Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1853-12-23
Education Of Idiots.

At the last meeting of the American Associa-
ton for disseminating knowledge, held at Pitts
burg, Mr.. J. b. Richards, of Germantown, made
some intensely interesting observations on the
subject of Idiocy. His philanthropic spirit led
him to visit Europe to ascertain the best method
ofdeveloping the powers of this UNHAPPY class Of
persons Patience, desire 10 do good, and taith
appear essential to succeed in this vocation.
Mr. Richards was accompanied by three ofhis
idiotic scholars. One of them, little girl, was
blind; and upon entering his faruily had never
been heard 10 use but two words, - Yes and
. No Taking hint from this, he gave her the
former ofthese monosyllabIes for her first lesson
persevcring till she repeated after him, Yes. u
This, on the first trial, occupied three hours
From this small beginning, he gradually drew
tsr On, till she now exhibits a very satisfactory
degree of intelligence.
The second case presented to the Association
was that cf lttIc boy, nine or ten years of age.
When first seen by Mr.. Richards, he was about
five and half years old, and was one of the most
disgusting and hopeless cases that could be i'm
agined. He could do nothing, not even roll him.
self oyor when placed upon the floor; he could
masticate nothing, living entirely upon milk he
noticed nothing, except when lively air was
whistled or played upon musical instrument.
Aside from this, his external senses seemed en-
tirely closed he as ignorant OF things around
him as IA new born infant
The imbccility of this boy beng of the very
lowest grade, he was chosen by Mr.. r. as sub
ject upon which to test the feasibility of the plan
to develope and educate Idiots Although his
most sanguine friends were sleptical, and every
thing in the nature ofthe case looked forbidIing
yet led on by the philanthropists' faith, he un-
dertool the arduous task of waking up the dor
mant energies of this miserable victim of congen-
ital disease; for such the case was.
Month after month rolled away, during which
time the most assidUous labors were bestowed
upon him, when at length the dawning of mind
was discovered Overjoyed, (even in relating
this part of the history the benevolent man could
his labors with fresh vigor And now he presents
to the world an observing, talking, selfrespcct-
ing, God-fearing human being. Noble achieve
ment Sublime achievement
What cannot Philanthropy do? The blind
are taught as though they can see the dumb
converse, read, and become adopts in science !:
the lunatic is reclaimed to himself and friends :
and above all, the innocent prattle, the manly
rejoicing and the religious alteration of the Idiot
is heard
These children become ardcntly attached to
their Instructor. They wish to be with him al
ways. If taken from the Institution, to stav
awhile with their parents, they soon begin to in
quire for Mr. Richards, and are in transports of
JOY at a prospects of meeting him again. Even
those who have grown up, and are permanently
separated from him, retain iilial regard for him.
which is second TO nothing in their natures
Thus he who engages in this humane enter
prise is twice blest first, in the consciousness
of having done good, and again by the gratitude
which his Iabors invariably call forth-MeadriHe
Ner Era.