30. Blind, and Deaf and Dumb Institutions.
At the S. extremity of the Boulevard des Invalides is situated
the *Institution Impériale des jeunes Aveugles. This handsome
edifice, erected in 1839—1845, with its two projecting
pavilions, is separated from the boulevard by a railing. The bas-relief
which adorns the pediment above the entrance, by Jouffroy,
represents Valentin Haüy (d. 1822), the founder of the institution,
instructing his pupils under the protection of Religion. In the
court is placed a marble statue of the founder; with a blind girl
at his feet. Admission on application to the director, or by passport
or visiting-card, on Wednesdays only, 1½—5 o'clock. The
primary object of the institution is the reception and instruction
of blind children of both sexes, of 9—13 years of age. Their
residence may, if necessary, be prolonged to their 20th year.
The majority of the inmates are supported by government or by
the parishes to which they belong. Private pupils of any age
are received for an annual sum of 1000 fr.
The usual number of inmates is 200—300, of which three
fourths are boys. The masters and female teachers are all themselves
blind, most of them having been educated at this establishment.
One of the attendants (fee 1 fr.) conducts visitors through the
different portions of the institution, the dining-rooms, work-rooms,
dormitories, printing-office, garden, gymnastic and play-ground.
The Printing-office is one of the most remarkable departments.
Books for the blind only are here printed in raised characters.
The alphabet consists of six points, different positions and combinations
of which form the different letters. The same system
is employed in writing, the pupil impressing the points on paper
with a pointed instrument.
The principal manual occupations of the inmates are carpentering,
turning, brush-making, straw-plaiting, netting and weaving.
Specimens of their workmanship may be purchased in a room
set apart for the purpose.
The most important branch of instruction is music, for which
the blind usually evince a remarkable aptitude, and which of all
pursuits is the best calculated to enable them to gain their own
livelihood. Several public concerts are given annually in the
chapel, the directors of which are blind as well as the orchestra.
The frescoes in the chapel, by H. Lehmann, represent Christ
speaking words of consolation to the blind.
On the last Saturday of every month an examination of the
pupils takes place. Visitors may obtain access by applying to
"Monsieur Boué de Verdier, Directeur de l'Institution Impériale
des jeunes aveugles, Boulevard des Invalides 56" (comp. formula
given at p. 150).
The Deaf and Dumb Institution (Institution impériale des
sourds-muets), Rue St. Jacques 224, in the vicinity of the Jardin
du Luxembourg, is a similar establishment to the above-mentioned,
but less extensive and far inferior in its internal arrangements. The
Class d'articulation, which usually begins at half past 4 o'clock,
well merits a visit. Here different trades are likewise taught,
such as turning, shoemaking, lithographing etc. The number of
pupils is about 200, 75 of whom are girls. The Salle des Exercices
is adorned with busts of the Abbé de l'Epée, the founder of the
establishment (p. 108), and his successor the Abbé Sicard. It also
contains an interesting picture representing the Abbé de l'Epée
embracing the young Comte de Toulouse, one of his deaf and
dumb pupils, who had been abandoned by his relations.
The altar-piece in the chapel, by Vernet, represents Christ
healing a deaf man; to the l. is a painting of the deathbed of
the Abbé de l'Epée, by Peyson, a deaf and dumb artist.
Both of these establishments are closed during the vacation
(August and September).
