prejudices, and taught them the immense difference between blindness of the intellect, and blindness of

the bodily organs. After continuing his studies in classics and philosophy for two years longer, he applied himself to law, and took his degree in that science at Brussels." During the long and extensive practice of his profession, he had the good fortune, almost invariably, to terminate the suits in which he engaged, to the entire satisfaction of his clients.

Sir JOHN FIELDING, who became blind in youth, acted in the capacity of justice, in Westminster, with great energy and sagacity for many years. So prompt and assiduous was he in the execution of the law, that the name of blind Fielding, it is said, was a terror to evil doers. He was also an active and benevolent promoter of the Marine Society; was knighted in 1761, and died at Brompton, in 1780. Sir John published various tracts on the penal code, and was the author of a miscellaneous publication, entitled, "Universal Mentor."

For one destitute of sight to enter upon the practice of medicine, may to some, at first, appear preposterous; but when the comparative facilities of the olind and seeing in this field of usefulness are rightly viewed, this impression may in some degree be removed. By the eye, it is true, the physician learns the attitude of his patient, the expression of the countenance, the state of the tongue, and the color of the skin; and these signs often indicate the nature of the disorder. How, then, can a blind man be a good

physician? We answer: he may acquire a correct knowledge of all these signs, with the exception of the color of the skin, by the sense of touch; and this sense being in him more acute and refined, he is perhaps able to judge more correctly of the state and condition of the skin, which is considered a matter of great importance in the practice of this profession. External diseases, particularly cutaneous, are seldom attended with danger, and are chiefly distinguished by the eye; internal complaints, on the other hand, which are very numerous and more dangerous, are frequently discovered by the sense of feeling; and, as a blind physician has the advantage of a more acute sense of touch, he is able to form a very correct opinion of the seat and nature of these complaints.

HUGH JAMES, M. D., followed his profession for many years with eminent success, after he was totally deprived of sight. This distinguished physician was born at St. Bee's, in Cumberland, 1771. After having passed through a thorough course of medical study, he graduated at Edinburgh, in 1803, and settled at Carlisle as a practicing physician. Several years previous to this, his sight had been much impaired by severe inflammation in the head, and in the winter of 1806, he became totally blind. But, instead of allowing this misfortune to frustrate all his plans of future usefulness, he continued the practice of medicine with so much assiduity and skill, that, after his death, the people of Carlisle erected to his memory a monument, with the following inscription.

"To the memory of Hugh James, M. D., who practiced physic with eminent skill for many years, in this city. Providence largely recompensed the loss of sight in early life, with talents which raised him to distinguished reputation in his profession, and more abundantly blessed him with a disposition ever prompt to succor poverty and pain. The study of his art, which showed him the weakness and uncertainty of life, taught him to meditate deeply on the works of God, and animated his faith in a merciful Redeemer. He died the 20th of September, 1817, in the forty-fifth year of his age, and was interred in the parish church of Arthuret."

In the summary notices comprised in this series, of those eminent blind, who must ever be cheering as well as guiding stars to their order, we have uniformly omitted a description of the various methods and apparatuses employed by them in the study of the different sciences; as they could be of no service at present, save to gratify the curious. In the institutions for the education of this class, established in almost every state of our Union, as well as those of Europe, vastly improved and simplified apparatuses are introduced, answering as perfect substitutes in every department of science, for those commonly used in schools for the seeing. But, notwithstanding the educational facilities which all the blind at present possess, none have attained to that celebrity which our predecessors enjoyed, when no institutions of this kind were known. This, we think, cannot be so much

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attributable to comparative talent, as to the limited and inadequate course of study, within the pale of these establishments. Where these institutions exist, the public expects that they shall do the work of ed ucating the blind, and consequently the colleges and universities, in which our eminent predecessors were admitted, and where they received the high intellectual training that enabled them to rise above their misfortune, are, in a great measure, closed against us. Until the blind student's course of study is raised to a level with those pursued at our best colleges, he is unable to move successfully in the sphere whence he draws his highest happiness, and in which he can be most useful to himself, and society. In the world of thought and idea is his most congenial realm. Here in the broad field of scientific research, he needs no guide; but walks with unfaltering tread, and with the torch of reason explores the darkest vaults of nature's archives; then climbs on the chain of universal laws, to distant worlds, and weighs in the balance of calculation vast systems plunged in the depth of space.

We would not be understood, however, to depreciate the philanthropic hand that has placed within our reach, as a class, the common branches of education; but would only beg leave to remark, that all has not been done for the blind that can be accomplished, or that we have reason to expect at the hands of our government, and christian philanthropists. We implore those, whose generous hearts have been

enlisted in our behalf, to put within our reach a finished college education; such as many who have the use of their eyes, and all other natural faculties, enjoy at the expense of government. Here is yet a field open that will richly repay, in human happiness, the labors of public or private munificence; for it imparts sight to the blind. Showers of emotional sympathy we have on every side; but stern experience has taught us, that these will neither fill an empty stomach, nor satisfy the cravings of an immor tal mind; but, on the contrary, unless accompanied by well-directed christian benevolence, they serve only to awaken in our bosoms smouldering emotions. of sorrow, which we would fain forever suppress. Nothing can be more cruel and inconsistent, than for persons who would commiserate our misfortune, to point out its darkest phase, and draw before our imagination a panorama of all the fascinating beauties hid from our view, painted in the most extravagant colors. Such compassion can but aggravate our wounds, and move us to murmur against an irrevocable providence. Even under this affliction, life is not without its charms. So multifarious and boundless are the resources of human happiness, that by the loss of natural sight, new and more glorious scenes of contemplation break upon our spiritual vision. With a lively hope soon to be disencumbered from the imperfections of sense, and forever roam through the regions of fadeless beauty, we endure our lot with patience, and can say, in the language of the poet:·