THE DEAF HEAR by Edison J. Driver

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jun 21, 1899

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 25, No. 25.

THE DEAF HEAR.

By Edison J. Driver

THOSE who have read Mr. Chamberlain's article, "Helen Keller as She Really Is," in the Ladies' Home Journal for May, can realize something of the difficulty hitherto experienced in the education of those who are deprived of sight or hearing. Now, however, through a recent application of electricity, even the stone deaf are made to hear music and conversation. And having heard, many who were previously dumb acquire the power of speech. For this wonderful discovery the world is indebted to Miller R. Hutchison, of Mobile, Ala. He describes his instrument and its use for Success in an article in substance as follows:—

"The shape, size, etc., of the instrument can be adapted to the use to which it is to be put." The instructor has a "receiving instrument," into which he speaks. Each listener has two ear-pieces, a mouthpiece, and a light aluminum breastplate on which are simple switches, enabling him to connect or disconnect himself and the speaker. Wires, of course, join the different parts.

"The deaf mute hears the instructor's words, and, speaking them himself into the mouthpiece, hears his own pronunciation, so being enabled to learn accurately. The pupil can hear himself whisper, even, but, without suitable change of the switch, no one else in the class can hear. Thus all confusion is avoided.

"The instructor can teach any number of pupils at the same time. He can teach each individually, or all collectively, with no switches to be manipulated by him, or other complicated arrangement." In a thorough trial made at the Alabama State Institute for the deaf, over one hundred children were tested, and all heard loud conversational tones at from fifteen to twenty feet. They were also given a musical treat which caused them to manifest great delight.

"One little fellow was so deaf that he could not hear a cornet blown a foot from his head; but, with the aid of Mr. Hutchison's instrument, at a distance of thirty feet, with eyes closed and back turned he distinctly heard the sound.

"What a wonderful world this will reveal to these poor unfortunates! Competent judges predict through it a revolution in the education of both deaf and dumb. To many it will bring joyful relief from the cheerless gloom of years of total silence. . . . Success (Cooper Union, New York City) will be pleased to receive and forward to Mr. Hutchison any letters from its readers concerning this remarkable invention, and will also answer any inquiries that may be sent its editors on the same subject."