Peculiarities of the deaf and dumb as regards medical treatment, and their idiocyncrasies [sic] which have been observed at the Ulster Institution / Henry Samuel Purdon.

  • Purdon, Henry Samuel.
Date:
1865
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Peculiarities of the deaf and dumb as regards medical treatment, and their idiocyncrasies [sic] which have been observed at the Ulster Institution / Henry Samuel Purdon. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    “ THE EDUCATION, AND TRAINING OF THE DEAF AND DUMB.” Iii the year 1845, the pupils of the Ulster Society, for the education, and maintainence of the Deaf and Dumb, and Blind, were removed to their new establishment in Belfast; the office-bearers of which consist of a Committee, Chaplains, Physician, Principal, Matron and Teachers. No child is admitted into the Institution as a boarder, except between eight and thirteen years of age; and none either as a boarder or day pupil, until the parents or friends shall have returned satisfactory answers to the several queries con¬ tained in a printed form supplied by the Secretaries. The following extract from the Report may not be uninteresting:—“ At the close of 1863, your pupils numbered 126, viz.:—One hundred and five deaf and dumb, and twenty-one blind. Thirty-six new pupils have been admitted during the year 1864, namely—twenty-four deaf and dumb, and twelve blind, making a total of 148, of whom 117 are deaf and dumb, and 31 blind. During the past year the Institution has been free from any epidemic complaint and the health of the inmates good. The alterations in your buildings, connected with the erection of your new school-rooms have doubtless contributed largely to the improved sanitary condition of the establishment. The old school-room has been appropriated to an exercise-room for the boys, and some excellent gymnastic appliances have been fitted up in it; which should promote the physical health of the inmates.” For the following remarks on the education, and disposition, of the deaf and dumb, I am indebted to the Rev. John Kinghan, the accomplished Principal of the Institution. The children contained in the Ulster Institution, have been taken indiscriminately from the nine counties of Ulster, and are receiving a good English education, some of the blind being taught A