on no barren ground, but will continue to bear fruit in after-years ; and the memory of many of these delightful occa- sions and valuable gifts will be retained through life.

M. Anagnos.

78

INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND.

[Oct.

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1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 79

Detailed Statement of Treasurer's Account.

Dr. 1877-1878.

To cash paid on Auditor's drafts .... $64,407 88

city of Boston, for taxes . . . 196 50

repaii-s Prince-street estate . . . 28 00

expenses account Harris Fund . . 175 00

investments in excess of am't of legacies 1,502 50

on hand Sept. 30, 1878 .... 2,649 67

5,959 55

Cr.

1877.

Sept. 30 By balance from former account .... $2,836 75 Oct. 1. cash from State of Massachusetts . . . 7,500 00

rents 170 64

30. Boston and Providence Railroad divi-

1878. dend 90 00

Jan. 2. From State of Massachusetts 7,500 00

30. interest on mortgage notes .... 750 00 Fitchburg Raikoad dividend .... 140 00

31. M. Anagnos, Director, as per following: — city of Boston, tuning . . . $600 00 sale of books in raised print . . 45 50

donation 2 00

receipts of work department: —

for October. . . $1,213 82 November . . 1,802 37 December . . 1,008 49

3,524 68

4,172 18

Feb. 1. interest on deposit 165 28

Mar. 27. William Minot, executor, for accrued interest

from the Harris Legacy .... 565 00

Apr. 9. State of Massachusetts 7,500 00

27. M. Anagnos, Director, as per following: — J. Lucier, account medical attend- ance $15 00

from town of Brim field account

George Needham . . . 14 25 Tenn. Institute for the Blind for

maps 369 00

tuning 320 00

income of legacy to Laura Bridg-

man 50 00

Amounts carried forward .... $768 25 $31,389 85

80

INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND.

[Oct.

1878.

Apr. 27.

Amounts brought forward ....

From Mrs. Fraser, for board and tuition of son ......

sale of brooms, account of boys' shop sale of old barrels, soap-grease, &c. Mrs. Knowlton , for board of daughter sale of writing-tablets

salesroom

town of Dedham, account of Mary

O'Hare

proceeds of concert in Chelsea . sale of admission-tickets . repairing furniture .... receipts of work department as per 'following: —

for January . . $953 80 February . . 428 75 March . . 987 85

$768 25 $31,389 85

June 14. July 2.

10.

13.

19.

29.

429	17
32	65
32 64
28	00
51	96
1	85
6	50
6 42
44 93
1	55

2,370 40

Boston and Providence Railroad dividends

interest on note .....

State of Massachusetts

rents .......

interest on Harris Fund

Fitchburg Railroad dividend

M. Anagnos, Director, as per following: —

Mrs. Sarah S. Russell, donation to Howe Memorial Fund ....

Henry T. Bray, for board and tuition of self

sale of books in raised print

city of Boston, for tuning .

sale of old sashes

receipts of work department as per fol- lowing: —

for April . . . $851 08 May. . . . 1,259 18 June . . . 1,182 74

$500 00

200 00 63 50

400 00 30 00

3,293 00

Aug. 1. interest on deposit

5. interest on Harris Fund 10. State of Connecticut Vermont .

3,774 32

90 00 240 00 7,500 00 250 00 120 00 140 00

4,486 50

73 59

611 29

4,300 00

1,950 00

Amount carried forward

$54,925 55

1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 81

	Amount brought forward	. 154,925 55
1878.
Aug. 10.	From State of Rhode Island	.	3,250 00
	Maine ....	.	3,400 00
Sept. 6.	interest on mortgage notes	.	875 00
12.	State of New Hampshire	.	3,000 00
	M. Anagnos, Director, as per following	: —
	Eliza J. Quimby, account daughter	$15 00
	tuning	79 00
	sale of brooms, account boys' shop .	63 67
	books in raised print, .	80 97
	writing-tablets	5 70
	oldbarrels, soap-grease, junk,
	&c	103 73
	admission-tickets .	32 63
	Mrs. Knowlton, for board of daughter	12 00
	salesroom, for board of clerks .	117 64
	use of horse and

wagon . . . 160 00 receipts of work department, as per following: —

for July . . . $928 61 August . . 601 37 September . . 1,308 68

2,838 66

3,509 00 58,959 55

Analysis of Treasurer's Accounts. The Treasurer's account shows that the total receipts during

the year were $68,959 55

Less cash on hand at the beginning of the year . . . 2,836 75

6,122 80

Ordinary Receipts.
From the State of Massachusetts .	$30,000 00
beneficiaries of other States and in-
dividuals	16,669 92
interest, couj)ons, and rent .	4,280 80
	ift^n n'^n 7^
Amount carried forward ....	. $50,950 72
11

82

INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND.

[Oct.

Amount brought forward .....

Extraordinary Receipts. From work department for sale of articles made by

$50,950 72

the blind	#12,026 74
donations	502 00
tuning .......	1,399 00
sale of books and maps ....	600 93
writing-tablets ....	15 70
brooms, account boys' shop	96 32
soap-grease, old barrels, junk, &c.	166 37
admission- tickets	77 56
salesroom	1 85
proceeds of concert ....	6 42
repairing furniture ....	1 55
salesroom, for board of clerks	117 64
use of horse and wagon .	160 00

15,172 08 ^66,122 80

General Analysis of the Steward's Account. Dr. Balance of draft on hand Oct. 1, 1877 . . . $485 16

Receipts of Auditor's drafts 64,407 88

Balance due Steward Oct. 1, 1878 . . . . 546 63

5,439 67

Cr.

Ordinary expenses, as per schedule annexed . . $42,684 27 Extraordinary expenses, as per schedule annexed . 22,755 40

$65,439 67

1878.]

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27.

83

Analysis of Expenditures for the Year ending Sept. 30, 1878, AS per Steward's Account.

Meat, 23,685 lbs. . . . ■. Fish, 4,016 lbs Butter, 4,740 lbs Rice, sago, &c., 822 lbs Bread, flour, meal, &c. ....					$2,338 00 217 06 1,352 97 77 29 1,733 74
Potatoes and other vegetables Fruit					571 57 239 85
Milk, 21,575 qts Sugar, 9,208 lbs Tea and coffee, 594 lbs Groceries .......					1,105 11 919 68 147 50 575 43
Coal and wood					380 33 2,366 19
Sundry articles of consumption . Salaries, superintendence and instruction Domestic wages Outside aid					253 47 14,790 35 3,928 75 132 14
Medicine and medical aid .					77 03
Furniture and bedding Clothing and mending Musical instruments ....					1,603 97 17 71 1,524 70
" " boys' shop " " printing-office . " " stable ....					827 50 97 53 1,133 05 354 32
Books, stationery, &c Ordinary construction and repairs Taxes and insurance ....					2,941 94 1,908 06 320 00
Travelling-expenses ....					148 88 250 00
Board of blind men ....					260 00
" " naan and clerk during vacation					74 36
Sundries					15 79
Extraordinary Expenses. Extraordinary construction and repairs . . ^8,175 44 Bills to be refunded 59 02	142,684 27
Beneficiaries of the Harris Fund .... 41 67
Expenses of work department	. 14,479 27	22,755 40
					$65,439 67

84 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

General Abstract of Account of Work Departmekt, Oct. 1, 1878.

Liabilities. Due institution for investments at sundry times

since the first date $36,437 30

Excess of expenditures over receipts . . . 2,452 53

Assets. Stock on hand Oct. 1, 1878 .... $4,32752 Debts due 1,423 82

^38,889 83

5,751 34

^33,138 49

Balance against work department Oct. 1, 1878 . . . $33,138 49 " " " " " 1877 . . . 31,426 75

Cost of carrying on workshop . ." . . . . SI, 711 74

Dr.

Cash received for sales, &c., during the year . $12,026 74 Excess of expenditures over receipts . . . 2,452 53

$14,479 27

Cr.

Liabilities of Oct. 1, 1877 .... $939 50

Salaries and wages paid blind persons . . 2,809 23

" " " " seeing " . . 2,422 86

Sundries for stock, &c 8,307 68

t,479 27

1878.]

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27.

85

Account of Stock, Oct. 1, 1878.

Real estate		1249,100 00
Railroad stock			8,752 50
Notes secured by mortgage .			118,000 00
Cash			2,649 67
Household furniture ....			16,581 41
Provisions and supplies			1,464 92
Wood and coal . . . . ' .			2,231 51
Musical department, viz. , —
One large organ		$5,500 00
Three small organs .		730 00
Forty-three pianos .		10,992 00
Violins .....		150 00
Brass and reed instruments		1,926 53	19,298 53
			2,500 00
Stereotype plates ....			1,040 12
School furniture and apparatus .			3,849 20
Musical library ....			600 00
Library of books in common type			1,050 00
Library of books in raised type .			5,000 00
BoyiS' shop			13] 41
Stable and tools ....			1,034 27
Boat			20 00
		$433,303 54

86

INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND.

[Oct.

LIST OF EMBOSSED BOOKS,

printed at the Perkins Institution and Massachusetts School for the Blind.

TITLE OF BOOK.

Howe's Geography Howe's Atlas of the Islands ^ Howe's Blind Child's First Book i Howe's Blind Child's Second Book i Howe's Blind Child's Third Book i Howe's Blind Child's Fourth Book i Second Table of Logarithms Astronomical Dictionary . Rudiments of Natural Philosophy ^ Philosophy of Natural History . Guy of s Geography . Howe's Cyclopfedia • Natural Theology Combe's Constitution of Man . Pope's Essay on Man ^ Baxter's Call .... Book of Proverbs Book of Psalms . . .

New Testament (small) Book of Common Prayer . Hymns for the Blind i Pilgrim's Progress Life of Melanchthon . Dickens's Old Curiosity Shop . Shakspeare's Hamlet and Julius Csesar Byron's Hebrew Melodies and Childe Harold History of United States .... Dickens's Child's History of England Selections from the Works of Swedenborg Memoir of Dr. Samuel G. Howe Cutter's Anatomy, Physiology, and Hygiene "Viri Romse, new edition with additions The Reader; or, Extracts from British and American Litera ture ^ . . . . .

Musical Characters used by the seeing, with explanations Milton's Poetical Works, in press

50 00 25 25 25 25 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

3 25

50 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 75 00

3 00

4 00

2 00

3 00 35

Books loaned gi-atuitously to any blind person who offers sufficient security that they will not be abused, and will be returned.

1 Stereotyped.

1878.]

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27.

87

LIST OF APPLIANCES AND TANGIBLE APPARATUS,

made at the Perkins Institution and Massachusetts School for the Blind.

Geography. I. — Wall Maps.

1. The Hemispheres

2. United States, Mexico, and Canada

3. South America ....

4. Europe

5. Asia ......

6. Africa .....

7. The World on Mercator's Projection

Each 135, or the set, $245.

II. — Dissected Maps.

size 42 by 52 inches.

size 30 by 36 inches.

1. Eastern Hemisphere .

2. Western Hemisphere

3. North America

4. United States

5. South America

6. Europe

7. Asia .

8. Africa

Each $23, or the set, $184.

These maps are considered, in point of workmanship, accuracy and distinctness of outline, durability, and beauty, far superior to all thus far made in Europe or in this country.

The "New-England Journal of Education" says, "They are very strong, present a fine, bright surface, and are an ornament to any school-

Arithmetic.

Ciphering-boards made of brass strips, nickel-plated Ciphering-types, nickel-plated, per hundred

Writing.

Grooved writing-cards . • . Braille's tablets, with metallic bed Braille's French tablets, with cloth bed Braille's new tablets, with cloth bed . Braille's Daisy tablets ....

each.	$4 25
	1 00
each,	$0 12
it	1 50
((	1 25
u	1 00
((	3 75

88 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

TERMS OF ADMISSION.

Young blind persons of good moral character can be ad- mitted to the school by paying 1300 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.

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

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

" To Ms Excellency the Governor.

" 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 Per- kins Institution and Massachusetts School for the Blind, and I request that youi" Excellency will give a warrant for free admission.

" Very respectfully, ."

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

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 : —

" 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) ."

There should be a certificate, signed by some regular phy- sician, in this form : —

" I certify, that, in my opinion, has not sufficient vision to

be taught in common schools; and that he is free from epilejisy, and from any contagious disease. (Signed) ."

These papers should be done up together, and forwarded to

1878.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 89

the Director of the Institution for the Blind, South Boston^ Mass.

An obligation will be required from some responsible per- sons, 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, when- ever it may be desirable to discharge him.

The usual period of tuition is from five to seven years. In- digent blind persons residing in Maine, New Hampshire, Ver- mont, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, by applying as above to the Governor, or the " Secretary of State," in their respec- tive States, can obtain warrants for free admission.

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 : —

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?

19. What was the general bodily condition of the mother of the appli- cant, — strong and healthy, or the contrary ?

20. AA'as 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 slie before the applicant was born ?

90 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct. 78.

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 rela- tives of the applicant ?

20-. How much can they afford to pay towards the support and educa- tion of the applicant ?

For further particulars address M. Anagnos, Directob OF THE Institution for the Blind, South Boston^ Mass.

■mr

PUBLIC DOCUMENT. No. 27.

rOKTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL EEPOET

THE TRUSTEES

PERKINS INSTITUTION

assarl^usetts ^t\iaal bx t)^t §Iinir,

FOR THE YEAR ENDING

September 30, 1879.

BOSTON :

BantJ, ^faerg, S; ffl^o., printers to tfie ComtnontoEaltf),

117 Franklin Street, 1880.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

PAGE.

Communication to the Secretary of State 4

Officers of the Corporation 5

Officers of the Institution 6

Members of the Corporation 7

Report of the Trustees 9

Supervision and Training of the Pupils, p. 11. — Moral and Social Elevation of the Blind, p. 11. — Finances, p. 14. — Need of Funds, p. 16. — Repairs and Improve- ments, p. 17. — Embossing Books for the Blind, p. 19. — Work Department for Adults, p. 22. — Recognition of the Work of the Institution, p. 24. — General Remarks, p. 25.

Extract from the Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Corporation. 27 The Report of the Director 28

Number of Inmates, p. 30. — Success of Graduates, p. 31. — Sanitary Condition, p. 31. — Statistics concerning Blindness, p. 33. — Means and Effects of the Edu- cation of the Blind, p. 35. — The various departments of the Institution, p. 38. Literary Department, p. 40. — Process of Mental Development, p. 47. — Ob- ject-Teaching and Illustrative Apparatus, p. 49. — Use and Abuse of Text-Books, p. 51. — Music Department, p. 53. — The Objectionable in Music, p. 55. — The True, the Beautiful, and the Useful in Music, p. 56. — Tuning Department, p. 59. — Technical Department, p. 63. — I. Workshop for Boys, p. 65. — II. Work- rooms for Girls, p. 67. — Department of Physical Training, p. 69. — Laura Bridg- man, p. 73. — Closing Remarks, p. 76.

Acknowledgments 78

The Report of the Treasurer 82

Detailed Statement of Treasurer's Account, p. 83. — Analysis of Treasurer's Ac- counts, p. 86.

General Analysis of Steward's Account 86

Analysis of Expenditures for the Year ending Sept. 30, 1879, as per Steward's Ac- count, p. 87.

General Abstract of Account of "Work Department 88

Account of Stock Oct. 1. 1879 89

List of Embossed Books 90

List of Appliances and Tangible Apparatus 91

Terms of Admission 92

CommontDealtl) of illa00ac[)U0ett0.

Perkins Institution and Mass. School for the Blind, 80. Boston, Oct. 17, 1879.

To the Hon. Henry B. Peirce, Secretary of State.

Dear Sir, — I have the honor to transmit to you, for the use of the Legislature, a copy of the Forty-Eighth Annual Report of the Trustees of this Institution to the Corporation thereof, together with the usual accompanying documents. Respectfully,

M. ANAGNOS,

Secretary.

OFFICERS OF THE CORPORATION.

1879-80.

SAMUEL ELIOT, President. JOHN CUMMINGS, Vice-President. HENRY ENDICOTT, Treasurer. M. ANAGNOS, Secretary.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

ROBERT E. APTHORP. 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. JOSIAH QUINCY. SAMUEL G. SNELLING. JAMES STURGIS. GEORGE W. WALES.

STANDING COMMITTEES. Monthly Visiting Committee,

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

1880.

January . . . R. E. Apthorp.	1880. July . . .	. . A. P. Peabody.
February . . J. S. Dwtght.	August .	. . E. N. Perkins.
March .... J. B. Glover.	September	. Josiah Quincy.
April J. T. Heard.	October .	. . S. G. Snelling.
May H. L. Higginson.	November	. . James Sturgis.
June J. H. Means.	December	. . Geo. W. Wales
Committee on Education.	House	Committee.
J. S. DwiGHT.	E. N.	Perkins.
A. P. Peabody.	G. W.	Wales.
JOSIAH QUINCY.	J. H.	Means.

Committee of Finance. R. E. Apthorp. J. B. Glover. James Sturgis.

Committee on Health. J. Theodore Heard. E. N. Perkins. H. L. Higginson.

Auditors of Accounts.

Robert E. Apthorp. Samuel G. Snelling.

1

OFFICERS OF THE INSTITUTION.

DIRECTOR. M. A N A G N O S.

MEDICAL INSPECTOR. JOHN HO MANS, M.D.

Miss M. L. P. Shattuck

Miss J. R. GiLMAN.

Miss Julia Boylan.

LITERARY DEPARTMENT.

Miss Bella Bennett. Miss S. L. Bennett. Miss S. E. C. Hatheway. Miss Makt Moore.

MUSICAL Resident Teachers. Thomas Rkevks. Frank H. Kilbourne. Miss Freda Black. Miss Lizzie Riley. Miss LrcY Hammond.

Assistant. Henry T. Bkay.

DEPARTMENT.

Non-Resident Teachers. Mrs. Kate Rametti. Henry' C. Brown.

C. H. HiGGIXS.

Music Readers. Miss Allie S. Knapp. Miss K. M. Plummer. Miss Katie P. Miller.

TUNING DEPARTMENT.

J. W. Smith, Instructor and Manager,

INDUSTRIAL DEPARTMENT.

Workshops for Juveniles. J. H. 'Wb.igyit, Work Master. Miss A. J. Dillingham, Work Mistress. Thdmas Carroll, Assistant. Miss H. Kelher, Assistant.

"Workshop for Adults. A. W. BowDEN, Manager. P. Morrill, Foreman. Miss M. A. DwELLY, Forewoman. Miss E. M. Whittier, Clerk.

DOMESTIC DEPARTMENT.

Steward.

A. W. BOWDEN.

Matron. Miss M. C. Moulton. Miss A. F. Cram, Assistant.

Housekeepers in the Cottages. Mrs. M. A. Knowlton. Miss A. J. Dillingham. Miss Bessie Wood. Miss Lizzie N. Smith.

Miss E. B. Webster, Book-keeper.

MEMBERS OF THE CORPORATION.

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.

Agassiz, Alexander, Cambridge. Alger, Rev. William R., Boston. Amory, James S., Boston. Amory, William, Boston. Appleton, T. G., Boston. Apthorp, Robert E., Boston. Atkinson, Edward, Boston. Atkinson, William, Boston. Austin, Edward, 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. Brewer, Thomas M., M.D., Boston. Brewster, Osmyn, Boston. Brimmer, Hon. Martin, Boston. Brooks, Francis, Boston. Brooks, P. C, Boston. BuUard, 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 R., Boston. Endicott, Henry, Boston. Endicott, William, jun., Boston. Fisk, Rev. Photius, Boston. Folsom, Charles T., M.D., Boston. Forbes, J. M. , Milton. 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, George S., Boston. Hardy, Alpheus, Brookline. Haskell, Edwin B., Auburndale. 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.

8

INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND.

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. Lawrence, Amos A., Longwood. Lincoln, L. J. B., Hingham. Lodge, Mrs. J. E., Boston. Lord, Melvin, Boston. Lothrop, John, Auburndale. 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, Caroline, Boston. Minot, William, Boston. Montgomery, Hugh, Boston. Morton, Edwin, Boston. Motley, Edward, Boston. Mudge, Hon. E. R., Boston. Nickerson, Joseph, Jamaica Plain. Nickerson, S. D., Boston. Noyes, Hon. Charles J., Boston. Osborn, John T., Boston. Parker, H. D., Boston. Parkman, Francis, Boston. Parkman, George F., Boston.

Parkman, Rev. John, Boston.

Parsons, Thomas, Chelsea.

Pay son, S. R., Boston.

Peabody, Rev. A. P.,D.D., Camb'ge.

Peabody, F. H., 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.

Preston, Jonathan, Boston.

Quincy, Hon. Josiah, Wollaston.

Quiucy, Samuel M., Wollaston.

Rice, Hon. A. H., Boston.

Robeson, W. R., Boston. Robinson, Henry, Reading. Rogers, Jacob C, Boston. Ropes, J. S., Jamaica Plain. Rotch, Benjamin S., Boston. Russell, Mi-s. S. S., Boston. Saltonstall, H., Boston. Saltonstall, Leverett, Newton. Sanborn, Frank B., Concord. Schlesinger, Sebastian, Boston. Sears, David, Boston. Sears, W. T., 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, Charies 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.

CommontDcaltf) of iWa00ac()U0Ctt0.

EEPORT OF THE TRUSTEES.

Perkins Institution and Mass. School for the Blind. South Boston, Sept. 30, 1879.

To THE Members of the Corporation.

Gentlemen, — In compliance with the regulation which requires our board to lay before you, and, through you, before the legislature, our annual account of the condition and operations of the institution, we have the honor to present the following report for the year ending Sept. 30, 1879: —

It affords us great pleasure to state at the outset that the general management of the affairs of the establish- ment has been good, and its administration efficient and successful.

The total number of blind persons immediately con- nected with the institution in all its departments — as pupils, instructors, and work men and women, — is 162.

The health of the pupils has been remarkably good ; their industry commendable ; theu' advancement in their studies and occupations steady, and in many cases rapid ;

10 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

their habits cleanly and regular ; their disposition gen- erally cheerful ; and their deportment satisfactory.

The institution has fully maintained the high opinion which the public has formed of it, and the march of progress can be easily noticed in all its departments. It has never been more complete in its corps of instructors, or supplied with finer facilities for the work of educa- tion, than it is to-day. Its teachers and officers are heartily in sympathy with its aims and purposes. They are thoroughly imbued with its system of instruction and training, its traditions, and the noble spirit breathed into its organization by its great founder, and fully able and determined to carry it to the highest possible pouit of excellence and usefulness.

In the management of the aifairs of the establish- ment our constant aim is to enable the blind to help themselves, and so to render them independent on the one hand, and, on the other, to lighten as much as possi- ble the burden which then- infirmity imposes upon the community.

There has been but one change in the corps of teachers and officers; and the same persons have as heretofore directed the intellectual and moral traming of the pupils, and have supphed their wants, and min- istered to 'their comfort.

The members of our board have given personal atten- tion to the educational, financial, hygienic, and all other interests of the institution. In the visits which we have made either as committees or individually, we have found ample evidence of the cleanliness and good order which reign throughout the establishment, and the ju- dicious management of all things relating to the welfare

1879.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 11

of the pupils, and the care and skill bestowed upoa their bringing up.

Supervision and Training of the Pupils.

The internal arrangements of the school are such as to make supervision easy and effective, and the facilities for a thorough classification according to peculiarities of mind and character are excellent. In the place of those general rules and inflexible regulations necessary where large numbers are to be directed, we have less of perceptible government, and more of parental over- sight.

The highest objects of the school are constantly kept in view ; and we endeavor to secure and retain the ser- vices of accomplished and zealous teachers and officers ; to provide improved appliances, and sufficient apparatus for the pupils ; to surround them with healthy influences, so that their morals and deportment may be carefully nurtured ; to give them opportunities for associating and commingling with intelligent and discreet seeing per- sons ; to discipline their minds, and not only to furnish them with useful knowledge, but to awaken the love of all good learning ; and to set before them the highest aims, which shall act as stimulus throughout life.

Of the efficiency of our methods, and of our success in carrying them out, we must leave you and the friends of the school to judge by the results of the past year, as well as of its predecessors.

Moral and Social Elevation of the Blind.

In order to understand and appreciate the value of the work accomplished by this institution during the

12 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

past forty-eight years, and to show the fruit borne by the system of instruction and training arranged by our late director, and adopted by all kindred establishments in the country, let us turn back a few pages of history, and compare the present condition of the blind with that of the past.

In all ages and in all countries, blindness has been considered as the greatest of human misfortunes, and has been associated with dependence and pauperism. There prevailed everywhere a common notion that man's capacity for usefulness ceased to exist with the extinction of vision. When Belisarius became blind, the hand that had upheld a falling empire was stretched out for alms. Sympathy and material aid were generously and even lavishly bestowed upon sightless persons ; but their ability for work was denied. They were promptly allowed to occupy the beggar's post in the churchyards and streets of the large cities of Europe ; but they were excluded from all the benefits of schools and academies. They were considered as incapacitated, and utterly help- less.

This popular opinion was cruelly unjust to the blind, and gratuitously added a vast amount of anguish to their sore calamity. It segregated them from the in- dustrious classes of society. It prevented them from participating in the activities of life, and from enjoying the benefits of labor. It condemned them to idleness and intellectual darkness, and rendered them mere objects of pity and charity.

One of the most efi"ective means which could assist the blind to rise above the clouds of ignorance and prejudice, to assert their human attributes, and to rest

1879.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 13

calmly in the great realities of existence, was education, and education alone. But no one thought it feasible and practicable in their case ; and they received none until the year 1784, when the fruit-seeds were sowed by the great apostle of their cause, the celebrated Abbe Valen- tine Haiiy, first in Paris, where he established the Institution des Jeunes Aveugles, and afterward in St. Petersburg and Berlin. Most of these seeds were planted in fertile and genial soil, and they have multi- plied, until all the principal countries of Europe have their special institutions for the instruction of the blind in the rudiments of learning, in music, and in the me- chanical arts. These establishments have greatly con- tributed to the intellectual and moral development of the blind, and have laid the foundation for their social elevation. But it was not until the work was taken up in this country, and carried on under the vitalizing influence of pui-e democratic principles, that their right to a full share of the means of education accorded by the state to all the young was asserted, and that the barriers to social equality and happiness were removed. It is to the credit of Massachusetts that she has led the way in this, as in so many other benevolent and philanthropic enterprises. Having acknowledged that sightless children have even stronger claims than seeing ones to systematic and thorough instruction, because they start at a disadvantage in the race of life, because they carry a heavy burden in their infirmity, and because, without special intellectual and professional or mechani- cal training, they are not only doomed to mental as well as bodily darkness, but to certain poverty and depend- ence, she has adopted the policy of providing liberally

14 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

for the education of the blind, and has kept her institu- tion in the front rank of kindred estabUshments in the world. The blessed results of this provision are shown in scores and hundreds of blind persons scattered all over New England, many of them skilled and eminent as music-teachers and tuners of piano-fortes, all getting a good living, aspiring to mdependence, and eager to accept and assume the responsibilities of life under the same conditions as theu' more fortunate brethren.

May we not hope that the school which has accom- plished so much in the field of justice and humanity, and has proved to be the most important agency in the social and moral elevation of the blind of New England dii'ectly, and of those of the whole continent indirectly, may be aided to advance yet further in the march of progress and enlightenment, to increase its appliances and apparatus, and to extend the circle of its usefulness, until it shall stand like a guiding beacon all ablaze with the light of knowledge and improvement for those who are under the cloud of physical darkness ?

FrNANCES.

The report of the treasurer, Mr. Henry Endicott, herewith presented, sets forth in a clear and comprehen- sive manner the receipts of money from all sources, and the disbursements made during the year, and shows the finances of the institution to be in a satisfactory condition.

This exhibit may be summarized as follows : —

1879.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 15

Cash on hand Oct. 1, 1878 . . $2,649 67

Total receipts during the year . . 97,359 57*

100,009 24 Total expenditures 99,430 03*

Cash balance in the treasury .... $579 21

The report of the treasurer is accompanied by the usual analysis of the steward's accounts, which gives specific information in regard to the principal articles consumed, their amount and cost, and by which both the ordinary and extraordinary expenses and resources of the income may be understood at a glance.

In the management of the financial affau'S of the institution a system of strict accountability has been observed. All the funds are received by the treasurer, who pays out money as it is wanted only upon the pres- entation of an order from the auditors. The director controls the disbursements ; but his accounts are exam- ined monthly, and vouchers are required for every item of expense.

The account of expenditure has been rigid and ex- act ; and the funds of the institution have been applied with the strictest economy consistent with the best results and the greatest efficiency of the school. The policy of the trustees has always been to spend nothing upon ornamental architecture or outward display, to be frugal as regards expensive furniture and internal luxuries, but to be liberal in increasing the means, and improving the appliances necessary for thorough in- struction and systematic training of the pupils.

The auditors have performed their duty with regu-

* Of this amouut $32,000 belong to the permanent fund of the institu- tion, and were merely changed from one investment to another.

16 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

larity, promptness, and diligence ; and they certify that the accounts are properly and correctly kept, and that all entries are authenticated by vouchers.

The books are open to the inspection of the mem- bers of the corporation, and the most careful examina- tion is solicited.

Need of Funds.

The income of the institution from state appropria- tions and from all ordinary sources is barely sufficient for the pressing wants of the year. Applied with prudence and with the strictest economy, it enables us to carry out the general purpose of educating the blind. But, in order to extend the operations and influence of the establishment, and to render it a perennial fountain of blessing, an exhaustless source of intellectual and moral light, an instrument of good and happiness to its bene- ficiaries, additional funds are greatly needed. For these we place entire reliance upon the contributions of indi- viduals who are blessed with the means, and thrice blessed with a disposition to aid in works of benevo- lence. Without this assistance, the value of the school as an agency in developing and diversifying the powers of the blind, and in raising them to the rank of indus- trious and productive members of society, cannot be mamtained, and its usefulness would be sadly circum- scribed.

The prevailing idea that the institution is richly endowed and well provided for is utterly groundless ; and we doubt not that a knowledge of its real condi- tion and wants, and of its mission, will obtain for it a share of the gifts and bequests which are so numerous in our community.

1879.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 17

To the generosity and sense of justice of the citizens of Massachusetts in general, and of those of Boston in particular, belongs the honor of having kindled in America the Promethean fire of enlightenment for the blind, and of raising them in the scale of humanity and social equality ; and to them we must continue to look for aid in the furtherance of our work.

Repairs and Improvements.

Some of the most urgently needed repairs and im- provements have been made during the past year, with a view to keeping the buildings in good condition, and increasing the general efficiency of the establishment. The principal of these are as follows : —

The main building has been thoroughly and tastefully painted outside, and, while its general appearance has been greatly improved, the preservation of those por- tions liable to decay has been secured. The fences around it have also been painted.

The music-hall has been entirely renovated, and put in excellent condition. A new stage has been built ; the gallery has been raised higher than before, and its capacity doubled ; the floors have been relaid with southern hard pine ; the ceiling and the walls neatly repainted in fresco; the heating apparatus has been remodelled ; and new hard-wood settees have replaced the old ones.

The large room under the music-hall, formerly used as a printing-office, has been transformed into a commo- dious library. The walls and ceiling have been replas- tered and repainted, and the latter has been refrescoed, the floor relaid with southern hard pine, and the whole

18 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

of the wood-work repaired and repainted. Black- walnut cases for books, minerals, and various models, and convenient accommodations for all kinds of speci- mens and educational apparatus, have been amply pro- vided.

The old library has been changed into a spacious schoolroom, supplied with the best kind of furniture for young childi'en, with complete sets of both dissected and wall maps, and with the necessary facilities for kinder- garten and object classes.

The floors of the corridors of the third and fourth stories, and of several of the rooms, have been relaid with southern pine ; and staircases have been built at both ends of the north side of the latter, leading to the attic, so that, in case of fire, there are abundant means of exit.

A new boiler has been made to order, and placed in the underground vault built for the purpose last year.

Many other alterations and improvements of a minor character have been made during the year. They con- sist in paving the drive-way on the south side of the main building with concrete ; in rebuilding both the staircases leading to the music-hall ; in takmg off the paper from the walls of the corridors and of seven rooms, and painting them over ; in increasing and per- fecting the means of ventilation ; replacing the old com- position roof on the west side of the building, and the slate roofs of the piazzas, by tin ones ; renewing the sashes of eighty-five windows ; thoroughly repairing the piazzas, copper gutters, and fences ; and putting the premises generally in as good condition as the means at our disposal have allowed us to do.

1879.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 19

These repairs and improvements have been both extensive and expensive, and we were aware that they would drain our treasury entirely; but, as they were obviously needed for the preservation of the buildings and for the good of the institution, they have been undertaken without hesitation. They are of a perma- nent character, supplying urgent wants, and calculated to promote the tone of the school. Whatever tends to increase the comfort, convenience, pleasantness, neat- ness, and orderly appearance of such an establishment, serves also a high moral purpose.

The building has stood forty-thi-ee years in a very exposed situation, and naturally subjected to rough usage by its young inmates, and there is an absolute necessity for the continuance of this process of renova- tion until its interior is put in excellent condition. Worn floors, decayed window-frames, shaky sashes, loose plastering, soiled wall-paper, impaired graining and painting, all will have to be replaced or repaired, and made sound. An extra appropriation is sorely needed for this purpose ; but, as cu'cumstances do not seem auspicious for asking for one, we shall depend upon the friends of the blind for assistance, and shall exercise rigid economy in the expenditure of the annual income of the institution, so that we may be able to carry on the work of reconstruction.

Embossing Books for the Blind.

During the past year our press has been constantly at work, and a new edition of Milton's " Paradise Lost " has been printed. According to the uniform testimony of experts, this edition is, in point of legibility and me-

20 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

chanical execution, by far the best work issued in the line character. As soon as it was completed, Higgin- son's " Young Folks' History of the United States," specially revised and adapted for our purposes by the author himself, was printed and electrotyped at the expense of one of the kind and generous friends and benefactors of the blind, with the condition that his name should be withheld. May others imitate his benevolent liberality until intellectual light and knowl- edge shall be within the reach of every blind person in our land !

The plan of furnishing the blind of America with a choice library in raised characters origmated in this in- stitution ; and all the real and substantial improvements made on Haiiy's invention of embossing books, and on the modes of constructing apparatus adapted to the sense of touch, were instituted and carried out here. This enterprise engaged the attention, and absorbed the thoughts of the great founder of the school, as soon as the establishment was organized in 1832, and it re«- mained the object nearest to his heart through life.

Dr. Howe commenced the work without aid or en- couragement from any direction, and pursued it with all the energy and ardent enthusiasm which characterized him in all his philanthropic undertakings. He advanced the money for the first experiments, and never asked remuneration. The means at his command were very limited, and the obstacles often disheartening ; but his faith in the beneficent eff'ects of the enterprise was so strong, that it inspired him with courage and hopeful- ness in the midst of difficulties. There was nothing that went so against the grain of his chivalrous nature

1879.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 2T. 21

as asking favors. For his own benefit, he could never do it. But, ha^dng determined not to rest until a library of select books was provided for the blind, he went on toiling for this object to the last of his life. In all his conceptions and plans on this as well as on any other subject, his motto was " semper aliqidd melius; " and his unremitting efforts met with remarkable success.

Our printing-office was removed last spring to its new quarters, and has been entu-ely renovated in all its appliances and machinery.

Type of both the Boston and Braille characters, cases, tables, steam-engine, and various fixtures, have all been made new ; and an improved platen-press, planned by the officers of the institution, and manufactured by Mr. Francis Meisel of South Boston, has replaced the old one. Thus our printing-establishment is now in perfect order, well supplied with extensive and costly apparatus, and we are very desirous that the work of embossing books for the blind should be carried on uninterrupt- edly and vigorously where it originated and has been developed to maturity.

For the continuance of this truly great undertaking, and for the multiplication of books in raised characters, we earnestly call for the aid of the benevolent. The appeal is a strong one, and. Were it well considered by humane persons, it would be u'resistible ; for it is a call of the blind to the seeing for light which they can give. It cannot be difficult for feeling hearts to conceive the rapture of a sightless person on finding that means are provided by which he can cheer his solitude, and pass pleasantly and usefully the hours which before were wont to di'ag their slow length along in sadness and listlessness.

22 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

Work Department for Adults.

This department has been kept steadily in operation, and supplied with a fair amount of work, during the past year.

The receipts from all sources amount to $12,371.24, exceeding by $343.50 those of the previous twelve months. The expenses for all purposes have been $14,378.86 ; so that the balance against the department has been increased to $1,890.47, whereas $1,711.74 were paid out of the treasury of the institution the previous year.

There have been twenty blind persons employed to do the work, and the amount of wages paid to them was $3,136.31.

That the condition of our trade is somewhat improved is sufficiently shown by our books. They indicate plainly the growth of the business during the past five months as compared with the transactions of the same period in the preceding year. But the fact that the work department is a losing concern, entailing a heavy burden upon the limited means of the institution, re- mains still unaltered. This state of things cannot go on indefinitely, and unless relief is afforded, either by the increase of patronage, or in the form of a permanent fund, — the income of which may be sufficient to pay the rent of a store and the salaries of its employes, — the existence of the workshop must become doubtful, and the continuance of its blessings to so many active and respectable persons problematic.

The industrial department has never been, nor is it intended to be, a source of gain to the institution : on

1879.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 23

the contrary, large sums of money have at various times been paid out of the treasury of the latter for its im- ■ provements and support. It is wholly maintained for the benefit of those who work there. Through its agency many sightless persons have been enabled, not only to become self-supporting, but to secure for themselves, by diligence and thrift, the comforts of home and the inestimable enjoyments of domestic life.

It is highly desirable to prevent a class of our fellow- men from being deprived of such a boon, and most of them from being thrown into the poor-houses ; and we would improve this opportunity to make known the importance of our industrial department, and to ear- nestly solicit the patronage of the public for it. We warrant that our work is thoroughly and faithfully done, and put at the lowest possible market-prices, and that the materials are carefully selected, and are of the best quality. Those who make their pui'chases at our store may be sure that the authorities of the institution feel under obligation to give in return the full value of the money they receive, and that they are assisting in the most appropriate way meritorious persons who are striving by industry to obtain an honest subsistence.

Prompt attention will be given to the execution of all orders, which may be left at the salesrooms of the institution. No. 37 Avon street, for new mattresses, comforters, bolsters, pillows, and feather-beds; for dress- ing, cleansing, and re-upholstering all kinds of parlor furniture ; for reseating cane-bottomed chairs ; for sup- plying churches and vessels with cushions ; for brooms, brushes, door-mats, and the like. Orders for all these articles, as well as for tuning piano-fortes, will be wel-

24 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

come, and will help to sustain an establishment, the existence of which is of immense practical value to the industrious blind dkectly, and to the community itself indirectly.

Recognition of the Work of the Institution.

The bestowal of those marks of approbation which are awarded at the great world festivals, or interna- tional expositions, is a subject of congratulation to the friends of the institution. These awards not only draw popular attention to the work which the establishment aims at carrying on, but also (which is far more impor- tant) testify to the success of our endeavors and to the excellence of then- results. Premiums have been decreed to this institution by the juries of every one of the great expositions thus far held in London, Paris, Vienna, and Philadelphia. The medal last received from Europe was that granted by the French exposi- tion of 1878, and was awarded for embossed books, tangible apparatus, and pupils' fancy work. Three medals were also received at the mechanics' fair held in this city last year, — one of gold, for embossed books, maps, and tangible appliances for the use of the blind ; one of silver, for mattresses, bolsters, and upholstery work ; and one of bronze, for a horse-shoe invented by Mr. Dennis A. Reardon, formerly a pupil, and now an employe, of the institution. Mr. Reardon is a man of rare mechanical ability. His inventions bear the stamp of originality and the evidences of a powerful mind. His talents are found to be of great service everywhere in our establishment, but most especially in our print-

1879.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 25

ing-office, of which, he has a general supervision. In the words of the director, " His mechanical genius, power of putting perfection into the minutest details, and love of the simple and beautiful, are remarka- ble mental characteristics, and are of great use in the planning and execution of our improvements in the best and most economical manner. It is a striking instance of the power of the mind to overleap out- ward barriers, that, where experienced workmen have been baffled by mechanical difficulties and unforeseen obstructions, his keen insight and correct judgment have invariably found a way out of every dilemma."

The system of electric bells which are placed in different parts of the establishment, and rung simulta- neously by a clock, is not the least of Mr. Reardon's inventions ; and the perfection of our new press, m the planning of which he has had a prominent part, is another proof of his mechanical genius.

General Remarks.

It is a source of no small gratification to be able to assure the friends and patrons of the institution of its continued prosperity and usefulness, and of the satis- factory results of its labors.

Every year bears fresh testimony to the fact that the establishment meets an important need in our educa- tional system, and that it holds its place worthily among the public schools, which stand like monuments to the intelligence and the generous and humane spuit which abound in our community.

It has been our aim and effort at all times to keep

26 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

pace • with the advance of science in education, and to obtain every thing which may tend to increase the effi- ciency of the school, and add to the comfort and happi- ness of the household.

We earnestly invite the members of the legislative bodies of Massachusetts and of the other New-England states, the executive and other public officers, and all citizens interested in the cause of education in general, and in the welfare of the blind in particular, to visit the institution, and satisfy themselves by personal exami- nation of the results of its work. They will be pleased to see how successful have been the means conceived by benevolence, developed by study, and perfected by science, to alleviate calamity, and render the path of life smooth to those who walk in darkness. They wiU not find a flourish of trumpets, or any parade of grand results, or pompous show of magnificent achievements ; but they will perceive that with calm and silent potency the work is gradually but certainly carried forward.

For the continuance of the support and prosperity of the institution, for the increase of its usefulness, and for the full realization of its highest aims and purposes, we trust in the goodness of the cause it represents, in the fahness of the representatives of the people, the liberality of those who have the stewardship of riches, and the humanity and benevolence of the pubhc.

In conclusion, the trustees refer you to the report of the director, which is hereto appended, and which gives an account of the present condition of the various de- partments of the institution, of the work that has been accomplished or maugurated during the year, and the

1879.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 27

results which are being attained in this most interesting field of human culture.

All which is respectfully submitted by

EGBERT E. APTHORP, JOHN S. DWIGHT, JOSEPH B. GLOVER, J. THEODORE HEARD, HENRY LEE HIGGINSON, JAMES H. MEANS, ANDREW P. PEABODY, EDWARD N. PERKINS, J OS I AH QUINCY, .SAMUEL G. SNELLING, JAMES STURGIS, GEORGE W. WALES,

Trustees.

South Boston, Oct. 8, 1879.

At the annual meeting of the corporation, summoned accord- ing to the by-laws, and held this day at the institution, the fore- going was adopted, and ordered to be printed, together with the reports of the director and treasurer and the usual accompan}-- ing documents ; and the officers for the ensuing year were elected.

M. ANAGNOS, Secretary.

28 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

THE EEPORT OF THE DIRECTOR.

To THE Trustees.

Gentlemen^ — It has again become my duty to submit to your consideration the report of the director for the last twelve months. It contains a brief statement of the history and present condition of the institution and of its wants and prospects, and touches upon such sub- jects as are germane to the education of the blind.

The period covered by this report has been one of general prosperity. The great objects for which the school was founded have been steadily and successfully pursued, and no untoward incident has occurred to interrupt the flow of its beneficence, or to call for special remarks.

The various departments of the institution have been carried on with regularity and efiiciency, and all the teachers and officers have performed their duties cheer- fully and faithfully.

The scholars have been obedient, orderly, dutiful, and industrious. The recitations have been conducted with intelligence, zeal, and profit. The spirit of true politeness and civility has been carefully cultivated and generally practised, and the moral training has occupied as prominent a place as the intellectual. There has been no weariness on the part of teachers and officers in

1879.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 29

instilling into the minds of the pupils such principles as will render them happy and useful beings.

The fruits of the labors of the past year in the field of instruction and training are as gratifying as those of any of its predecessors, and the progress made by our pupils is as satisfactory as ever. Then* daily advance- ment may not be perceptible ; yet, as weeks and months succeed each other, we have sufficient evidence that their progress is substantial and real. This is seen in the gradual lightening up of the countenance, in the awakened love of knowledge, and especially in the increased ability to express their thoughts with fluency and clearness.

Whatever changes mature e'xperience has suggested in the methods of instruction and training have been promptly adopted, and expedients have been constantly devised for reaching more surely and rapidly the desired results.

Our educational means and appliances have been multiplied, new apparatus of various kinds have been obtained, and the collections of models and specimens have been extended ; and the institution is at present in a fair condition to carry out in most respects the plans and desires of its great founder, who labored assiduously and enthusiastically for nearly half a century in shaping its policy, and placing its activity upon a broad and permanent basis.

During the past year the school has been visited by thousands of citizens from Boston and the neighboring towns, from the New-England states, and from all parts of the country. It has also been the subject of several newspaper and magazine articles from the pen of well-

80 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

known writers, one of the latter being illustrated by artists of real merit. This attention furnishes ample evidence that the establishment has a permanent hold on the affections of the public, and stimulates those who carry on its beneficent work to increased eff"orts for the instruction and social and moral elevation of that por- tion of the children of New England who cannot be edu- cated in the common schools.

Number of Inmates.

The total number of blind persons connected with the institution at the beginning of the past year as pupils, teachers, employes, and work men and women, was 158. There have since been admitted 26 ; 22 have been dis- charged, making the present total number 162. Of these, 142 are in the school proper, and 20 in the work- department for adults.

The first class includes 130 boys and girls enrolled as pupils, 8 teachers, and 4 domestics. Of the pupils there are now 67 boys and 47 ghls in attendance, 9 of the former and 7 of the latter being absent on account of physical disability, or from other causes.

The second class comprises 17 men and 3 women employed in the workshop for adult blind persons.

The number of the inmates is slowly but surely increasing. No applicant of the proper age, of good moral character, and of ordinary intelligence, is refused admission : on the contrary, all who seem to be fit sub- jects for the school are promptly received on probation, and retained or discharged after a fair and patient trial. With the repairs and improvements of the last two years, the capacity of our buildings has been sufiiciently

1879.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 31

increased to accommodate the blind children from Massachusetts and the neighboring states for many years to come, and no one will be refused admittance for want of room.

Success of Graduates.

The result of the work of the institution can be seen in a widely extended substratum of solid character and intelligence among its beneficiaries. It has been to them a nursery of usefulness, happiness, and good citi- zenship, tending as it does, by means of the most health- ful influences, to remove the obstacles and obliterate the eifects flowing from the loss of sight. It has raised most of them to positions of trust and profit from which they must otherwise have been excluded ; and it is very gratifying to receive from time to time favorable ac- counts of hundi'eds of our former pupUs scattered over all parts of New England, industrious, intelligent, re- spected members of society, bright examples of the extent to which so sad an affliction can be relieved, and of the priceless blessing which the school has already conferred upon the class of people for whose good it was established.

Sanitary Condition.

The health of the pupils has been remarkably good, considering that some are afflicted with hereditary dis- ease, and not a few constitutionally weak and delicate.

No epidemic of any kind has prevailed, and no cases of death or severe illness have occurred at the institution itself. Edward O'Neil of South Boston was taken sick with brain-fever on the day of the commencement of

32 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

the term, and died soon after, lamented by all who knew him ; but he was not a member of our household. He was a day scholar, living at home, under the care of his relatives, and coming to school for his lessons as ordinary children do.

This enjoyment of uninterrupted health is mainly due to our system of training and our dietary, coupled with proper hygienic regulations, and sustained by sanitary surroundings. No one object receives more attention in this institution than that of carefully and wisely guard- ing against any and all influences that would impair or endanger the health of the household. If there are not more cases of pale fates, sallow cheeks, drowsy minds, and languid bodies, it is simply because the officers and teachers have a watchful care over the habits of the pupils. They prevent imprudent and thoughtless ex- posure, insist upon regular hours of sleep, recreation, and work, interdict inflammatory reading, and impress most tenderly and judiciously, yet candidly and forcibly, warnings against secret vices.

The sanitary measures of an institution of learning constitute the foundation upon which is raised the struc- ture of its educational system, and the reasons for this are obvious. For any kind of intellectual work it is indispensable that the mind should be alive, awake, fresh, in full force and exercise. But mental vigor and activity depend wholly upon physical health. The brain — which is the material instrument of the mind, and which gives rise to all the intellectual, emotional, and voluntary activities of mankind — obeys the same laws of nourishment, growth, exercise, and rest, as the other organs of the body. It is developed gradually.

1879.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 33

It cannot arrive at healthy maturity, or acquii-e an in- creased susceptibility of action and the power of sustain- ing it, without the assistance of a good supply of pure blood ; and this is only the legitimate product of whole- some food, fresh air, and regular exercise. Hence a well-noui-ished and vigorous body is the proper basis for mental discipline and intellectual culture. It is a source of pleasure and a factor of happiness. It is a perennial fountain of soul-lifting cheerfulness, which makes the mind clear, gives tone to thought, adds grace and beauty to the countenance, lifts the clouds of sorrow, lightens the burdens of misfortune, and lights up the intellectual horizon of those who are not permitted to look upon the beauties and grandeur of surrounding nature.

It is obvious from the above remarks that health is the greatest blessing that can be bestowed upon the inmates of an educational establishment, and that its conservation merits the perpetual and increasing atten- tion which it receives here.

Statistics concerning Blindness.

Of the tweiity-six inmates admitted during the past year to this institution, six lost theii- sight by accident, two by whooping-cough, two by scarlet-fever, four by cataract, two by the effects of a severe cold, one by Avater on the brain during infancy, two by measles, one by paralysis of the optic nerve, one by granulated lids, one by ophthalmia neonatorum, and four were either born blind.; or with impaired vision and a tendency to its gradual loss. Thus in six cases blindness had been caused by accident, in ten by disease, and in ten it was

34 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

hereditary or organic, that is to say, was the visible effect of some latent general physical disorder.

Although the main object of an institution like ours is to educate the blind, and prepare them effectually for the struggle of life, it is also very important to carry on those lines of investigation and research for which a school of the kind affords such ample scope and mate- rial. In our own establishment this object has always been considered of great value, and we continue to keep a concise record of the history, parentage, antecedents, mental and moral calibre, hereditary taints, physical weaknesses, and peculiarities of character and disposi- tion of each case, and to gather and file away as many facts concerning blindness and its effects as we can obtain.

These materials, added to the accumulation of past and successive experience elsewhere, and reduced to proper scientific form by comparison, classification, de- duction, verification, and generalization, will be of great service in two ways : —

First, they will bring to light the nature and char- acter of some of the prolific causes of blindness, and suggest the means which may be employed to guard against these causes effectually.

Secondlf/, they will call attention to the best agencies for ameliorating the condition of the blind, and indicate the laws which should regulate their education.

The value of these statistics will be enhanced in pro- portion to the extent of the territory where they are gathered. The wdder the range, the more trustworthy are the results of comparison. The different phases of SQcial life, the tendency to intermarriage, the homoge-

1879.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 35

neous or heterogeneous nature of the population, the segregation or intermixture of dissimilar races, the moral and intellectual status of divers communities, and the climatic influences of various countries, all have more or less direct bearing upon the degree of soundness or defectiveness of the people; and the field of research must be vastly extended in order to ascertain the real strength of each factor, and to reach correct and weighty conclusions.

For these reasons, it is highly desirable that there should be adopted by all the institutions for the blind in this and all other countries a general system of collect- ing and recording facts concerning blindness and its physiological and psychological effects, and that a synop- sis of these statistics, arranged in a tabular form, should be published in their reports.

Means and Effects of the Education of the Blind.

The system of education and training for the blind adopted in this institution, although far from being per- fect, is as complete as can be attained by the means at our command. It is broad in its scope, and comprehen- sive in its purposes. It is methodically arranged, and embraces an ascending chain of exercises. It provides for the gradual development of the mental faculties in their natural order, for the improvement of the moral character by all possible incentives to well-doing, for sesthetic culture which shall nurture taste, and lead to the appreciation, if not the creation, of the beautiful, for physical growth and well-being by means of care- ful exercise of the muscles of the body and by special training of the hand to dexterity.

36 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

The noble founder of this institution was a great believer in the influences of education and in man's capacity for improvement. His conception of the heau- idenl of human nature was that of a being whose intel- lectual faculties were active and enlightened, his senti- ments dignified and firm, and his physical formation healthy and beautiful ; and he devoted his genius and his rare qualities of head and heart to the organization of a system of instruction and training for the blind which should bring them as near as possible to this ideal, and should enable them to utilize all those sources of happiness which nature supplies, to find out how to use their faculties to the greatest advantage to them- selves and others, and to learn how to live completely. In order to accomplish his purpose, Dr. Howe never ceased, as long as life lasted, diving into the sea of obser- vation, and gathering flowers from the blooming fields of experience with the fondness of a devotee ; and though he could not avoid bringing up occasionally pebbles with pearls, and picking straws with the violets, the treasures obtained were of great importance, and they will prove to be the most valuable contributions to the erection of that magnificent temple in which the science of the education of the blind is to be permanently enshrined and preserved.

But, however marvellously successful were his efforts in behalf of the blind, the stand-point which they now take in American society imposes absolutely new condi- tions upon their education. It recpiii'es not only better, higher school-culture for the improvement of the under- standing in the usual sense, but also the development pf a certain degree of individual creativeness or jntel-

1879.J PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 37

lectual productivity. Upon that which the bhncl are to become depend their future happiness and welfare far more than upon that which they have ah'eady attained. Society itself will never reach the proper point of equity and perfection, unless it provide for all its members, be they sound or defective in mind or in body, sufficient means for thorough cultivation and training, so as to develop in them that individual force and native energy which radiate from within outwards, and which triumph over external conditions and surrounding difficulties. To nurture the powers of all children without distinc- tion, and to awaken in them insight and creative abili- ty, is alike the duty and the interest of the community ; and education then, and only then, will achieve its greatest practical success, when it meets all new condi- tions, and when, in the words of the poet, —

" Earth's universal frame shall feel the effects, Even till the smallest habitable i-ock, Beaten by lonely billows, hear the songs Of humanized societj-, and bloom With civil arts that send their fragrance forth A grateful tribute to all-ruling Heaven. From culture unexclusivelj bestowed Expect these hiighty issues ; from the pain And faitlaful care of unambitious schools, Instructing simple childhood's ready ear, Thence look for these magnificent results."

This prophetic strain may be a vision of a poet's brain, which is, perhaps, unattainable to its fullest ex- tent ; but it indicates sufficiently the effects of culture, and beautifully illustrates its aim. If the i3rinciples of true education are scientifically educed, and accurately defined, and its objects faithfully pursued, its legitimate

38 . INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

processes will undoubtedly operate like the genial agencies of nature, quietly, almost imperceptibly, yet with unerring certainty attaining their proper ends. Montaigne's statement, that the most important diffi- culty of human science is the education of children, is perfectly true ; and the difficulty becomes vastly greater when the recipients of instruction are deprived of one of the most important avenues of sense. Nevertheless the attempts at the culture and training of the blind are no longer regarded as an experiment of doubtful results : on the contrary, the fruitfulness of past en- deavors in their behalf promises a full success in the future. The seed has ah-eady been abundantly laid in the bosom of the earth ; and the dew, the rain, and the vivifying light and air, are all working together slowly, but surely, to produce the golden harvest.

The Various Departments of the Institution.

Of the work of the institution as carried on in its Various departments, a brief account will be hereafter given. Its educational methods and exercises, com- pared with those employed in the schools for seeing children, need to be as much more varied and compre- hensive, as the peculiarities and obstacles in the way of teaching are greater in the one case than in the other.

The day is divided between instruction in the school- room and study, lessons and practice in instrumental and vocal music and in tuning piano-fortes, training in some simple mechanical occupation (in order to give manual dexterity, and prepare the children for a trade, if such is to be their calling), and physical exercise both under shelter and in the open air. Moreover, the moral

1879.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 39

law reigns supreme, and the pupils are surrounded by an atmosphere which makes conscience the guide and judicial power in all their acts. High moral character is the one thing which bridges over all distinctions arising from physical imperfections, and is esteemed indispensable in preparing the blind to constitute an integral and not a distinct part of human society. Rec- titude, veracity, integrity, purity, kindness, uprightness, and vu'tue are instilled by precept and example. No man prospers, no life succeeds, without these : any de- parture from them is a flaw in our armor, an organic weakness in the forces employed in fighting ignorance and vice. If the blind are what they ought to be in moral weight and fibre, in intellectual power, in physi- cal vigor, and in indomitable energy, surely they need not fear lest they shall find good and ample scope for those qualities, in spite of their infirmity. With an enlightened mind, with self-respect born of intellectual development, with proper views of the dignity of labor, with habits of industry and application, with a good character, and with a determination not to be a bur- den upon others, they can go out into the world well equipped to make a successful struggle with the odds that are against them, and will grapple resolutely with the difficulties opposing their advancement to independ- ence, and, if they have friends to give them a helping hand at the outset, will finally walk firmly alone.

Of all the agencies requisite for compassing this end none is more important than a judicious division of labor based upon sound principles, and conscientiously carried out in every department and every detail.

40 . INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

Literary Department.

"That training which teaches how to make money, or aims at the development of mere ph3-si- cal strength, or the communication of skill in any mechanical business or common art, without in- tellectual culture and a sense of right, does not deserve the name of education." — Plato.

This department is the basis of our system of educa- tion, and the importance of its work is strikingly set forth in the language of the most luminous star in the firma- ment of philosophy. It exercises great influence in de- veloping the mental powers and the testhetic faculties of the pupils, in the increase of their capacity, and in the formation of their character. It constitutes the solid foundation upon which the superstructure can be securely reared, broad and high, beautiful and substan- tial. It represents a sort of intellectual and moral gymnasium, preparatory for the great struggle in the arena of life.

During the past year the intellectual department has received all the attention which its vast scope merits, and its present condition is exceedingly satisfactory. Its concerns have been so administered as to secure for the largest possible number the highest possible results, and to enable them to use to the best advantage those talents with which they are endowed.

The organic forces and mechanical means necessary for the advancement and efficiency of the school have been increased, and the facilities for thorough and sys- tematic instruction are excellent. Not that we possess costly apparatus, expensive appliances, or luxurious

1879.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 41

accommodations ; but what we have is admirably suited to its purpose, and inchides all that is absolutely neces- sary.

The pupils have been faithfully taught, and have diligently improved their opportunities ; and the range and quality of their acquirements are creditable both to themselves and to thek instructors. There is a noble spirit manifested among them, which is most gratifying and commendable. This is evinced by a real interest in their studies, by a respect and cheerful deference to the wishes of those in authority, by an ambition to excel in their classes, and by a general demeanor worthy of all praise.

The teachers have endeavored to give clear and correct instruction, with careful explanations of words and principles. Their prominent aim has been to direct the scholars how to study, and to encourage them to surmount difficulties. They have led them to get a distinct and accurate understanding of the subjects under consideration, and requked them to express their thoughts and views in their own language. They have stimulated as far as possible their aptitude for invention, and have sought to inspire them with confidence in their own powers and resources. All who have witnessed the efforts of our instructors, and watched them atten- tively, are impressed with the thoroughness of their work, their skilful probing of the pupils' knowledge, their manifest love for their vocation, and their simple and interesting manner of unfolding facts and principles. As a general rule, they prepare every lesson before crossing the threshold of the schoolroom. They are methodical in their arrangements, definite in their plans,

42 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

succinct in their teaching, and invincibly patient in the pursuit of a fixed end. This quaUty is indispensable for securing satisfactory results in any undertaking ; for patience is nothing else but common sense intensi- fied. John Foster named it " the faculty of lighting one's own fire ; " and Buffon pronounced it the true touchstone of genius. The man or woman who is patient, and keeps a calm temper, no matter how accu- rately the difficulties before him are estimated, and how keenly the disappointments felt, will have vastly greater power to accomplish good and to correct evil than those who become impatient, and fall into a sour mood. A sweet spirit, like the fragrant flower, has a perfume to cast upon the path of every one who passes by : it has also for itself a rare life of love, >vhich every one ad- mires.

The course of study pursued here has been so often detailed in former reports, that it need not be rehearsed again. Suffice it to say that its scale has been enlarged and extended, and is calculated to bestow that practical knowledge and breadth of culture which are necessary to the highest success. The objects with which the pupils are brought into daily contact, the phenomena which constantly appear before the mental vision, the facts of nature and of consciousness upon which all science and philosophy are based, receive careful and systematic attention.

The subject-matter of the lessons given in the classes is not of a fragmentary or disconnected character, but shows distinctly the relations of one thing to another, and while it arouses the attention, and trains the powers of observation, also presents that connected chain of

1879.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 43

thought necessary to the development of the reasoning faculties. The operation of the higher powers of the mind in solving the problems of thought and in arriv- ing at just conclusions depends upon the faithfulness with which perception has been cultivated.

There has been a marked improvement in the modes of imparting instruction. Much more time than for- merly has been given to oral and object teaching, and has been attended with most encouraging results. The rational method, in contradistinction to the mere mechan- ical, has been applied to various branches ordinarily taught to children, but not carried beyond the bounda- ries prescribed by reason and wisdom. Nature has been our guide ; and instead of attempting to overrule her, and substitute our senseless wishes and designs for her unalterable and imperative enactments, we anxiously study and implicitly obey them. To do otherwise would be to labor for an impossible result.

" Naturam expelles furca, tamen usque recurret."

Our instructors are enjoined to study the special apti- tude of every pupil, and to adapt theii' nfDde of teach- ing to the wants of each individual. The inequality of different minds in imbibing instruction under precisely identical ckcumstances is a glaring fact, and is one of the obstacles encountered m teaching numbers together, that is, m classes. Hence the adaptation of class work to individual capacity must of necessity form the basis of the whole system of instruction.

Attention has been given to the principles which govern every intelligent effort to impart instruction. Mountains of learned verbalism, and clouds of mere

44 INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. [Oct.

formulse of words, have not been allowed to stand betAveen the mental vision of the pupils and the object ; and clearness in thought, and distinctness in the repre- sentation of ideas have been considered of more moment than linguistic exercises, for perspicuity of expression follows definiteness in thinking. Combe's educational motto, "jR^s, non verba, quaeso,'' has been the guide in our school, because " dum res tnaneant verba fingantT The learning of words is a noisy process ; whereas the virtue of things steals into the intellect with noiseless step, and is ever working in the thoughts of the pupils most when they perceive it least. It does not confine itself to the surface of the mind, rustling in its fringes, and roaring in its outskirts, but reaches its vital springs, and feeds its native vigor. It is as silent as the growing of the plants, as unconscious as the assimilation of the food and the vitalizing work of the blood.

Accuracy and thoroughness in whatever is studied, with the frequent application of principles to the duties and affairs of life, is of the first importance. A smat- tering of letters, scraps of grammar, odds and ends of history, crumbs of the abstract sciences, are of little use to the blind ; and, instead of being thankful for them, they are more likely to say, with the shoemaker in

Martial, —

" At me litei'ulas stulti docuere parentes."

What they especially need is the cultivation of sponta- neous intellectual energy, and a thorough mental disci- pline, including the habits of observation, of quick and accurate perception, of steady attention, and of close and patient reasoning.

More stress is laid upon principles and leading

1879.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27. 45

thoughts than upon the quantity of details and facts. This is as it should be ; for mere accumulation of knowl- edge, without fostering and promoting the activity of the intellectual faculties, is not education. It occu- pies, but does not enrich, the mind. It imparts a stim- ulus for the time, and produces a sort of intellectual keenness and cleverness ; but, without an implanted purpose and a higher object than mere pleasure, it does not call forth any conscious eifort of ratiocination, and will bring with it no solid advantage. In such cases, knowledge produces but a passing impression, — a sen- sation, but no more. It is in fact the merest epicurism of intelligence, — sensuous, but certainly not intellectual. Locke, throughout the whole of his treatise on education, reiterates the necessity of simplicity in subject ; of train- ing and method, rather than variety and amount. The tendency to put a higher value upon the quantity of knowledge acquired than upon the mental discipline derived from school-life develops an opinionative self- sufficiency, not a real intellectual activity. It should be continually borne in mind, that it is not the amount of information w^hich our pupils carry from the school that constitutes a criterion of their capacity,