Deaf-mutism / by Holger Mygind.

  • Mygind Holger, 1855-1928.
Date:
1894
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Deaf-mutism / by Holger Mygind. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. The original may be consulted at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.

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    Among Latin authors of antiquity deaf-mutism is only mentioned by Pliny the Elder and Gellius. Pliny speaks of the well-known case of the deaf boy, QuiNTUS Pedius, whom the orator, Messala, caused to be instructed in painting {jiaturalis historia, lib, XXXV., cap. 4 ; see 7, vol. v., p. 112]. It is added that the Emperor Augustus approved of this action, which fact plainly proves how little was done for deaf-mutes in ancient times.* Pliny states elsewhere [lib. x,, cap. 69, 7, vol. ii., p. 158], auditiis cui hominum primo negatus est, huic et sermonis usus ablatus, nee sunt naturaliter surdi ut idem sint et muti (the man who is born without the power of hearing is also deprived of the power of speech, and none are born deaf who are not also dumb). Gellius mentions an athlete from Samos who suddenly recovered the power of speech on seeing that the drawing of lots for a sacred combat was conducted unfairly [^noctes atticce, v., g ; see 8, vol. i., p. 301]. It seems, however, as if this case refers to a dumb person only. THE MIDDLE AGES.—It is not to be won- dered at, considering the influence Aristotle exer- cised upon the middle ages, that his erroneous opinions concerning the nature of deaf-mutism held sway until comparatively modern times. ♦ One of Martial's epigrams contains tlie following : Mulio viginti vciiit modo miliibiis, Aide, Miraiis pretium tarn grave } Siirdis crnt. This passage has often been quoted as a proof that doaf-inutes were employed in Rome for immoral purposes. It is, however, more natural to suppose that the high price paid for the mule driver in question was owing to his not being able to hear his passengers' conversation.