Causes Of Deaf-mutism
The intermarriage of blood-relations is doubtless one cause. In one
school for the deaf and dumb 25 per cent., in another 20 per cent., and
in others 15 per cent. of the pupils are said to be the off-spring of
marriages between blood-relations.
Davy mentions the following case observed by Meniere:--A married couple,
being cousins, who enjoyed excellent health, had eight children, of whom
four were born de
years of age, and two others suffered from absolute deafness, which only
made its appearance later on.
In the Institution at Derby there are three sisters, and also a younger
sister at home, all born deaf and dumb, the parents being own cousins.
On the other hand, there are at the same Institution several children
having deaf and dumb brothers or sisters, where no relationship exists
between the parents, notably one family, in which both parents are
healthy, and in which there are four deaf and dumb children. In the same
county there are other cases of three, four, and even six in a family,
yet there has been no relationship between the parents. In addition to
the born deaf, measles, bronchitis, typhus, scarletina, and other
diseases are the causes of deafness, and consequently dumbness.
Cases are known to have resulted from lightning, fright, boxing on the
ears, and where young children have been allowed to fall on the head,
etc.
Damp houses are said to be a cause of deafness. In Paris among eight
children born in a family, five were born deaf, and these had all been
born in a damp house. The family who had previously lived in the same
house had three children, among whom were two born deaf and dumb. It is
sometimes said that certain unhealthy trades in which the parent or
parents are engaged are responsible for some of these cases, but the
only complete statistics are those of Nassau, the results of which are
as follows:--
Among 27 Pipe-makers 3 deaf mute children,
therefore 1 deaf mute to 9.0
" 146 Stonemasons 4 " " " 36.5
" 186 Brass-founders 5 " " " 37.2
" 106 Potters 2 " " " 53.0
" 590 Carpenters 8 " " " 73.7
" 176 Earthenware-makers 2 " " " 88.0
" 381 Sailors 3 " " " 127.0
" 1,716 Bricklayers 11 " " " 156.0
" 1,309 Smiths 7 " " " 187.0
" 374 Vat-coopers 2 " " " 187.0
" 1,894 Tailors 10 " " " 189.4
" 2,911 Shoemakers 15 " " " 194.0
" 1,614 Joiners 8 " " " 201.7
" 2,006 Vinters 9 " " " 222.8
" 514 Coopers 2 " " " 257.0
" 1,380 Bakers 5 " " " 276.0
" 49,201 Farmers 104 " " " 473.1
" 18,211 Labourers 24 " " " 758.8
Meckel says that in the families of tradespeople, who are constantly
exposed to a damp unhealthy atmosphere or other injurious influences,
deaf-mutism occurs most frequently. Moreover, Meckel has found that
deaf-mutism is more frequently met with in flour-mills than elsewhere.
Among 990 millers in Nassau, there were found eight deaf mutes, or one
deaf mute to 123.7.
More
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A Deaf And Dumb Boy And His Brother
Brownlow Harrison, a bright little boy who had spent a few years in the school for the deaf and dumb, was watching with great earnestness for his father, who was to fetch him home for the summer vacation. Brownlow had made unusual progress duri... A Deaf And Dumb Boy Not Afraid To Die
Bernard Grimshaw, a little deaf and dumb boy, lay seriously ill in the sick ward of an Institution, and was asked, "Would you be afraid to die?" "No! because Christ has taken away the sting of death, if we believe in Him that He died for us; and we ... A Deaf And Dumb Boy's Devotion
Under the trees standing by the left bank of the Thames, and sheltered from its waters by a mound of earth, is an old but comfortable boathouse. A few roughly-hewn steps lead from the mound to the water's edge, where some six or seven boats rock ... A Deaf And Dumb Clergyman
Among those who were ordained deacons on Trinity Sunday last year by the Bishop of Winchester was Mr. R. A. Pearce, who is deaf and dumb, and who is to devote himself specially to Missionary work among the deaf mutes in the diocese of Winchester. Th... A Deaf And Dumb Councillor
Kapotrine Moller, a Russian Councillor of State, son of General Moller, and nephew of the tutor to the Grand Dukes Nicholas and Michael, has just died at the age of eighty-three. He himself, his brother, and sister were all born deaf and dumb. He wa... A Deaf And Dumb Girl's Dream
(WRITTEN BY HERSELF.) I had a dream on the 26th of January. I was going for rolls, and going back I met Gracie, a friend of mine, and she and I spoke quite well--we were not deaf and dumb. A poor boy, very ragged, carried a basket with some colou... A Deaf And Dumb Lawyer
Mr. Lowe, a gentleman who has been deaf and dumb from his infancy, will, we understand, be called to the Bar by the Society of the Middle Temple on Saturday next. He has had a good legal education, and is considered very clever as a conveyancer.--Br... A Deaf And Dumb Man In The Revision Court
On Thursday afternoon a singular scene was witnessed during the proceedings of the Revision Court, at Ashton-under-Lyne. A man named James Booth, of 3, Dog Dungeon, Hurst polling district, was objected to by the Conservatives, and Mr. Booth, their s... A Deaf And Dumb Man On The Bible
The following remarks on the Bible were written by a deaf and dumb young man 26 years of age:--"The Bible is more valuable than all other books in the world. It is divided into two parts, the one called the Old Testament and the other the New Testam... A Deaf And Dumb Sculptor
There has just been placed outside St. Saviour's Church, for the Deaf and Dumb, Oxford Street, London, a statue of "The Good Shepherd," which has been entirely modelled and carved by Mr. Joseph Gawen, a deaf mute, who was a pupil of the late Mr. Beh... A Deaf And Dumb Sculptor At Brussels
A deaf and dumb sculptor named Van Louy de Canter has recently obtained two prizes, one a silver medal with a ribbon of Belgian colours, and a second class award for his best work in marble; the other a bronze medal; he has also an honourable certif... A Deaf And Dumb Sexton Robbed
George E. Fischer, the deaf and dumb sexton of the St. Mary's Avenue Congregational Church, put out the lights and started for his boarding house at 10 o'clock at night. He had gone but a short distance from the church when he was pounced upon by un... A Deaf Mute's Beautiful Answer
The Rev. R. Stewart says: "I knew of a gentleman who went to a Deaf and Dumb Asylum to make known to the inmates the way of salvation through Jesus Christ. He asked questions by means of writing them on a blackboard. One day he wrote the question, '... A Deaf Mute's Gratitude
M. Felix Martin, an artist, deaf and dumb from his birth, has just executed a group representing the Abbe de L'Epee teaching a deaf and dumb youth. He desires it to be placed in the Court of the Sourds et Muets Institution at Paris, to which he g... A Deaf Mute's Heroism
About five o'clock on Sunday afternoon several gentlemen standing on Vine Street Wharf witnessed an act which was highly commendable. Thomas Hall, a lad of nine years, having strayed from his parents, was at play upon the wharf mentioned, when hi... A Deaf Mute's Ideas Before Instruction
The following extract from the correspondence of a deaf and dumb pupil with his teacher is a fair specimen of the natural condition of the deaf and dumb before receiving instruction:-- "Before I came to school I thought that the stars were placed ... A Dumb Dog
A deaf and dumb lady living in a German city, had, as a companion, a younger woman, who was also deaf and dumb. They lived in a small set of rooms opening on the public corridor of the house. Somebody gave the elder lady a dog as a present. For s... A Happy Death Bed
Not long ago there died in the county Wexford, in Ireland, a deaf and dumb shoemaker named Henry Plunkett. He had for many years been a true and sincere christian, and therefore when he came to die he was not afraid, but rejoiced at the thought of m... A Mate For Laura Bridgman
Hetty Hutson lives in the city of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, a girl seventeen years old, who has been deaf and dumb and blind from birth. She is active in her nature, and has a remarkably intelligent mind. Through the one medium of gestures, as ... A Naval Chef D'euvre
Gervase Murray, a deaf and dumb young man, the son of a poor widow living at Balbriggan, has just completed a miniature merchant ship, which in mechanical structure, symmetrical build, and neatness of finish, is not probably surpassed by anything... A Novel Situation
During the past year a gentleman had occasion to visit a certain city in New England. He arrived at night, went directly to his accustomed hotel, and to bed, slept soundly throughout the night, and in the morning discovered his watch had stopped.... A Russian Deaf And Dumb Youth's Reply
A young Russian, of great talents, though deaf and dumb, who had been to a Deaf and Dumb Institution to be taught, with a view to become the master of a similar Institution in Russia, was asked the difference between intelligence and discernment? He... A Sad Case
T---- L---- lived near Derby. Hers was a sad case--deaf, dumb, and so nearly blind that she had to be led about; moreover, she suffered from extreme weakness in the legs, and was delicate on the chest. Her father being dead, it was difficult for ... A Supposed Lunatic In Derby
At the Borough Police Court this morning, a man, who said his name was "Jim," but from whom no further information could be obtained, was charged with being a wandering lunatic. Sergeant Parker said that, at a quarter-past one o'clock on Monday a... A Thought Of The South Sea Islanders
Among some of the islands of the South Sea the compound word for "hope" is beautifully expressive; it is "manaolona" or "swimming thought"--"faith" floating and keeping its head aloft above water, when all the waves and billows are going over it--a ... A Victory
Peter Sims, a deaf and dumb boy, was walking past a large shop one day in winter, when he saw a beautiful pair of skates in the window. He had often wished for skates that he might skate upon the ice, and when he saw these he desired to have them. H... A Will Made By Pantomime
The Supreme Court of Maine recently, after a six days trial, sustained the will of Horatio N. Foster, who was deaf and dumb, seventy-six years old, who could neither read, write, nor use the manual alphabet. The will, which was made by pantomime, de... A Young Genius
(From the Journal of the Society of Arts, May 1, 1874.) Another artist who has made his mark on the ware by the originality of his forms is Frank A. Butler. He is quite deaf and almost dumb. He is one of many thus heavily afflicted who have passed... Acuteness Of Educated Deaf Mutes
One evening the senior class of girls and boys in a School for the deaf and dumb were invited to put any questions they wished to the Teacher; amongst others, the following (which show considerable acuteness and reflection) were proposed to him:--Wh... Alexander Ferguson The Famous Deaf And Dumb Swimmer
Alexander Ferguson, a dock mason of Dundee, (though now in employment at Irvine), has rescued forty-seven persons from drowning--one paper says fifty-one--in the Tay, Forth, Clyde, Dee, Tyne, Mersey, Wear, Ayr, Irwell, Calder, Humber, and other r... An Amusing Story
Here is an amusing story hailing from Munich. During the past year the professor of Aesthetics in the University, whose lectures are proverbially wearisome, delivered his lectures (as usual) to a scanty audience. There were five students in all, who... An Ingenious Boy
We were lately shown a curiosity in the shape of a sewing machine entirely of wood. It was whittled out of ordinary pine with an ordinary jack-knife by an ordinary boy--no, not an ordinary boy; it was the handiwork of a deaf and dumb boy who resides... An Interview With Laura Bridgman
We presume most of our readers will have read of Laura Bridgman, who is without any perfect sense except that of touch. A correspondent of the "Christian Union" gives an interesting account of an afternoon spent with her, from which we make the f... Ask A Blessing
A little boy was admitted as a pupil into the Institution for the Deaf and Dumb at Derby. Previous to his admission he had given his parents and friends a great deal of trouble, and fears were entertained that he would be none the less troublesome t... Buxton
The Entertainments given on Tuesday in the Pavilion by Deaf and Dumb children from the Institution at Derby drew large audiences. The children looked bright and happy, and their personal appearance was a sufficient indication that they were taken go... Canon Farrar With The Deaf And Dumb
The Washington Post gives an account of Canon Farrar's visit to that city. He was interviewed by one of their reporters as to what he thought of the place, and he replied that he was greatly pleased, but what interested him most was the Deaf Mute... Causes Of Deaf-mutism
The intermarriage of blood-relations is doubtless one cause. In one school for the deaf and dumb 25 per cent., in another 20 per cent., and in others 15 per cent. of the pupils are said to be the off-spring of marriages between blood-relations. D... Cleansing From Sin
Matthew Jones, a poor deaf and dumb boy, once wrote the meaning of Jesus Christ's blood washing away sin. Being asked if he was afraid God would punish him for his sins, he wrote this answer, "No, for when God sees my name down in His book, and all ... Comparative Numbers Of The Sexes Of Deaf Mutes
In all countries where statistics have been compiled, the number of male deaf mutes exceeds that of the female. In 1871 there were in Prussia 12,736 male and 10,843 female deaf mutes. In England and Wales in 1883 there were 4,408 male and 3,280 fema... Cork Temperance Exhibition
The following were won by deaf mutes:--Both certificate and prize, E. Morgan, for painted album; A. Corkey, doll's dress; B. Henderson, same; J. Giveen, stitching; J. O'Sullivan, knitting; G. Seabury, laundry work. Also, prizes were won by J. Armstr... Corot And His Pupil
Corot the Artist had a deaf and dumb pupil. The young fellow was employed in copying one of his master's beautiful pencil drawings, when he even tried to imitate a stain of glue which was on the paper. Corot, when he saw it, smiled, and said, or at ... Deaf And Dumb Boy And His Mother
Zachariah was a deaf and dumb boy, thirteen years of age, who was being educated in an Institution for the Deaf and Dumb, after an absence of four years he went home to see his mother. When he entered her house, in company with his benefactor, she w... Deaf And Dumb Clergymen
In America there are four deaf and dumb clergymen working in connection with the Church Missions to the Deaf and Dumb. There are also in connection with the same mission eight lay readers, all of whom are deaf and dumb.--Deaf Mute World. ... Deaf And Dumb Lady's Idea Of Music
A lady who graduated from the Institution at New York some years ago, was questioned as to the capacity of the deaf to enjoy music; she wrote: "I think all deaf persons have an idea more or less vague of musical sounds. It comes to all who cannot... Deaf Dumb And Blind
An examination of students who were deaf, dumb, and blind took place on Washington Heights. The principal, Dr. Isaac L. Peet, gave various interesting exhibitions of their skill and accomplishments. A blind, deaf, and dumb boy, about fourteen years ... Deaf Dumb Blind And Lame
David Simons, of Boston, is deaf and dumb; he is also blind; likewise he is lame. Penniless he is, and houseless. Finally, he is black, which may or may not be considered a misfortune. No,--finally he was run over by a team and dreadfully bruised. Y... Deaf Mutes In The Town And Country
Wilhelmi tried to ascertain by means of his statistics in what proportion deaf mutism occurred in towns and in the country, and found that it preponderated in the country. --------------------------------+------------+-------------------- ... Dear Tammas
A poor old deaf man resided in Fife; he was visited by his minister shortly after coming to his pulpit. The minister said he would often call and see him; but time went on, and he did not visit him again until two years after, when, happening to go ... Do The Deaf & Dumb Think Themselves Unhappy?
Two deaf and dumb scholars of the late Abbe Siccard were asked--Do the deaf and dumb think themselves unhappy? The following is the answer of Massien:--"No; because we seldom lament that which we never possessed, or know we can never be in possessio... Draughts
Mr. James Wyllie (the Herd Laddie), the greatest living draught player, has been in Aberdeen for a whole week, playing in public against all comers. He played altogether 98 games, of which he won 79, lost 3, and 6 drawn. It is worthy of notice that ... Drunken Billy
A poor deaf and dumb man, who might be said to be entirely friendless in the world until the Institution of the Deaf and Dumb was formed at Derby, was continually in trouble, owing to his intemperate habits. "Drunken Billy," as he was called by s... Dumb For Two Years
Two years ago, says the Auburn Advertizer, George Scott, one of a gang of desperadoes in New York City, committed a robbery, for which he ought to have received ten years in prison. When he was arrested he feigned to be deaf and dumb. Upon his trial... Entertainment By Deaf And Dumb
The inhabitants of Mansfield had some most enjoyable meetings on Monday last, when a number of the pupils from the Deaf and Dumb Institution at Derby gave some very interesting illustrations of blackboard sketching, including animals, birds, fishes,... Epitaph
In St. Modwen's Churchyard at Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire, the following inscription has been copied from the tombstone of a deaf and dumb man:-- This Stone Was raised by Subscription ... Exhibition 1851
At the great Exhibition in 1851 there was exhibited a set of oak tables and cabinet of Stanton oak, combined with glass and ormolu, etc., made and carved by three deaf and dumb persons; the castings by Marsh, of Dudley. ... Fairly Done
A good story is told of ex-governor Magottin, of Kentucky, who is a good talker and likes to do most of the talking himself. Recently, in making the journey from Cincinnati to Lexington, he shared his seat in the car with a bright-eyed, pleasant-fac... Faith Cometh By Hearing
A deaf and dumb Lady said that the first time she went to church after she was impressed with the truths of christianity, she saw over the pulpit the words "Faith cometh by hearing," which caused her great unhappiness; for, she thought, that as she ... Fatal Accident To A Deaf And Dumb Bride On The Day Of Marriage
The following is taken from the Manchester Mercury and Harrop's General Advertiser, June 10, 1800:--"On the 12th ult., in the Island of Anglesea, Mr. Henry Ceclar, a gentleman well known for his pedestrian feats, to Miss Lucy Pencoch (the rich heire... Good Influence
A few years since an aged man, who had long been a sincere and devoted christian, was placed in the same ward in the Infirmary of N----with a deaf and dumb youth. The former received and enjoyed the visits of the chaplain, whilst the latter was c... Grace Annable
Grace Annable was deaf, dumb, and blind, and although her form and features were well proportioned, she was a great sufferer from constitutional weakness; yet her temper was mild and affectionate. Strange to say, Grace was a capital nurse, and was m... Great Swimming Feats
1. Fourteen miles down the river with the rapid ebb tide, from the middle buoys opposite the Tay ferries to far buoy at the mouth of the river Tay, in 5-1/2 hours (1859.) 2. Across the Frith of Clyde from Carrought, Ayrshire, to Ailsa Rock; 8 mil... Half A Score Deaf Mutes
On Tuesday evening last the Stamford Corn Exchange was crowded with people eager to see half a score little deaf mutes from the Institution at Derby. The children--six boys and four girls--caused considerable amusement, and also pain to think they s... Helen Silvie
Helen Silvie was a Scotch girl. She was born in the village of Dunblane, situated on the beautiful banks of the river Allan. She lost her hearing by fever when about five years of age, and two years after she was sent to the Edinburgh Instituti... Her Latest And Best
A little girl was admitted to a Deaf and Dumb Institution, and in due course, before she had obtained a thorough knowledge of language, learned "Little Jack Horner." Two nights afterwards, when the deaf and dumb pupils were kneeling at prayer, they ... Heroic Conduct Of A Deaf And Dumb Girl
On Tuesday last an inquest was held by Mr. Michael Fullam, Coroner, at Aughaward, near Ballinale in this County, on the body of a respectable middle class farmer named James Prunty. It appears the deceased, a feeble old man of 76 years of age, we... His Right Name
In a letter received by the head master at the Deaf and Dumb Institution at Derby, a lady writes about a little boy she had assisted in obtaining admission into the Institution, and said that "During the little time (18 months) that William has been... How To Save The Rates
In a vast majority of cases where the deaf and dumb are allowed to grow up uneducated and uncared for they become inmates of Workhouses or Lunatic Asylums. Many years ago L---- K---- was taken from a workhouse in Derbyshire where he had been for a n... I Must Help
The following little incident will show how interested the deaf and dumb are in trying to help Institutions struggling to obtain monetary support in order to admit the numerous cases pressing for admission. A number of the pupils from the Institu... In Derby Police Court
A few years since the Head Master of the Deaf and Dumb Institution at Derby was sent for, with a request that he would hasten to the police court to see what could be done with a little deaf and dumb boy. The sketch is a faithful picture of the l... International Exhibition
(From The Graphic, May, 1874.) Messrs. Doulton and Co., who have done so well with stoneware, dignifying the simplest material by giving even to the most ordinary and cheapest articles shapes of real beauty, exhibit in Room 9 a most praiseworthy ... Julia Brace
Julia Brace, a deaf, dumb, and blind woman, who died in August, 1884, in her seventy-eighth year, was well known all over America, at least wherever attention has been paid to the education of deaf mutes. In the year 1810, when about four years old,... King George Iv & The Deaf & Dumb Boy
When King George IV. visited Ireland a deaf and dumb boy determined to send a letter to His Majesty. The following extracts taken from this characteristic letter will be interesting: "Wednesday, 4th July, 1821. "My dear George,--I hop...