.

(475/1. We have no means of knowing whether the observations suggested
in the following letter were made--if not, the suggestion is worthy of
record.)

Down, December 21st, 1872.

You will have received some little time ago my book on Expression, in
writing which I was so deeply indebted to your kindness. I want now to
beg a favour of you, if you have the means to grant it. A clergyman, the
head of an institution for the blind in England (475/2. The Rev. R.H.
Blair, Principal of the Worcester College: "Expression of the Emotions,"
Edition II., page 237.), has been observing the expression of those born
blind, and he informs me that they never or very rarely frown. He kept
a record of several cases, but at last observed a frown on two of the
children who he thought never frowned; and then in a foolish manner tore
up his notes, and did not write to me until my book was published. He
may be a bad observer and altogether mistaken, but I think it would
be worth while to ascertain whether those born blind, when young, and
whilst screaming violently, contract the muscles round the eyes like
ordinary infants. And secondly, whether in after years they rarely or
never frown. If it should prove true that infants born blind do not
contract their orbicular muscles whilst screaming (though I can hardly
believe it) it would be interesting to know whether they shed tears as
copiously as other children. The nature of the affection which causes
blindness may possibly influence the contraction of the muscles, but on
all such points you will judge infinitely better than I can. Perhaps you
could get some trustworthy superintendent of an asylum for the blind to
attend to this subject. I am sure that you will forgive me asking this
favour.

LETTER 476. TO D. HACK TUKE. Down, December 22nd, 1872.

I have now finished your book, and have read it with great interest.
(476/1. "Influence of the Mind upon the Body. Designed to elucidate the
Power of the Imagination." 1872.)

Many of your cases are very striking. As I felt sure would be the case,
I have learnt much from it; and I should have modified several passages
in my book on Expression, if I had had the advantage of reading your
work before my publication. I always felt, and said so a year ago to
Professor Donders, that I had not sufficient knowledge of Physiology to
treat my subject in a proper way.

With many thanks for the interest which I have felt in reading your
work...