An essay for the recording of illustrious providences

Moreover, it is possible by Art to teach those that are by nature Deaf and Dumb to speak. The Dectylogy of Bede is pretty, whereby Men speak as nimbly with the fingers as with the tongue; taking five fingers of the one hand for Vowels, and the several positions of the other for Consonants. But that Deaf persons may learn to speak, happy ⟨p. 299⟩experience hath proved, and that by many Instances. A Castro has given an account of the method by him successfully observed in teaching a Boy to speak that was born Deaf. After the use of some purgative medicines, he caused the Hair to be shaved off from his head, over the Coronal suture; and then frequently anointed the shaven place with a mixture of Aqua vitae, Salt peter, Oil of Butter, Almonds, &c. Having done this, he began to speak to the deaf person (not at his Ear, but) at his Coronal suture; and there after the use of Unctions and Emunctions the sound would pierce, when at his Ears it could not enter, so did he by degrees teach him to speak (vide Ephem. German. Anno 1670. Observat. 35.) But others have with good effect, followed another kind of method. There was a Spanish Noble Man (Brother to the Constable of Castile) who being born Deaf and consequently Dumb from his Infancy, Physicians had long in vain tried Experiments for his Relief. At last a certain Priest undertook to teach him to speak. His attempt was at first laughed at, but within a while the Gentleman was able (notwithstanding his Deafness still remained) to converse and discourse with any Friend. he was taught to speak by putting a cord about ⟨p. 300⟩his Neck, and straitening or loosening the same, to advertise him when to open or shut his Mouth, by the Example of his Teacher. Nor was there any difference found between his Speech and that of other Men, only that he did not regulate his voice, speaking commonly too high (vid. Conferences of Virtuosi P.215.) Not long since Fran. Mercur. Helmont, designing to teach a Deaf man to speak, concluded it would be more easily practicable if the experiment were made with an Eastern wide-mouthed Language, which does remarkably expose to the Eye the motions of the Lips, Tongue and Throat. Accordingly he tried with the Hebrew Tongue; & in a short time his Dumb Scholar became an excellent Hebrician. Others have lately been as successful in their attempts to cause Deaf persons to speak and understand the European Languages.