New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1851-09-01
THE DEAF AND DUMB.
Second Convention Of American Instructors 81
the Deaf and Dumb.
SECOND DAY
From our own Reporter
u,er-opn THURSDAY. Aug. Is. 1851.


The Convention reassembled at the Asy-
lum a, O'Clock this morning the PRESIDENT hon
THox.s DAY, IN the Chair
The exercises Of the day we're opened with an ex-
position Of the Scriptures from Marx 81, and PRAYER
In the language Of signs, by Dr. PEKr OF Ne"-i Ola
The attendance was considerably larger than yes
terday, and the proceedings have taken hold OF the
public mind.
The first business IN order was paper oy LEWIS
WELD ESQ, Principal of the American Asylum
containing some Suggestions on certain 'areties
Of the Language of Signs as used in the instruction
of the Deaf and Dumb"
Commencing with brief review Of the science Of
language Mr.. Weld proceeded to illustrate the use
of the various classes Of signs employed IN The IN
strlction OF Deaf-hutes. The language OF signs i
adan,ed 10 sight alone and the facility of cOmmun-
cation IN this manner becomes as great A. by speech
with the generality OF mankind. Natural signs as
they are termed. necessarily invented ON the IN
educated Deaf and Dumb. Il Is natural that ahe
want of food should be indicated BY the action OF
placing something IN the mouth sleep, by placing
the hand under the head writing, by motion OF the
hand as with al pen. so Of visible objects. All POSI-
tive emotions may thus have It's appropriate express
sion.
-Four classes of signs were designated and eX-
planned by Nh Weld, VIZ. the alphabetical, the
strictly natural. the methodical, and the conVen,
tlonal or arbitrary Nethodical signs include all
simple natural signs, and have many subdivisions
There are divisions of time, of adverbs OF time. Of
human relationships father moiheS daughter
of the paSSiOns-aS love, fear, JOY.
New pupils have a limited range OF thought and
i. is obviously desirable IN the instruction OF Deaf
MUtos that the method Of communication with them
should be readily comprehenS II thus naturally
assumes the character OF a fixed law. Under the
care OF those possessing taste and judgment, this
method becomes established and meihodical
Mr. Weld favors the use OF methodical signs to a
\ paper BY Mr. COLLINS STONE. on the " Use Of
MeihocIcal Signs" followed and a discussion en-
sued which occupied the remainder Of the morning
and q large share of the afternoon.
In tins lengthy and interesting debate, many mem
bers participated among them. DR.. Peet Mr.. Weld,
Prof Barnard. Mr. Ayre>, Rev Nj Turner, MI.
Stone. Mr. Cary, Nj Bartlett Mr.. Cooke and Nj /.
l.. Peet.
The venerable Mr. GALLAuDET. whose naTne Is
closely identified with the success Of the American
ASYLUM sent to-day 10 the Convention the following
letter dictated BY him 10 his son. Mr. Thomas Cal
laudei, Of the NewNork Institution, by whom 1t was
presented The letter was ordered 10 be entered IN
iull upon the minutes. From the present state OF
MIR Gallaudcts health Il Is 10 be feared that these
are ms last words 10 those interested IN the nstfuc-
ton OF the Deaf and Dumb IN this country
The letter Is as follows
HARTFORD Aug. %. ISL.
To e President Ocers ord Members Of he CoHrestoa
Of those INTERESTED ne Coase Of Instruction OF Deaf
Mrfes, nor session IN tbs CRY
of my health such prevent ENJOYING the pleas
ures and privileges Of participating with you IN the
objects Of the Convention.
Look to God for Hs wisdom and peace, and may It be
richly impaired o. you.
Accent the OF personal regard ana Desl
wishes for your success IA your VARIOUS operations
Yours sincerely, I H. GALLAUDET.
At the afternoon session OF the Convention alter
the closing of the debate the system of lnstruc-
ton, Mr. J. ADDISON CARY read paper OF much
interest on the " Idioms of the Deaf and Dumb "
This essay abounded IN curious instances OF ldloma-
tic expression. in which Mr.. Gary traced resem-
blance TO the peculiar construction OF the Hebrew
language the principal object beng hrst brought
out a. the leading word or words OF a sentence
Mr.. EDWARD PET read an interesting sketch of
the life Of the Baron dc Gerando of France, whose
efforts IN the cause Of Deai-Muie education were
extensive and successful
Mr.. CLERc gave ms "reminiscences OF the Baron
whom be knew well while engaged IN behalf OF the
Deaf and Dumb.
Prof MORRIS of the Newlork Institution, read
the last paper of the day the subject of Natlona
History as a branch of study for the Deaf and DUMB
The Convention adjourned TO meet again to-mor-
row morning. Yours, VI