Stammering and Cognate Defects of Speech (Volume 2)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1913. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VIII STAMMERING-SCHOOLS AND SPEECH SPECIALISTS stammering-schools are of two general kinds--the institutions and the correspondence schools.1 The principals of institutions contend, of course, that treatment by correspondence is impossible; and correspondence teachers maintain in' their turn that the advocates of personal treatment are disingenuous seekers after fees. It will be interesting (though perhaps scarcely profitable) to hear a few words on both sides of the argument: It is impossible to give written or printed instructions for the cure of stammering and stuttering, for every case has its peculiar symptom and a physiognomy of its own. Can stammering be cured at home?... We are inclined to believe that the reply has generally been in the negative by those schools whom resident pupils support by the payment of large fees and many weeks' board bill; but this is only natural and is but a weakness of human nature, and while we have every sympathy and good feeling for the gentlemen, in charge of the various schools of this nature, yet we cannot help but feel that they are biassed in their judgment. It would give me great pleasure and satisfaction if I could cure stammering by written instructions, but it cannot be done. 1 Institutions are usually residential; but occasionally pupils merely visit the school during the instruction period. So many contingencies are involved. Want of personal knowledge of a case, the temperament, the surroundings, the character, and of the many circumstances attendant thereon, offer insurmountable difficulties. Correspondence classes... have recently been formed. Results guaranteed. Many persons have written to me to inquire if I could give them printed or written instructions that would serve the sa...