Cibrarp oftrhe Cheolo0ical ^eminarjp

PRINCETON • NEW JERSEY

"it/ VS.V*

PRESENTED BY

A. G. Cameron, Ph.D.

5.18.11

2^
memo.
 —
'^m \

9 ELOCUTION TAUGHT — STAMMERING CURED.

DR. 'COMSTOCK'S
VOCAL GYMNASIUM,
No. 102 ARCH STREET, PHILADELPHIA.
I
This Institution, which has been in successful operation since 182S. is designed for
the Promotion of Health, the Cure op Stammering and Defective Articulation, for
Instruction in Elocution and Phonetics, and for the Acquisition of Ancient and
Modern Languages.
In this Institution, Elocution is treated as a science, as well as an art. The various
movements of the voice, both in speech and song, are illustrated by original diagrams
and by oral instruction. The exercises give the pupil complete command of the mus-
cles of articulation, extend tb? compass of the voice, and render it smooth, powerful,
and melodious. They not only call forth all the energies of the vocal organs, correct
stammering, lisping, and other impediments of speech, hut they invigorate the lungs,
and, consequently, fortify them against the invasion of disease. The vocal exercises
are not unfrequently accompanied by gesticulation, or the use of the dumb-bells.
Hence, to a certain extent, general gymnastics are associated with those of the voice;
and awkwardness of manner and posture is removed by the substitution of rhetorical
grace. In other words, all the voluntary muscles of the trunk and limbs are so
trained as to move in the order required by the will, synchronously and harmoni-
ously with those of the voice.
TICKETS PER COURSE.
For Instructing the Dumb to Speak I year $1000
Inscruction for the Cure of Stammering 10 weeks 100
Correction of Defective Articulation 50 private lessons 50
Private Instruction in Elocution 30 lessons, each 1 hour 80
Instruction in Elocution, in a class 60 lessons, each 1 h. 30 min.... 30
Instruction in Elocution, in the evening class.. 30 lessons, each 1 h. 30 min.... 15
Instruction in Languages 30 lessons, in a class 15

XKS-The each case, to be paid for in advance. Board, in the Institution,

ticket, in
from $5 to $10 per week, in advance.
#S=» No one can become a pupil in the Yocal Gymnasium, who spits on the floor.
or is not otherwise cleanly in his habit no member of the Institution is allowed to use
tobacco in any form.
ANDREW C0MST0CK, M.D, Principal,
No. 102 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
6 ^)a
 VOCAL GYMNASIUM.
RULES, CONDITIONS, RECOM-
MENDATIONS., dec.
RULES, ADOPTED IN 15 40.
From experience in teaching without fixed rules for the regula*
f the conduct of the different classes, the Proprietor of the
fnstitution is convinced of their importance. He has. therefore,
drawn up the following, to which he requires each member to sub-
scribe on entering the school.
1. Rich member of trie Institution must be punctual in atten-

dance at all the ex te must not leave till their close.

2. Each member must attend every exhibition at the Vocal Gym-

nasium, and at every other [
3. Each member, wL. ng, must stand or sit erect.
1 9 vocal delivery, are allow.
self back in the chair, or resting the anas
upon the back Iks feet upon the rounds.
•4. When, in concert exercises, a se; :n out, it must be
imme_ by every member of the class, in the proper
pitch and time, and with the requi
o. When relation, the members
of the class mu;: immediately after the first
.

n is pronounced, and repeat the words and gesture.

6. Each studen: :rn all the exercises with unwearied in-
:

in a manner wi.
: licatethat.i - ed on a cure. -

7. .'-. - about the roon..

i

terrur' the members of the class are re-

.

i to keep in their places during the e

This rule, of course, does not apply to those esercises which require the class to
ktreptime by marc.. .
5. No one is avowed to ha ^g in his hands, except his
book, during the exer;
9. Ail colloquial intercourse, in the time _ :

forbidden.
10. . loud ta'.king, or other unnecessary noise, in
-Z,
enteri:. _ the room, is allowed.
11. . ted to discr nerer
from persevering in the exercises, greatly retard, if not entirely
prevent a cure, every member c:
fxair. _ m.
iming that the deportment of each Studt ev-ery
location, be that of a gemitrman : the Proprietor of the Institu-
:onjidently trusts that the above rules will not be violated.
 REMARKS ON STAMMERING.
From a Lecture on Elocution, delivered before the American Lyceum,
May 6, 1837,

By Axdrew Comstock, M. D.

For the last twelve years (since 1825), the author of these Remarks
has been engaged in an investigation of the philosophy of the human
voice, with a view to the formation of a system of just Elocution -
,

and to the discovery of the true means for correcting defective ar-
ticulation", and for removing impediments of speech in stammerers.
How far he has succeeded in his attempt is not for him tu say. His
system is the result of his own reflection and experience; and. as ir is
founded in philosophy, it is the only true system. The following
contain the mere outlines of the system. The work itself will
be presented to the public as soon as the author's other labors will
permit

Stammering or stuttering is a hesitation or interruption of speech, and is

usually attended with more or less distortion of feature. This affection
presents itself under a variety of forms ; but my limits will not allow me to
give a particular description of them. I will notice only the most striking.
In some cases, the stammerer makes an effort to speak, and all his breath
is expelled without producing vocality; in others, the lips are spasmodically
—
closed : these two forms often occur in the same case. Sometimes the stam-
merer, while speaking or reading, loses all power over the vocal organs, and
remains some moments with his mouth open, before he can recover sufficient
energy to proceed. In many cases, the stammerer repeats the word imme-
diately preceding the one he is attempting to pronounce, or he repeats, in a
rapid manner, the first element, or the first syllable, of the difficult word.
Causes. —The predisposing causes are nervous irritability and delicacy
of constitution.
The most usual exciting causes are diffidence, embarrassment, a fear of
not being successful when about to make an effort to speak, an attempt to
speak faster than the vocal organs can assume the proper positions for utter-
ance. Two or more of these causes often occur in the same case. Some-
times the habit of stammering is acquired by imitation.
The proximate cause of stammering is a spasmodic action of the mus-
cles of speech.
—
Prognosis. The probability of a cure depends upon the following circum-
3
 : :

stances If the stammerer has a cheerful disposition, is distinguished for

:

energy of mind and decision of character, can appreciate the variations of

pitch in speech and song-, or, in other words, has an ear for music and a taste
for elocution, the prognosis is favourable. But if he is of a nervous tem-
perament, subject to melancholy, irresolute of purpose, incapable of imitation
in speaking and singing, the prognosis is unfavourable.
—
Treatment. The stammerer should be impressed with the importance,
nay, necessity, of giving exclusive attention to the subject and he should
;

not be allowed to converse with any one till he can speak without stammer-
ing. These rules cannot be too strongly enforced. I am fully persuaded of
this from my own experience. Several stammerers, who have placed them-
selves under my care, taking but two or three lessons a week, and attending
to their usual avocations, have left me disappointed ; while those who have
given undivided attention to the subject, have been entirely relieved. True,
many are more or less benefited even by occasionally taking a lesson but it
;

is very difficult, by any irregular course, to effect a radical cure. The habit
of stammering should be arrested at once for, while it is continued, how is
;

it possible that the habit of speaking correctly can be established ?

Great pains should be taken to inspire the stammerer with confidence.

He should be convinced that his success depends mainly upon his own exer-
tions: that he must pursue the various exercises assigned him with indefa-
tigable zeal, with untiring industry; that he has the same organs of speech
as other people, and nothing is necessary to enable him to use them as well,
but a conviction in his ability to do so. To think that one can do, gives
—
almost the ability to accomplish but to think that one cannot do, virtually
takes away the ability to do, even where it is ample.
Stammering is often continued by the subordinate estimation which the
stammerer puts upon himself. He is too apt to consider those around him
giants and himself a dwarf. As this estimation of himself serves to per-
petuate his disease, it is clear that its remedy must be found in making him-
self equal to any if this mental classification into giants and dwarfs must
:

take place, let the stammerers make themselves the giants, and those around
them the dwarfs.
The teacher should study the disposition of his pupil he should persuade
:

him to —
banish from his mind all melancholy thoughts in short, he should do
every thing in his power to render his pupil cheerful and happy.
Various athletic exercises should be resorted to daily, to invigorate all the
muscles of voluntary motion, and diminish nervous irritability. In some
cases it may be necessary to have recourse to tonics, anti-spasmodics, bathing
in salt water, frictions over the whole surface of the body, &c. &c. Elec-
tricity may be used with advantage as a tonic, and also as a means of inter-
rupting the spasm of the vocal organs.
The vocal treatment is deduced from the following circumstances
1. An ability to sing.
2. An speak when alone
ability to
3. And the stammerer must speak before an audience, the smaller the
if
audience and the farther he is removed from it, the better.
4. An ability to speak amidst a noise that is sufficient to render the human
voice nearly or quite inaudible.
 .

5. An ability to speak better in the dark than in the light.

6. An ability to speak in a measured manner.
7. An ability to speak in a drawling' manner.
8. An ability to speak with the mouth more or less distorted.
9. An ability to speak in any key, either higher or lower than that in
which the stammerer usually converses.
10. Anability to speak with a halloo.
11. Anability to speak when the attention is divided or arrested by some
object or circumstance more or less irrelevant to the subject.
12. An ability to speak in concert or simultaneously. Every one who has
learned to sing, knows how much easier it is to sing in concert than alone.
All the exercises, therefore, for the cure of stammering, should, at first, be
conducted in concert.
Stammering may be considered a fault in elocution, the result of defective
education, and is confirmed by habit. If children were properly instructed
in speaking and reading, this affection of the vocal organs would, probably,
seldom or never occur. Hence, no mode of treatment that is not founded in
just elocution or the correct exercise of the organs of speech for the purposes
of vocal expression, can be relied on. This must appear obvious to every
intelligent and reflecting mind. The stammerer must be taught how to give
language the pitch, time, and force which the sense requires. To effect this,
his muscles of speech, which have long been refractory, must be trained till
they are brought under the control of volition, and like a well marshalled
troop of soldiers, made to act in harmonious concert.
Oral language may be resolved into certain sounds which are its elements.
Now there are certain positions of the organs of speech more favourable than
others for the production of the elements. The stammerer should be made
thoroughly acquainted with these positions, and, in connexion with them,
should be required to exercise his voice in the most energetic manner upon
all the elements singly, till he can utter them without hesitation. He should
also utter them in various combinations, not only according to the laws of
syllabication, but in every irregular way. The vowels should be exploded
from the throat with great force and they should be sung, as well as pro-
;

nounced with the rising and falling inflection, through every interval of
pitch within the compass of the voice.
The pupil should be drilled in various exercises whose highest peculiarity
is time and force. Time may be measured by means of the Metronome, by
beating with the hand, and by marching.* Pitch, time, and force are the
elements of expression, and a proper combination of them in reading and
speaking, constitutes good elocution. When, therefore, the stammerer be-
comes master of these elements, as well as the elements of the language, he

* Also by beating with the dumb bells. (See " Practical Elocution.")

Dumb bells are commonly made of lead. Those used | >

J )

in the author's Vocal Gymnasium are turned out of lig- %^M l^^
nuin vittE. They are one foot long, and four inches in - —b=ssJ—
.
,
diameter. (See the cuts in the margin.) 1^ J
may commence speaking and reading. In his first attempts at conversation,
both teacher and pupil should speak in a deliberate manner, with a full, firm
tone of voice, and in a very low pitch.
The stammerer should now commit to memory a short piece which re-
quires to be spoken with explosive force for example, " Satan's speech to his
;

legions." The members of the class should stand at a sufficient distance

from each other to prevent their hands coming in contact when their arms
are extended. They should then pronounce the speech in concert, after the
teacher, and accompany it with appropriate gesticulation. It should be
repeated again and again, till each pupil can give it proper expression, both
as regards voice and gesture. Each pupil should then in turn, take the place
of the teacher and give out the speech to the class. To prevent the pupil's
stammering, while he is performing the teacher's part, the teacher himself
should play an accompaniment on the violoncello, violin, organ, drum, or
some other instrument. At first the notes should be made very loud but if
;

the effort of the pupil, standing out of the class, is likely to be successful,
they should gradually be made softer and softer, and, finally, the accompani-
ment omitted altogether. This piece should be pronounced alternately with
one which requires to be spoken with long quantity and in a low pitch, as
" Ossian's Address to the Sun."
When the pupil has mastered these two kinds of reading, he may take up
dignified dialogue, and, lastly, conversational pieces. He should drawl out
difficult words, which are generally those having short vowels preceded by
labials, dentals,and gutturals.
In very bad cases of stammering, the pupil should first sing the words,
then drawl them, then pronounce them with very long quantity, and thus
gradually approximate to common speaking.
As soon as the pupils can speak without stammering, they should recite
singly in a very large room, or in the open air, at a distance i'rom the audi-
ence, which, at first, should consist of the members of the class only. A
few visitors should be occasionally introduced, and the number should be
gradually increased. In this way the stammerer will soon acquire sufficient
confidence to speak before a large assembly. In some cases it may be expe-
dient for the stammerer to recite before an audience in a dark room; but as
he acquires confidence, light should be gradually admitted.
Stammerers, instead of speaking immediately after inspiration, as they
should do, often attempt to speak immediately after expiration, when, of
course, they have no power to speak. The lungs, like a bellows, perform
their part in the process of speaking, best, when plentifully supplied with air.
This is an important fact, and should be remembered, not only by stam-
merers, but also by those who have occasion to read or speak in public.
Loud speaking, long continued, with the lungs but partially distended, is
very injurious to these organs it is apt to occasion a spitting of blood,
:

which is not unfrequcntly a precursor of pulmonary consumption. But loud

speaking, with proper management of the breath, is a healthful exercise :

besides strengthening the muscles which it calls into action, it promotes the
decarbonization of the blood, and, consequently, exerts a salutary influence
on the system generally.
 — —
II EV ATI OX.
- - E.iitnr of the Troy [

- -.— Y . IK . . ntlemanfrom PI.,

is now giving: lessons in Elocution : bu: not aware af the
meri- s system in many res
entirely original, in others founded on the ini .-
c^.
s, and am highly gTati-
tfaai I have embraced the opportunity. Some who
have professed to teae.. in our city 1. .tion, - - •

but none have been able to handle t U

p ; {^ treat-
_ ;

ment of it is simple, natural, philosophical he i^ meet any

;

case of impediment in speaking-, n -;>eak

or read at all, Dr. Comstock will teach him to do it well. Musicians also
would do well to look into his
force and melody to the vo: na. And .

besides the improvement in sin^in^, and valuable of all accom- •

plishments, ^good reading, there another

-. which is far more important than either it prom The - -

plan is so constructed as to call tbrth ail J organs

I

the lungs particularly "ding;

to his system and in this view of the s
; suggest to our phv-
sicians, who in general evir .1 prerenir i
well as removing disease, that they do so much for the public weal,
call on Dr. Comstock that they may know the advani. 5 vocal
exercises.
It is to be regretted that Dr. Comstock will remain but a short time
with us but short as it is, those who wish to profit bv i;is instructions will
;

have time to do so. Y oars, F.

Augrist 15, 1S34.

From the Philadelphia Commercial Intelligencer, A

Wehave observed with pleasure in the Troy Whig of the loth instant,
a favourable notice of that excellent Elocutionist of our ci: stock,
He is giving lessons in Elocution at Troy with mut

F>-om the Troy Daily WUg of A>:gvst 30, 1534.

DR. OOMSTOCrTS LECTURES.

Mr. Editor —Yesterday. I had th I 1 hear an interest
ture on Elocution, by Andrew Comstock, M. I

phia. He undersl - elementary sounds of the English Lans

and appears to have entire command over the vocal organs, Eie ex-
G)
 :

fc RECOMMENDATIONS.
plums the movements of the voire by diagrams, and measures the rario-
tions of pitch hy the musical scale. He h^s with him two books on prac-
tic;il elocution, of which he is the author —
the Rhythmical Reader, which
contains pieces adapted to the taste of ladies, and Practical Elocution,
which is designed for gentlemen. He teaches his pupils irom these hooks
how to read in a graceful manner. If an individual has a feeble voice, it
can be strengthened if harsh, softened, by pursuing the course he recom-
;

mends. He clearly points out the difference between boisterous and eh.
quent speaking; and he shows how to produce a great effect upon a public
assembly, with very little effort.
Thesimplicity and power of the organs of speech furnish, I think, suf-
ficient reason for the exclamation

"How wonderful is man.

How passing wonder He
Who made him such."
Whoever wishes to attain the faculty of speaking with correctness and
elegance, in public places, and in the social circle, would do well to call and
examine the system for themselves.
A
Friend to the Science of speaking well.

From the Troy Daily Budget of September 8, 1834.

DR. COMSTOCK'S LECTURES.

Mr. Editor —There is no branch of education more deserving of public
attention than oratory. Volumes have been written upon it. It has been
cultivated, as a science, in all civilized countries; and its power has been
universally felt and acknowledged. Its use and importance have occupied
the attention of many distinguished men of our own and other countries.
Were it otherwise, orators could not command, as they now do, " the ap.
plause of listening senates." To speak well is one of the highest attain-
ments to which our hopes can aspire.
Permit me, Sir, to invite those who wish to attain this invaluable science,
to attend Dr. Conistock's Lectures on Elocution, at the Court House. Hia
manner of reading is bold, original, and striking. I have attended his
Lectures for several days and, in common with his other pupils, highly
;

appreciate them. He is, in the opinion of all who have heard him lecture,
a faithful, capable, and excellent elocutionist.
A Friend to Oratory

Dr. Comstock has been instructing my pupils two hours in a day for
two weeks, in Elocution; and I am happy in having an opportunity to
bear testimony to their unexampled improvement in reading and speaking
G. W. Francis.
Troy, September 5, 1835
 'RECOMMENDATIONS. 9

From the Philanthropist, Philadelphia, January 16, 1836.

ELOCUTION.
We would recommend to those individuals who wish to become chaste
and accomplished speakers, to take a course of instruction of Dr. Andrew
Comstock, whose merits as an elocutionist we have had the opportunity to
prove.
His system, which has the best claims to respect, will commend itself
to persons of taste, as it is entirely free from theatrical affectation, or arti-

ficial display, and founded on truth and nature. Many gentlemen in the
learned professions, and individuals in other spheres of life, who have
received the benefits of his instruction, and who are therefore the well-
qualified judges of his skill in this science, have given him unsolicited
and unqualified praise. We wish him continued success.

From the United States Gazette, May 7, 1836.

DR. COMSTOCK'S LECTURES ON ELOCUTION.

Mr. Editor : —
Having occasion on my return from Washington to New
York, to stop a few days at Philadelphia, I most cheerfully availed myself
of the opportunity of witnessing the exercises in Elocution in which Dr
Comstock's pupils are engaged, and it affords me pleasure to say, that I
have been very highly gratified.
The skill with which the Doctor imparts to his pupils a knowledge of
the science and art of Elocution, and the proficiency which they have
already made, are conclusive evidences that Elocution " can be taught."
It was taught during the flourishing ages of Greece and Rome. Demos-
thenes and Cicero studied it in those republics, and studied it thoroughly
anterior to their successful appearance before their fellow-citizens as
orators.
I wish, Mr. Editor, that some of our members of Congress could, or
rather would, put themselves under the tuition of Dr. Comstock, or some
other accomplished Elocutionist, long enough, at least, to learn the princi-
ples upon which good reading and speaking are founded. If our national
legislators had a knowledge of Elocution, as taught by Dr. Comstock, they
certainly would be heard with much more attention and interest ; and, I
may add, they would be more useful to the country.
Ministers of the Gospel, too, by becoming first-rate readers and speakers,
can promulgate with ease and facility, the truths of Christianity. Rcli
gion has suffered much in consequence of the bungling manner in which
preachers and professors have presented it to the world. It is gratifying
to know that several clergymen are now taking lessons in Elocution, o?
Dr Comstock* and that they a-e making great improvement.
 —

10 RECOMMENDATIONS.
It would be well for gentlemen of the legal profession, to study the hws
of Elocution, as well as those of the land. Ladies, too, ought to feel in-
terested in improving their Elocution, —
some of the Philadelphia ladies
do and I have had the satisfaction of hearing one of the Doctor's classes
;

exercise, the members of which are becoming excellent readers.

There are two or three literary institutions in which Dr. Comstock's
valuable services have been retained. It is to be regretted that any ^semi-
nary of learning, especially any college, should exist without a professor-
ship of Elocution. It is not only an important branch of education, bu
as much so as any to which the attention of youth can be directed.
S. N. S.
CJ. S. Hotel, May 2, 1836.

From the Episcopal Recorder, Rev. George A. Smith, Editor.

Philadelphia, Saturday Morning, June 18, 183G.

ELOCUTION.
The following communication is from the United States Gazette. The
subject is one of importance, and we are enabled from our own observa-
tion to confirm the statements of the writer. Several of our clergy have
attended Dr. Comstock's lectures, and consider the system which he has
udopted well calculated to assist in ease and propriety of reading and
speaking.

Mr. Editor : —
Impressed with the value of education, and inclined to
contribute aught in my power to aid those who are in the pursuit of its
benefits, allow me, through your columns, to make a public expression of
my sentiments, regarding the character of Dr. Andrew Comstock, as a
teacher of Elocution, and its kindred branches. Having been a common
inmate in the Doctor's office for many weeks, examined his publications
and diagrams, and witnessed his method of instruction, with the cheering
success by which it has been characterised, I write understandingly upon
this occasion.
From the Doctor's knowledge of our organs of speech, of their diseases
and remedies, and the best mode of imparting to them vigour and activity
from his knowledge of the laws of sound, ample experience in his present
vocation, joined with his acknowledged integrity, I am persuaded he is
eminently qualified to sustain his highest pretensions as a scientific and
practical Elocutionist.
Dr. Comstock's mode of instruction is founded in the philosophy of his
subject, is abundantly successful in its application —
stands the scrutiny of
talents —
challenges the confidence of society.
Graduates from our halls of science, gentlemen of the learned profes
sions —
ladies of cultivated minds, have been pleased to testify the esscn
tial advantage they have derived from his lectures.
I have myself been much delighted in seeing the rapid, material, and
ofttimea complete improvement which unfortunate stammerers have made
—
under his tuition, in their enunciation while teacher and pupils cordiallv
indulged in theii mutual congratulations. A CLERGYMAN
 ' RECOMMENDATIONS. H
From the U. S. Gazette.

STAMMERING CURED BY DR. COMSTOCK

Mr. Editor : —Having- experienced, to a very painful extent, the many
privations necessarilyand peculiarly connected with inveterate stammer
big-, which I have been subject from early life, I am anxious thus to
to
acknowledge the restoration that has been effected in my case, under the
instruction of Dr. Comstock. Knowing-, as I well do, how valuable such
a communication would have once been to me, I am induced to pen thia
for the benefit of others.
My was so embarrassing- and difficult, as
articulation, until very lately,
to have, in a very great degree, shut out from me the pleasure of conver-
sation. I could scarcely articulate a single sentence without considerable
effort on my part, and apparent anxiety and pain to others. I therefore
seldom spoke from choice, and even avoided, when possible, the necessity
of doing- so. I am, however, no longer subjected to these severe depriva-
tions, but so relieved from them, that I can now converse with friends or
strangers, and feel confident of my power to do so.
Many years ago, and at some expense and trouble, I sought out Mr
Chapman, a teacher then of considerable notoriety, and placed myself im-
mediately under his care. Of him I do not complain, but notice the fact
as part of my experience. Those who are aware of his injunctions know
how impossible it is here to compare the peculiarities of his plan with the
principles of my last tutor's, whose system, however, I should unhesi-
tatingly prefer. A. EVANS.
Philadelphia, June 24, 1836.

A gentleman named Abner Evans called on me a few weeks ago, and

desired me to examine him, in his conversation and in his reading
with reference to stammering in his speech. He informed me that he
—
was 34 years of age that he had been an inveterate stammerer from his
infancy but that he had, about two weeks before that time, placed him-
;

self under the care of Dr. Andrew Comstock, and that he now believed
himself cured of the infirmity under which he had so long laboured. I
examined the gentleman with considerable care, and was unable to dis-
cover anything like stammering, or embarrassment or impediment in his
speech, either in conversation or reading.
JOHN H. WILLITS.
July 15th, 1836.

I certify, that I have known Mr. A. Evans for a number of years, that
he was an irveterate stammerer, and that he was completely relieved in
two weeks, under the instruction of Dr. Comstock. I will further add,
that I am intimately acquainted with Dr. C, that he has devoted several
years to the study of the subject which he professes to teach, and that I
believe he is fully prepared to meet any case of impediment in reading or
speaking JOS. P. MUSGRAVE, M. D.
No. 142, Pine Street, Phila., July 16, 183^
12 RECOMM EN DATIONS.
From the Public Ledger, July 27, 1S37.
—
Re?narks on Stammering-: We have received a small pamphlet with this
title, being' the substance ot'a lecture delivered before the American Lyceum,
May 6, IS.'JT, by Andrew Comstock, M. D., of this city. He has treated bis
subject scientifically, and in a manner showing that he understands the
human voice both theoretically and practically. He has been engaged ibr ten
years, investigating the human voice, for the purpose of forming a system of
just elocution, and of removing impediments of speech and from reading
;

this little pamphlet, we should infer that he had been successful.

From the United States Gazette.

Congress Hall, Philadelphia, Nov. 25, 1837.

Andrew Comstock, M. D.
Dear Sir, — Before leaving your city, allow me to express to you the perfect
satisfaction I feel, in witnessing the progress which my son has made in
Elocution under your instruction.
The habit of stammering which commenced with his early efforts to speak,
and which thirteen years (his present age) seemed only to confirm, is now,
with six weeks' instruction, completely eradicated.
Though delighted beyond expression in this result, I am not disappointed.
From the moment I became acquainted with your method of instruction, I
did not doubt its entire success. Founded on scientific principles, it must
succeed in all cases where there is no malformation of the organs of speech.
You have reduced to a system what before was but imperfectly understood,
and done most essential service to mankind in elevating a numerous class of
unfortunate fellow-beings, and saved them from the impositions of ignorant
and unprincipled empirics.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. PIERCE, M.D. of Athens, N. Y.

From the Public Ledger, March 17, 1838.

STAMMERING CURED.
Philadelphia, March 1, 1838.
—
Messrs. Editors, Being about to leave this city for the West, I would
thank you to give publicity to my testimony as to the skill of Dr. Andrew
Comstock, No. 100, Arch street, Philadelphia, in removing stammering. I
have been under his care about eight weeks, for the removal of a painful
impediment of eighteen years, standing, which debarred roe from the plea-
sures of conversation and social intercourse. I can novv converse very
fluently, and have addressed large audiences without the least hesitation.
 'RECOMMENDATIONS. 13

I am now 23 years of age, and you can judge of my gratitude to him for
removing a complaint which has embittered the greatest part of my life. I
take great pleasure in recommending him to those similarly afflicted. His
system being founded on scientific principles, and the fact of his being the
only individual in America, who professes the cure of stammering, without
enacting from his patient a promise of secrecy, proves that his system will
bear investigation.
WM. R. COMBS.
We certify that we have been intimately acquainted with Wm. R. Combs
for the last thr"ee years; that he was a very bad stammerer, and that he was
entirely relieved under the instruction of Dr. Andrew Comstock, of No. 100,
Arch street, Philadelphia.
John R. Beck, No. 17, Elizabeth st.
Thomas J. White, No. 380, N. Second st
Jacob Grim, No. 480, N. Third st.
Thomas P. Heyl, No. 173, Green st.

STAMMERING CURED.
Philadelphia, March 9, 1838.
Messrs. Editors, —About seven weeks since I placed myself under the
care of Dr. Andrew Comstock, No. 100, Arch street, Philadelphia, for the
removal of an impediment in my speech, with which I had been afflicted for
thirteen years. I am now happy to state that I am able to converse with
ease and fluency, and that I feel no hesitation in speaking in public. I have
witnessed the same happy results in many other cases, both of ladies and
gentlemen. I have not a doubt of his success in curing the most inveterate
stammerer. Unlike all others who have professed to cure stammering in this
country, Dr. Comstock exacts no promise of secrecy from his patient.
HENRY J. ENNIS,
No. 248, Pearl street, New-York.

From the Phoenix Civilian, Cumberland, Md., May 19, 1838.

Our acquaintance with the young gentleman mentioned below, who has
received the benefit of Dr. Comstock's treatment in the cure of an impedi.
ment of speech under which he laboured, enables us to bear evidence of the
efficacy of that treatment. Since his return from Philadelphia, where he
had been under Dr. Comstock's care for a short time, we find that his speech
is free and easy so much so, that had we not been aware of the great diffi-
;

culty under which he laboured before, we should not now know that he ever
had been cured of such an affliction.
14 RECOMMENDATIONS.

From the Pennsylvanian, Philadelphia, April 26, 1838.

A GRATIFYING TESTIMONIAL.
Thesubjoined letter to Dr. Comstock, Professor of Elocution, of this city,
is from a young- gentleman of great respectability, residing at Cumberland,
Allegany county, Maryland, where his father is one of the leading prac-
titioners at the bar. The writer of the letter, who, we believe, is a student
at law, laboured under a serious impediment in speech, which would have
greatly interfered with his professional advancement; but it appears from his
own statement, that under the care of Dr. Comstock, he was completely and
radically cured. The letter subjoined, is a voluntary and grateful testimonial
to that effect.

Cumberland, Md., April 20, 1838.

Dr. Andrew Comstock :

—
Dear Sir, I have deferred giving a certificate with regard to the success
I met with in my
recent visit to your Institution, No. 100, Arch sireet, Phi-
ladelphia, for the purpose of removing an impediment in speech, until my
the present period, that I might thoroughly test the effects of your system
upon my articulation by time and experience. Both of these, I am happy
to inform you, find me now — as was the case when Philadelphia on
I left

the 13th of February last —would

perfectly fluent reading as well as in conversa-
in
tion —
so much so, that it be impossible any one who had no pre-
for

vious knowledge of my impediment, to know that any such defect ever

afflicted me.
But besides the happy effect your system has had in relieving my impedi-
ment, has been of incalculable benefit to me in many other respects.
it My
voice, which was formerly weak, and incapable of being raised very little
higher than the ordinary tone used in common conversation, has been
greatly improved and strengthened and now it costs me but a slight
;

physical effort to fill a considerable space.

In conclusion, I unhesitatingly recommend all those similarly afflicted, to
make a trial of your system. Besides the success which has attended it in
my own case, I have seen many others greatly benefited both ladies and —
gentlemen. This speaks more strongly in its favour than words can express,
and should remove all doubt from the minds of individuals, if any exist, as
to its efficacy in effecting a cure.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHARLES H J. PIGMAN.
 RECOMMENDATIONS. 15

From the Philadelphia Saturday Courier, October 29, 1836.

CURE FOR STAMMERING.
A young gentleman named Samuel E. Duiiield, of M'Connclsburg, in
1

upon us the other day, and wished us to state that lie has
this state, called
always been subject to a natural impediment of speech, which of lute years
haa been increasing upon him. He visited this city, placed himself under
the care of Dr. Comstock, and has been entirely cured. He can speak and
read with as much fluency as though he had never been subject to any
impediment of speech.
From the United States Gazette, Philadelphia, Oct. 31, 1336.
STAMMERING.
We had on Saturday the pleasure of listening to the reading, recitation
and discourse of a pupil of Dr. Comstock, who has been with him less
than three weeks, and was from his infancy a stammerer, the evil increasing
with the growth of the youth, and with his intercourse with society. He
is now able to speak and read without the least sign of hesitancy. Dr.
Comstock's system is simple, and, as it appears, efficacious, and he affects
no mystery we trust that those who are subject to the painful inconveni-
:

ence of stammering, will apply to him; and we really believe that if they
will give attention to his rules, they may be entirely cured.

From the Philadelphia Gazette, Nov. 29, 1836.

The following tribute to the skill of a Gentleman whose success in a
very difficult profession has been astonishing, is not less grateful to the ob-
ject of it himself, than it is useful to the public at large. perform a We
general benefit by giving it currency through the press.
Letter to Dr. Comstock, of Philadelphia.
M'Connelsburg, Nov. 13, 1836.
Dear Sir ; —My son has returned from the
city, after an absence of about
four weeks,and I cannot refrain from acknowledging my unfeigned satisfac-
tion in the improvement of his speech. Before he left home it gave me
pain to hear him attempt to speak now I will defy any person to know
;

he had ever been a stammerer. I do cordially recommend all who have

an impediment in their speech, if possible to avail themselves of your sys
tem for the cure of stammering. I am, with respect, yours, &c.
. WILLIAM DUFFIELD.
From the United States Gazette.
STAMMERING.
We publish a communication from the Rev. O. C. Comstock, Chaplain
to Congress, upon the merits of his relative, Dr. A. COMSTOCK, of this
city, as a professor of Elocution. From some knowledge of the scientific
gentleman alluded to, and the great success which has attended his exer-
tions in the cure of stammering, we cordially endorse the testimony. The-
Rev. Dr. Comstock, of Washington, being himself an eloquent divine,
much credit may be attached to his opinions on a topic so entirely within
his sphere.
Lutter to the Editor, from the Rev. O. C. Comstock, Chaplain to Conjrress.
Washington, January 26, 1837.
Sir — Tn this age of arrogant pretension and stupendous humbuggery
 — —
1G RECOMMENDATIONS.
the public should receive with becoming caution, every announcement of
extraordinary achievements in any of the departments of useful knowledge.
The wonderful exploits of ignorant and unprincipled pretenders, are fre-
quently lauded to the skies, in the newspaper paragraphs of anonymous
writers. Disdaining to impose on honest credulity, by making an asser-
tion where I cannot establish a fact —
indisposed to avoid an}' responsibility
tli at may be attached to my character, I will not be induced to do so upon

this occasion, by withholding my humble name from this article, in con-

sequence of the delicate collateral relation subsisting between myself and
the talented and honourable gentleman to whom it alludes — I mean Dr. A.
Comstock, of Philadelphia. The Dr. before and since his graduation at the
university of Pennsylvania, has been muchemployed in theeducation of youth.
The books and diagrams which he has published, illustrating the true
principles of elocution, and the methods by which it can be most successfully
—
taught the high state of improvement witnessed and admired, in the voice,
reading and speaking of his pupils, render him deservedly celebrated as
an elocutionist, wherever his reputation is known.
But I should not have obtruded these remarks upon the consideration of
your readers, would they not conduce to a better understanding of the follow-
ing intelligence, which I hope may subserve the interests of suffering
humanity.
My friend has removed, in numbers of unfortunate stammerers, that most
embarrassing and painful difficulty of enunciation with which they have
been affected. Some of these sufferers had been long schooled by others,
with reference to the removal of this calamity, with little or no success.
That a cure, in this case, is an object most ardently to be desired, is deeply
felt by every victim of this misfortune —
by every fond parent, who, but for
stammering, might regard his darling boy a fair candidate for the highest
academic honours the applause of listening Senates. There is now before
my mental vision a lovely boy of great promise, on whom his parents design
to bestow a finished education ; but who, alas was painfully afflicted with
!

stammering. He is now, however, under the tuition of Dr. Comstock. greatly

improving in his elocution inspiring the confident expectation of perfect
;

victory over the source .of so much unhappiness. The sparkling animation
— —
of his eye his cheering smiles express the rapture of his grateful heart.
The thankfulness and joyful anticipation of his parents cannot be described,
or even imagined, but by those in similar circumstances.
Having spent some months with my relative, I am well acquainted with
his system, and manner of instruction, and its delightful results.
Unlike all sorts of imposture, there is no affectation of superlative wisdom
held as a profound secret, in the theory and practice of this valuable art
as triumphantly explored and applied by the Doctor. His course of opera-
tion is founded in an extensive knowledge of his subject — the fruit of his
ample study and practice. His discipline developes, invigorates, and ren-
ders flexible the organs of speech. He teaches his pupils how these organs
are to be properlv exercised. They are made obedient to the will —
capable
of much and various accomplishments. In short, he cures stammerers, by
teaching them scientific and practical elocution.
—
How much reason have we to rejoice in the march of mind the efforts
—
of philanthropy the benevolence of God. Yours, with respect,
O. C. COMSTOCK
 RECOMMENDATIONS. 17

Certificates from Professor Homer and Professor Hare, of the Univer-

sity of Pennsylvania.
Having been present on the 10th inst. at the exercises of the pupils in Dr
1

Andrew Comstock's Gymnasium, for the improvement of the voice and of

the articulation in stammerers and others, the impression made upon me was
highly favourable to his method of instruction.
The system is founded upon an exact anatomical and physiological inform-
ation, in regard to the organs concerned in the production and modification
of sound. Its several parts appear to have been evolved and matured upon a
degree of thought and an extent of experiment reflecting much credit upon
his sagacity and industry, and it inspires a very strong confidence of its ap-
plicability to the faults generally of speech or phonation. One of his pupils,
who only a week before the occasion alluded to, had been a most unpleasant
stammerer, was then heard to recite publicly with great ease and fluency,
with a full intonation. W. E. HORNER, M. D.
Professor of Anatomy in the University of Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia, Aug, 11, 1837.

Philadelphia, Aug. 14th, 1837.

Having been present on the occasion alluded to in the preceding letter of
the Professor of Anatomy, I have no hesitation in alleging that my impres-
sions are consistent with those which my colleague has therein expressed.
ROBERT HARE, M. D.
Professor of Chemistry in the University of Pennsylvania.

From the Select Medical Library and Eclectic Journal of Medicine,

edited by John Bell, M. D., Lecturer on the Institutes of Medicine
and Medical Jurisprudence, Member of the College of Physicians
of Philadelphia, and of the American Philosophical Society, etc.
September, 1837.
COMSTOCK'S VOCAL GYMNASIUM AND LYCEUM FOR
ELOCUTION.
It is not necessary that a man should be a stammerer, in order to be aware,
from personal experience, of his imperfection in vocal utterance and speech.
We are taught to read and to express ourselves grammatically in conversa-
tion; but how few learn suitable intonation, and a full and a distinct utter,
ance, —by which speech obtains much of its charm and acquires often all its
influence. Graceful gestures in walking and dancing, and in presenting
one's self in company, are thought by many to be of paramount importance;
and hence, as a matter of course, the majority of young persons of both sexea
are placed under the direction of a teacher of dancing. And yet, after all,
what are the graces of manner compared to the melody of voice; and how
imperfect the address of the otherwise accomplished gentleman or lady, with-
out full and mellifluous speech ! Nature here, as in all that concerns either
bodily or mental endowment, does, it is true, establish great differenced
amongst individuals. One person has, naturally, a musical voice, as it is
called ;another a harsh or somewhat dissonant one. But still, education pos
18 RECOMMENDATIONS.
Besses, we know, a good deal of plastic power; and in no case is the in.
also
tluencu of physical education more evident than in the strength which exer-
cise gives to the muscles in general, and in the agility and grace which prac.
tice imparts to the movements of the limbs; as in the evolutions of the dance,
and on the tight rope, &c. On the same principle precisely, without any
charm, magic or mystification, can the muscles which, by their successive or
alternate and combined action, give rise to voice and speech, be educated into
strength and measured and harmonious movement, and produce clear and
full intonation, distinct articulation, and emphatic utterance.
This particular department of muscular exercise and education, has greater
claims on our time and attention than any other. The organs of speech, with
few unfortunate exceptions, are possessed by all mankind they are in con-
;

stant use by all, —

their functions are of the highest moment to all, whether
for the display of the charms of song and poetry, the persuasion of oratory,
the invocation of prayer, and the numberless exchanges of opinion and ex-
pression of the affections and emotions in social intercourse. The most rigid
puritan or methodist, who would regard with distaste, perhaps horror, the ex-
ercises of the dance, and attach no importance to the graces of bodily move-
ment, will still be as naturally and properly desirous of cultivating the voice,
as the greatest stickler for worldly accomplishments. He does it in learning
to sing the praises of his Maker, and when engaged in the solemn exercises
of prayer and exhortation.
With the other sex, the charm of voice is a powerful means of persuasion
—
and control. It gives to woman much of her influence an influence de-
pending on the mildness of her manner, and her soft and musical tones, dis-
played in the language of sympathy, entreaty, and of kind remonstrance.
Her's is the privilege and the duty to be at the side of the suffering invalid,
in infancy, in youth, and in mature age; to comfort the mourner, and to aid
the poor and distressed. And what makes the potions to the feverish patient
less nauseous —
what gives balm to the language of resignation, and imparts
the glow of pleasure to the wan and weary beggar, when she is, in each
case, the ministering angel ! Much is in the pitying look, much in the in-
clining gesture and softened manner but still more in the tones of her voice,
;

her low and smoothly uttered words of solace and of hope.

Why then should this instrument, which is capable of giving out such ex-
quisite music, be jarred and discordant in its tones, through early neglect and
bad habits. It has been said by European travellers of both sexes, that Amer-
ican women would be in all respects charming, but for their want of melody
of voice in common speech. Surely this stigma, for such in one sense it is,
might be, and ought to be removed, just as the flutter, agitation, and jerking
movements of the body and limbs would be corrected, by appropriate exercise
and training under tasteful guidance and precept.
Still more necessary is this kind of education where the imperfection
amounts to disease, as in hesitancy, stammering, and other imperfect articu-
lation. The cure requires time, patience on the part both of the invalid and
of the vocal doctor, and practice in the manner which scientific experience,
not impudent and boastful quackery, has shown to be most serviceable, so as
to give that confidence which is the result of conscious ability. The timidity
and feeling of embarrassment of the stammerer, are both effects and sustain-
ing causes of his impediment. So soon as he knows that his vocal organs
 ^RECOMMENDATIONS. 19

are capable of obeying the commands of his will, and of giving expression
to his thoughts, his mind acts with more energy and intentncss ; and lie no
longer allows himself to be trammelled in his speech, by the weak, tremulous
and convulsive movements of the muscles, which, under less energetic voli.
tion, used to be so common with him.
When we wrote the caption of this article, we did not intend to direct the
attention of our professional brethren merely to the existing evils, but were
desirous to apprize them of the fact, that one of our own number has for many
years past concentrated his talents and his time exclusively to the subject of
Elocution, both in its hygienic relations with fluent speech in private and
public, in the social circle and at the bar, the pulpit and the legislative hall
and, also, in its curative character, to remove stammering and other impedi-
ments to clear and distinct articulation and utterance. The gentleman to
whom we refer, is Dr. Andrew Comstock of this city. He makes no preten.
sion to a knowledge of any specific for the cure of stammerers, nor does he
attempt to shroud his method in unintelligible jargon, nor to conceal it from
public and scientific investigation, by swearing his pupils to secrecy. All
these are arts and tricks unworthy of the literary and professional character,
and disreputable, above all, to him who professes to be a teacher, and in whom
manly sincerity ought ever to shine conspicuously, as an example to those
under his charge.
In Doctor Cornstock's Institution, " Elocution is treated as a science as well
as an art. The various movements of the voice, both in speech and song,
are illustrated by original diagrams, and by oral instruction. The exercises
give the pupil complete command of the muscles of articulation, extend the
compass of the voice and- render it smooth, powerful, and melodious. They
not only call forth all the energies of the vocal organs, correct stammering,
lisping, and other impediments of speech ; but they invigorate the lungs, and
consequently fortify them against the invasion of disease." To a certain ex-
tent, general is associated with vocal gymnastics ; and one great cause of em-
barrassment from awkwardness of manner and posture in the stammerer, is
removed by the substitution of a free and easy carriage and movements of the
arms in gesticulation. In other words, all the voluntary muscles of the trunk
and limbs move in the order required by the will, synchronously and harmo-
niously with those of the voice.
In proof that Doctor Comstock is above the petty arts of making elocution
a mere craft and mystery, we have now before us, Remarks on Stammering,
from a Lecture on Elocution, delivered before the American Lyceum, May 6,
1 837, in which he explains the chief features of his system, and indicates the

kind and order of exercises to be pursued for the cure of Stammerers. But
like all other branches of professional knowledge, this can only be rendered
efficient and applicable to the cure of individual cases by a practitioner, a
person who directs knowingly and understandingly, and superintends care-
fully and patiently, the treatment, making such modifications as seem to be
called for by his own personal experience and the idiosyncracy of the patient
 DR. COMSTOCK'S

EXHIBITIONS IN VOCAL GYMNASTICS.

The STAMMERERS under Dr. Comstock, both Ladies

and Gentlemen, give a variety of recitations, at the Vocal
Gymnasium, (entrance by Ranstead Court, Fourth St. above
Chesnut,) every Tuesday evening.
TICKETS, 25 cents each, — and may be obtained at
Osborn's Music Store, Fourth Street, two doors below Ran-
stead Court. Each ticket admits a gentleman and two
ladies. The exercises commence at 8 o'clock.
3
Cf The design of these Exhibitions is to give confidence

to the Stammerer, which is so essential to his relief, and

make the public better acquainted with the system of
instruction and its beneficial results. The sale of tickets is
to secure an audience of respectable persons, and defray the
incidental expenses.
ANDREW COMSTOCK.

RECOMMENDATIONS.
From the Public Ledger, February 6, 1838.

VOCAL GYMNASTICS.
A class of students in elocution, and stammerers, under Dr. Comstucfc,
exhibited at the Vocal Gymnasium, (Ranstead Court, Fourth Street, above
Chesnut,) on Saturday evening last. Dr. Comstock's lecture on elocution
und stammering displayed an intimate knowledge of his subject, and the
1

performances of the class did infinite credit to his talents as a teacher.

CaoJ
 'RECOMMENDATIONS. 21

From the Pennsylvanian, February 6, 1838.

Dr. Comstock, the professor of elocution, gave an exhibition on Satutday
evening, at the Temperance Hall, N. L., for the purpose chiefly of affording
a practical explanation of his system of instruction, and showing its success
in the cure of stammering and other defects of speech. A large audience,
many ladies being among the number, was present, and the exercises evi-
dently gave general satisfaction. It was surprising to hear the firmness and
hmoothness with which the pupils spoke, many of whom until recently were
confirmed stammerers, and it was still more surprising to learn in how short
a time the evil habit had been eradicated, the consciousness of a complete
cure bjing strongly manifest in the modest confidence with which the Doc-
tor's pupils, several of whom were young ladies, went through their recita-
tions before so large an audience. It must not, however, be supposed that
this system of instruction is intended solely for the stammerer. Founded
upon sound philosophical principles it is impor

tant in many respects. It has a wonderful effect in developing the voice,

and in giving it volume, flexibility and compass, while the practice of the
elements strengthens the chest, and >s very beneficial to the general health,
fortifying it in a measure against the approach of diseases of the lungs.
The advantage of vocal gymnastics judiciously conducted, is not yet per-
haps fully appreciated, but it is more than probable that the time will come
when they will form a part of every liberal course of instruction.

From the Public Ledger, February 16, 1838.

VOCAL GYMNASTICS.
The exhibition of Dr. Comstock's class of Stammerers, at Temperance
Hall, on Wednesday evening, was highly gratifying to a numerous and
highly respectable audience of ladies and gentlemen. The system pursued
appears to be calculated to accomplish the end in view ; but the eminent
success it has so far met with, is to be ascribed, in a great degree, to the
talents of Dr. Comstock as a teacher.

From the Christian Advocate and Journal, New -York, April 27, 1838.
Philadelphia, April 2, 1838.
—
Dear Brethren, Having attended Dr. Comstock's exhibitions, I am fully
persuaded, that with proper attention on the part of the pupils, he can cure
them. I was induced to attend in consequence of his having in his class a
particular friend of mine, whose case was one of the worst I ever knew
and to my astonishment, he addressed an audience without the least diffi
culty, making quite a display as an orator. His age is about twenty-one
years. If you feel at liberty to notice him in your paper, you may render
essential service to stammerers. Respeotfully,
J. HARMSTEAD.
22 RECOMMENDATIONS.
From the United States Gazette, April 30, 1838.

STAMMERERS.
The recitations,and other vocal exercises, made on Tuesday e\ cr.ings, at
Dr. Comstock's Vocal Gymnasium, in Ranstead Court, furnish evidence of
great success in his mode of teaching'. His pupils, to the number of thirty
or forty, male and female, give recitations in a style that shows, not only tiie
entire absence of any disposition to stammer, but evincing also a striking
proficiency in the agreeable, as well as useful science of elocution.

From the Pennsylvania Inquirer, May 10, 1838.

STAMMERING.
A friend iu whose judgment as well as impartiality we place reliance,
speaks in terms of warm commendation of Dr. Comstock's success in curing
impediments in speech, and imparting a free action to the organs of articu-
lation. The public recitations of his class, which take place every Tuesday
evening, at his room adjoining the Church in Ranstead Court, are spoken of
as furnishing evidence of success in curing stammerers, as well as of striking
proficiency in elocution, which Dr. C. teaches with great effect.

From the United States Gazette.

Mr. Editor, — have attended two of the Vocal Gymnastic Exhibitions

I
which have attracted so much attention in our city. The design of these
exhibitions, as stated by Dr. Comstock, with whom they have originated, and
by whom they are conducted, is to enable the stammerer to rid himself of
that timidity which is a greater or less aggravation of his disease. If
timidity in one vyho has no impediment of speech, interrupts the utterance
of thoughts, surely in a confirmed stammerer, it must be a source of the
highest degree of embarrassment to the vocal organs. Timidity, then, must
be removed before the stammerer can have full command of his own organs
of speech. To do this, Dr. Comstock brings his whole class, both ladies and
gentlemen, before the crowded houses which assemble to hear the welkin
ring with their various exercises in what is well denominated by Dr. C.
Vocal Gymnastics. Could art, science, experience, wisdom, or philosophy,
suggest a more efficacious means for the destruction of timidity than the
production of courage by individual and collective public speaking ? Nor is
the performance of these stammerers void of all powers to edify, and amuse
— there is much to instruct, and please, both in manner and matter, in these
exhibitions, which, for the sake of the great good they seem likely to pro
duce to the afflicted stammerer, I hope will be fully sustained by this
enlightened public.
A Well Wisher to Freedom of Speech.
PRACTICAL ELOCUTION, Or, A System of Vocal
Gymnastics, comprising Diagrams, illustrative of the sub-
ject, and Exercises, designed for the Promotion of Health,
the Cure of Stammering, and Improvement in Reading
and Speaking. By Andrew Comstock, M. D. Second
Edition. Kay & Brother, 122, Chesnut Street.

RECOMMENDATIONS.
From the Philadelphia Saturday Courier, Dec. 2, 1837.
PRACTICAL ELOCUTION.
Dr. Comstock, a gentleman with whose name our readers are familiar as
the scientific curer of Stammering', has issued a second edition of his work
on Practical Elocution. It is believed to be the best practical work extant
upon this important subject
and so far as strengtnening the lungs is
concerned, the exercises it teaches are of vast importance. Those who do
not intend to become orators, may cultivate and improve the conversational
and colloquial powers, and secure a grace, ease and power, that will render
them polished and sought-for intelligences in the mystic roads of social
intercourse. The work is illustrated with engravings, and very beautifully
got up both in paper and print.

From the Philadelphia Saturday News, Dec. 2, 1837.

PRACTICAL ELOCUTION, Or, A System of Vocal Gymnastics, &c. By

Andrew Comstock, M. D.
Dr. Comstock is known as a skilful and scientific teacher of elocution.
He has devoted much study to the subject, and has had the advantage of
very considerable experience in the practical application of his knowledge
His classes are generally filled with pupils, and their success is the best
testimonial of the merits of his system.
This volume will be found a valuable aid to those who are engaged eithej
in teaching or acquiring the important art of elocution. Besides a concise
but sufficiently clear, analysis of the subject, and various explanatory details,
it furnishes a series of diagrams calculated very much to facilitate the pro-

gress of the learners. These diagrams have been prepared with much care
and labour, and reflect high praise on the industry and ability of Doctor
Coinxtock.
24 RECOMMENDATIONS.

From the United States Gazette.

PRACTICAL ELOCUTION.
Messrs. Kay &Brother, 122, Chesnut street, have published a second edi.
tion of Dr. Andrew Comstock's Practical Elocution, or, a System or
Vocal Gymnastics. Wereally believe that the great labour and amount of
time which Dr. C. has bestowed upon this volume, will be productive of essen-
tial benefits to the learner. The selections are apposite, and the remarks
6uch as show the author master of his subject.

From the Saturday Chronicle, Philadelphia, Dec. 2, 1837.

Practical Elocution. — Kay Sf Brother. — Philadelphia.

The volume now before us, comprises a system of " Vocal Gymnastics,"
by Andrew Comstock, M. D., and consists of diagrams, illustrative of the
subject, and exercises. The plan recommended is designed for thf» promotion
of health, cure of stammering, and improvement in reading and speaking.
The rapid sale of its first edition seems to be a proof of Us popularity while
;

several men of eminence in literature and science have pronounced Doctor

Comstock's system a decided improvement upon the usual routine of teach,
insr in Elocution.

From the Public Ledger, Philadelphia, Dec. 5, 1837.

COMSTOCK'S PRACTICAL ELOCUTION.

We have received from Dr. Andrew Comstock, of this city, a copy of his
late work, entitled "Practical Elocution, or, a System of Vocal Gymnastics,
comprising Diagrams and Exercises, &c, designed for the promotion of
health, the cure of stammering, and improvement in reading and speaking."
This work contains rules for pronouncing all the vowels, sub-vowels, and
diphthongs in the English language, with plates to illustrate the position of
the mouth in pronouncing them. These sounds he denominates elements;
and he g-ives tables exhibiting an analysis of words, consisting of both easy
and difficult combinations of these elements. In spelling these words, the
pupil is required to pronounce the clement or vowel sound, and not the name
of the letter or combination of letters which represent it, as is usual in the
schools. The hook also contains rules for every species of modulation and
intonation of the voice, and of time, in reading, speaking, and singing.
It contains remarks on stammering, and rules for curing it; and practical
lessons in reading and speaking, consisting of selections in prose and verse,
printed with different characters, to denote the proper modulations. It also
contains plates, representing every variety of attitude and gesture required
in good speaking.
 'RECOMMENDATIONS. 25
This must be a valuable work to those who would learn to read or speak
well, and especially to those afflicted with stammering or other impedimenta
of speech. It is useless to dilate upon the importance of elocution to all
who have occasion to read or speak to others. To lawyers, legislators, cler-
gymen, and speakers in public meetings, it is particularly important; lor
though to intelligent and well informed minds, the graces of manner add
nothing to the force of argument, they are exceedingly important in securing
an attentive hearing. An indifferent sermon, if well preached, will produce
great effect, while one of the highest order, badly delivered, will be lost upon
a great portion of the audience. This is entirely because the first secures
the attention of its hearers, and thereby enables ever}' argument or illustra-
tion to reach their understandings; while the second is not understood,
because not heard.
We recommend Dr. Comstock's book to every person who would wish to
apeak or read well.

From the Herald and Sentinel, Philadelphia, Dec. 11, 1837

COMSTOCK'S PRACTICAL ELOCUTION.

Dr. Comstock has been long and favourably known in this city as a
teacher of elocution. The art of public speaking is a common attainment;
but the art of speaking effectively, powerfully, and well, by a proper disci-
pline of voice, gesture and action, is no easy acquisition. The voice is a
great instrument of influence. Some orators who have been " vox et pra-
ter ea nihil" by means of a good voice alone, have been able to exercise an
astonishing sway over their auditors. The full developement of the vocal
organs should be a primary exercise with all ambitious for the honours of
successful orators, and we know of no better disciplinarian in these matters
than Dr. Comstock. The work before us, entitled " Practical Elocution," is
an expose of his principles of teaching, and will serve as an instructive
manual to those studying his method. It is better calculated, however, as a
manual for his pupils, than for students in general. It shows great skill and
industry, and is highly creditable to the knowledge and research of the
author.

From Atkinson's Saturday Evening Post, Dec. 16, 1837.

Dr. Andrew Comstock, of this city, has published a second edition of a

work entitled "Practical Elocution," of which he is the author. There are
few subjects which receive less, while its importance demands a greater
share of attention, than this of Elocution. Every organ of the human body
pi ndent on exercise for its true and proper developement. There are
few persons who do not feel the embarrassment which arises from an impcr
33 *
26 RECOMMENDATIONS.
feet enunciation. before us conveys much valuable instruction on
The work
this subject. To render the doctrine it communicates more evident, tha
ditferent movements of the voice are illustrated by original diagrams. Dr.
Cotnstock has for some years been a successful teacher of Elocution, and in
his experience has found the exercises in these diagrams happily adapted to
render the muscles of speech subject to volition, to extend the compass of
the voice and increase its power.

From the American Weekly Messenger, Dec. 20, 1837.

Dr. Comstock is well known in this city as a practjeal teacher of Elocu-

tion. His experience with his classes has given him great advantages the m
preparation of this volume, which appears to be complete, so far as diagrams,
marks expressive of the pronunciation of words, and minute practical direc-
tions, can render it so. To those persons who are so unfortunate as to have
contracted a habit of stammering, and to foreigners who wish to acquire a
correct pronunciation of our language, this volume will prove an invaluable
acquisition. Students in oratory may consult the figures illustrative of ges-
ture with advantage ; and teachers of reading and declamation should not
consider their libraries complete without this volume.

From the Daily Focus, Philadelphia, April 17, 1838.

Comstock's Practical Elocution : Published by Kay Sf Brother, 122, Chcs*
nut Street.
We have received a very handsome edition of the above work, which we
cheerfully recommend to young men, as a Valuable assistant in the study of
true oratory. The work is illustrated with a number of plates representing
the proper position of the mouth in pronouncing, and also the most graceful
and natural attitudes and gestures of the limbs and body, in order to give
full force and expression to language.
Dr. Comstock has, in the book before us, proved himself abundantly quali
fied to teach the oral developement of thought, and we therefore wish ha
may conlinue his labours, and have large classes of pupils.
 MISCELLANEOUS RECOMMENDATIONS.

From the Public Ledger, Philadelphia, February 27, 1838.

VOCAL GYMNASTICS.
We observe, by a notice among our list of business cards this morning,
that the residence of Dr. Comstock, whose success in the cure of impedimenta
in the speech, and improvement in elocution and address of his pupils, wo
believe is unsurpassed by any instructor in the country, is at 100 Arch Street
Dr. C. possesses a double advantage over most of his profession, in his tho-
rough acquaintance with the physical, as well as mental, capacity of his
fellow man. The fourth exhibition of his class of young ladies and gentle-
men, will be given this evening, at the Commissioners' Hall, Southwark,
where, in addition to their various recitations, a lecture will be delivered by
the Rev. Jacob M. Douglass.

From the Saturday Courier, Philadelphia, Dec. 15, 1838.

Mr. John Taylor, of Hinsdale, N. H., was the other morning in our study
and exhibited the wonderful improvement made by eleven weeks' residence
with Dr. Comstock. He told us he had been all his life dreadfully troubled
with an impediment of speech but he read to us with the most perfect easo
;

and freedom. We take pleasure in recording such cases for the benefit of
others.

From the Daily Buffalo Journal, (2V. Y.,) March 27, 1839.

PRACTICAL ELOCUTION— A REMEDY FOR STAMMERING.

Dr. Comstock, of Philadelphia, has acquired great fame, both as a teacher
of elocution, and as a successful practitioner in removing all defects in speech.
The voice is produced by muscular contraction, and hence depends wholly
on the power of the muscles, which propel the air through the vocal organs,
and modulate the same, for the strength, compass, distinctness, or confusion
of the various sounds emitted in speaking or singing.
Dr. Comstock has investigated this subject in all its bearings, and pointed
out, in a clear and scientific manner, the cause of stammering, and other de-
fects of speech, in his work on Practical Elocution, (which has been some
years before the public :) and has opened a school in Philadelphia for teaching
elocution, and removing defects in speech, upon philosophical principles.
28 RECOMMENDATIONS.
A latenumber of the World, published in the city of brotherly love, con.
tains a very commendatory notice of the eminent ability and success which
attend the labours of this learned and indefatigable practitioner, in an im-
portant branch of science, to the investigation of which his whole life has
been devoted. Knowing well the history of this gentleman, and having once
enjoyed the honour of a personal acquaintance, we do not hesitate to recom-
mend his school as possessing the highest claims to public confidence.

Extract from the Lyceum Report, published in the World, Philadel-

phia, June 19, 1839.

At 4J o'clock the meeting was called to order, and a lecture delivered on

Elocution, by Dr. Comstock, and an interesting exhibition by his class, several
of whom had been inveterate stammerers one in particular, a married gen-
;

tleman from the east, (who said he had to do his courting by signs,) spoke so
well, after only six weeks' instruction, as to prove Dr. C.'s teaching completely
effectual.
Half-past 5 o'clock, the company, in fine health and spirits, adjourned.
G. W. WOOLLEY, Secretary, pro. tern.

From the United States Gazette, June 29, 1839.

Sometime since, Dr Comstock called on us with a person from Vermont,

who had applied to him to be cured of stammering ; he certainly needed help.
Yesterday, the Doctor and his patient called on us again ; the latter talked
and read as fluently as any person we ever saw. The person to whom we
refer, mentioned that he should now go home, and talk with a near relation,
to whom he had never spoken, as she was rather deaf, and he had stammered
bo abominably as to be wholly unable to make her comprehend him.

From the Village Record, West Chester, Penn., September 10, 1839.

STAMMERING AND ELOCUTION.

From numerous testimonials of the success of Dr. Comstock, of Philadel
phia, in improving the voice, particularly of Stammerers, we sometime sinco
selected the following from a Philadelphia paper, for presentation to our
readers. To those afflicted with an impediment of the speed), all discoveries,
or efficient modes for amending the vocal organs, must be matter of peculiar
interest. Wehave repeatedly visited the institution of Dr. C, and have seen
numerous instances of improvement no less striking than the one referred to
below. Dr. C. is unremitting in his attention to his pupils; exact in his ex-
position of the principles of elocution ; and affords t.o his pupils a wide range
for practice. As a teacher, he commands the respect of his pupils, while his
gentlemanly deportment towards them is sure to win their permanent fwtfiein.
His office is at No. 100 Arch Street, Philadelphia.
 — —
« RECOMMENDATIONS. 29
" Mil Charles R. Read, from Vermont, called upon us, and read as
fluently
as any one. Eight weeks since 'we conversed with the same gentleman,
and
he could not articulate a sentence without stammering badly. He had been
afflicted from his infancy. His mother stammered, and he has a sister who
is also subject to the same infirmity. Mr. Read tells us he intends to send
her to the care of Dr. Comstock, who has been so successful in his own case.
We look upon it as doing stammerers a kindness, by constantly keeping them"
advised of such important facts." Saturday Courier.

From the Philadelphia Gazette, October 5, 1839.

VOCAL GYMNASTICS.
We attended an exhibition of Dr. Comstock's class of stammerers last
evening, at the Temperance Hall, N. L., and were much pleased with the
exercises. We
believe that Dr. C.'s system is well calculated to accomplish
the very desirable relief so much needed by those afflicted with a hesitancy
of speech. One individual, who had been under tuition but nine days, gave
ample testimony of the efficiency of the system.

From the Pennsylvania Inquirer, Philadelphia, Nov. 22, 1839.

A STAMMERER CURED.
We were upon yesterday by a gentleman of Bradford county, Pa.,
called
thirty-seven years of age, who, until within a month, had been an inveterate
stammerer from childhood. A few weeks since, however, he was induced to
place himself under the care of Doctor Comstock, of this city, who speedily
effected a perfect cure. The gentleman called upon us to illustrate the excel-
lence of the system, in his own case ; and, also, with the object of making
some public acknowledgment of the great and important benefit that had
been conferred. He spoke with ease and fluency, and recited one or two
passages of poetry, with taste and discrimination. Those of our citizens,
however, who desire the most satisfactory evidence of the effects of this sys-
tem, are invited to visit the Musical Fund Hall, on Monday evening next,
when Dr. Comstock and his class of stammerers will give a variety of exer-
cises and recitations.

From the Public Ledger, November 25, 1839.

Dr. Comstock's exhibition of Vocal Gymnastics takes place at the Musical

Fund Hall, this evening, November 25, at half-past seven o'clock. —
It gives
us pleasure to recommend the Doctor's system of instruction, which, after
cool examination, we believe to be excellent and unrivalled. The perform,
ances of his pupils, who were formerly stammerers, are truly astonishing.
Let every one judge for himself. We
were pleased to see his former exhibi.
tion, at Temperance Hall, attended by a crowd of ladies and gentlemen.

35
 .

30 RECOMMENDATIONS.
From the North American, Philadelphia, March 19, 1840.
Pr Comstock with us yesterday for exhibition, one of his charts repre-
left
senting the mouth in every form and position which it seems to be enabled
to assume in the enunciation of sounds. Attached to it are scales for tne
«

modulation of the voice, which are of great service to the student. The suc-
cess which has attended Dr. Comstock's instructions, has been of the most
striking character.

From the Philadelphia Gazette, March 21, 1840.

Dr. Comstock, elocutionist of this city, has published a large chart, mount-
ed on rollers and varnished, entitled " A Table of the Elements of the Eng-
lish Language." This table condenses, as it were, the instruction of a half
years' study, in the useful and requisite art of elocution. It should be hung
up in the library of every orator, or every one who would be an orator, whe-
ther of the Pulpit or the Bar. If one is naturally an orator, it will assist in
developing those powers; if he is not, an assiduous study of the chart will
make him one. Pebbles helped Demosthenes, until the wide round world
was vocal with his name and why should not a map of mounted eloquence
;

do the same, to some one in the nineteenth century ?

From the Pennsylvanian, March 24, 1840.

Elocution. — Dr. Comstock, of this city, has published a large chart mount-
ed upon rollers, entitled " A Table of the Elements of the English
Language."
This Table gives, in a condensed form, and as it were, at a single view, the
principles upon which Dr. Comstock's system of instruction in elocution is
founded, and as he is eminently successful in making good speakers, and in
curing defects in articulation, the chart will doubtless be found very service-
able both to his pupils and to others.

From the Inquirer, Philadelphia, March 30, 1840.

Dr. Comstock's Table. —
Dr. Andrew Comstock, of this city, has published
a Table of the Elements of the English Language, which appears to us ad-
mirably suited to facilitate boys in their exercises of reading and improve-
ment of gesticulation. For stammerer's, and those affected with impediments
of speech, it possesses great merit. Indeed, the chart is particularly calcu
lated for schools, and embodies, in a single sheet, an entire system, very sim-
ple in its operation, and the result of years of labour. Dr. Comstock has de-
servedly acquired much reputation, in Philadelphia, as a successful teachet
in the particular branch to which he devotes his attention.

From the United States Gazette, Philadelphia, April 15, 1840.

Dr. Comstock has issued a large sheet, containing the Elements of the
English Language, with illustrations of the mode of uttering simple and com-
pound sounds, figures exemplifying the gestures for certain recitations, and
mots or notes for the pitch and government of the voice in reading

Dr. Comstock has been eminently successful as a teacher of elocution, be

cause he teaches radically and, as a curer of stuttering, we believe Dr. C
;

has never been excelled.

 ,REC0MMENDA1 Is )NS. 31
From the World, Philadelphia, March 20, 1S39.
Dr Comstock. — We have received from the author a small pamphlet, con-
taining a Lecture on Elocution, with remarks on stammering-, delivered before
the American Lyceum in this city, on the 6th of May, 1837, by Dr. om- (

stock. He is well known in this city, as remarkably successful in the cure

of all defects in speech, and also for teaching- elocution upon philosophical
principles. His school contains pupils from various and distant parts of the
country, resorting to him for the cure of stammering and other vocal defects,
He h»3 published a work on Practical Elocution, the perusal of which will
bhow that his lessons are important to others besides those afflicted with
btammering; for all public speakers, whether lawyers, preachers or politicians,
will derive advantages from observing his rules. The voice, like any other
part of the system connected with voluntary muscular action, is susceptible
of cultivation. It is regulated by a very complicated system of muscles, and
must therefore be more or less under command, in proportion to the control
of the individual over these muscles. Why are the muscles of a blacksmith's
striking arm larger than those of his holding arm ? Because they are more
exercised. Why have porters, stage drivers, and those whose legs are most
exercised, larger femoral and crural muscles, than people of sedentary habits?
For the same reason. Then if one set of muscles is improved by cultiva-
tion, so may be another ; and therefore, as the voice is regulated by mus-
cular action, it must necessarily be improved by proper exercise.
This theory, which, as every anatomist knows, is founded on fact, explains
the whole system of stammering and other vocal defects. They proceed from
paralysis, weakness, or other causes, producing want of control over the vocal
muscles. Such defects in the leg or arm, produce lameness in these limbs.
Similar defects' or infirmities in the vocal muscles, must produce lameness of
the voice. This point established, the indication of cure is obvious. It con.
sists in restoring activity to the vocal muscles by exercise, by cultivation
Singers never stammer, and stammering is often cured by singing. Why ?

Because singing gives active exercise to the vocal muscles. But it will not
always cure stammering, because the defect may be in certain muscles
which singing cannot reach, or reach with sufficient force. To supply the
deficiency, we need the professor of elocution, who understands the voice
anatomically, physiologically, and pathologically, or in other words, who un
derstands the structure, actions, and diseases of the parts of the human
system subservient to the voice. Dr. Comstock has particularly studied this
subject, and his success as a practitioner proves that he has studied it faithfully.

I most cheerfully endorse the preceding certificates relative to Dr. Corn-

stock's success in removing impediments of speech. Having spent several
weeks in his Gymnasium, for the purpose of improving my voice, and of
removing an impediment to which I had always been more or less subject, I
am able to speak both from observation and experience. I consider his system
of vocal gymnastics eininentlv fitted to accomplish the end designed: viz. to
bring the organs of speech, by a thorough course of drilling, entirely under
the control of volition. True it is, that much energy and perseverance,
as well as time and patience, are necessary on the part of the afflicted in
order to be entirely relieved. But I am confident that where there is no
mal-formation of the vocal organs, an entire cure may be effected.
F. W. FISK.
Philadelphia, Avril 2~lh, 1840.
3iJ RECOMMENDATIONS.
From the Philadelphia Saturday Courier, April 3, 1841.
CURE OF STAMMERING.
Two young' gentlemen called in our sanctum the other morning and we 1

had a pleasant conversation with them on the extraordinary benefit they had
derived from having been a few weeks in the Vocal Gymnasium of Dr. Corn-
stock. One of them, John Scribner, jr., is from Poplin, N. H\ He told us,
that fourteen weeks ago he could not converse at all without stammering in
the pronunciation of almost e ery word. He conversed with us the morning 1

we saw him, as fluently as Daniel Webster or Mr. Forsyth could and we ;

should say his friends will be delighted to hold converse with him on his re-
turn to the salubrious atmosphere of the " Granite State." The other young
gentleman is Mr. William EI. Cornell, of Clinton, New York. He is eighteen
years old, and had been a stammerer all his life, until Dr. Comstock had the
gratification of receiving him under his discipline of the vocal powers. He
has been there but four weeks, and conversed with us witli very little impedi-
ment of speech and ; by the first of May, when he proposes to return to the
beautiful region of Dutchess county, he will be able to descant upon the
sweets of the "buds and the flowers" with as much buoyancy of speech as
the most lovely young damsel around his romantic home. We are happy in
stating such cases, for the encouragement of others in distant portions of the
country, who may be labouring under the painful difficulties which impedi-
ments of speech impose.

From the National Gazette, Philadelphia, Nov. 17, 1841.

A STAMMERER CURED.
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1841.
—
Messrs. Editors For nearly twenty years I was an inveterate stammerer
The habit was contracted when I was four years old, in consequence of the
severe treatment of a schoolmaster. Being anxious to have a cure effected, if
possible, but almost despairing, I placed myself, six weeks ago, under the
care of Dr. Andrew Comstock of this city, and the result has been a most
happy one. Since the third day after I entered his Vocal Gymnasium, I have
been able to converse with friends and strangers, without any impediment
whatever. I unhesitatingly recommend all who stammer to make a trial of
Dr. C.'s mode of treatment. It is founded on philosophical principles, and I
feel confident, if persevered in, will always produce the same beneficial results
as my own case. I shall reside, during- the winter, at No. 200 Arch Street,
where be happy to receive a visit from any one who may desire far-
I shall
ther information on the subject. Respectfully,
LEVI S. YATES, of Williamston, N. C,
Student of Medicine in the University of Pennsylvania.

From the Philadelphia Saturday Courier, July 21, 1S:>8.

STAMMERERS.
We notice as an interesting fact, that C. H. J. Pisman, Esq., (n young gentleman who
was recently in our office, while under the care of Dr. Comstock, for stammering,) <ic
.ivered the oration at Cumberland, Md., on the 4th instant. It was a clear and distinct
performance, and was well received by a large auditory. Acopyin mint has been re-
ceived by us. The Civilian of that place remarks, that the enunciation of Mr. Pigman
is so clear, that ifit had not previously been known that he had laboured severely under
an impediment, none who hear him speak would he aware that he had ever been troubled
with such a difficulty. Mr. Pigmau and his friends (who are highly respectable), unite
in hestowin? great credit upon the scientific skill of Dr. Comstock. We
think we do
unfortunate stammerers a kindness by commending this gentleman to their consideration
 We always thought Dr. Comstock's system for the cure of Stammer-
ing a sealed book, because it was so certain he has, however, in the
;

plenitude of his benevolence, and for a small consideration, surrendered

his knowledge and experience for the more general benefit of the world.
He has here collected and widely diffused all that he has heretofore pub-
lished upon this subject, and by well-executed plates illustrated what is
not, as well as what is correct in gesture, &c, for which we doubt not
the heads of our public schools will be duly grateful, as affording them
facilities and suggestions in a very important branch of education,
which they could not beibre command.
The eminent success of Dr. C. in his practical teachings, is the only
commendation the present work can require, and we understand its
merits are fully appreciated, if we are to judge from an extensive de-
mand by several of our most distinguished Professors.
We may also remark, that the work is enriched by numerous selec-
tions from the writings of the most celebrated authors, to be spoken in
the elocutionary exercises, with marks indicating the proper time of
emphasis. Saturday Courier, Philadelphia, Dec. 11, 1841.

A good system for breaking up the stiff jaws of a speaker, and round-
ing the sharp angles in his uncouth gestures —
two embarrassment*
under which many labour, and which few thoroughly overcome. We
may laugh at Dr. Comstock's mouths and gestures as much as we
please, but it is only by such mouths and gestures that one becomes a
graceful speaker. North American, Philadelphia, Dec. 11, 1841.

Dr. Comstock has devoted many years sedulously to the study of

Elocution, not merely as a declamatory art, but as a science compre-
hending all the phenomena of the voice, and the means by which it may
be most successfully cultivated for all the purposes of speaking. We
have examined, with some attention, the first part of Dr. Comstock's
book, and find that in treating of elementary sounds, he advances pre-
cepts evincing an intelligent analysis of vocal utterance, —
a subject very
lightly passed over in ordinary text-books upon Elocution. The whole
subject of the book appears to have been digested with equal knowledge
and care, and we would commend to teachers the adoption of his sys.
tern, as based upon a true comprehension of the powers and uses of the
organs of speech, and the modes of graceful and appropriate action in
oratorical exercises. Various plates illustrate the text, and enable intel-
ligent readers to apprehend the principles of oral delivery and gi sture
without the aid of a special preceptor.
National Gazette, Philadelphia, Dec. 13, 1841.

The experience of Dr. Comstock as a Professor of Elocution, and hib

eminent success in the cure of stammering and other defects of speech,
as well as the warm commendations of gentlemen in whose judgment
the utmost reliance may be placed, justify us in recommending this
work to all who are desirous of acquiring the art of reading or speaking
with ease, grace and power.
American Sentinel, Philadelphia, Dec. 13, 1841.
 We have found time to look with some care into Dr. Comstock's text
book, and have been led to admire the plan and general execution. The
author has brought to his subject a willing mind, "and long experience
makes him sage."
Numerous pieces of great strength, are illustrated for gesticulation,
by engravings that are well executed, and which give a very correct
idea to the reader of the motions to be used in an open, free reading of
the speech.
The remarks and notation of the compiler are excellent, and give, so
far as we could examine, a correct view of the pauses, volume of voice,
and accentuation.
We commend Dr. Comstock's volume to the consideration of teachers
and of learners. United States Gazette, Philadelphia, Dec. 14, 1841.

We have a distinct recollection of a tall, smiling gentleman, who,

when we were a white-pated shaver going to school, used to come tri-
weekly to the academy, and standing up duly before us, make us ges-
ticulate, pronounce, read, and deliver speeches until we thought our arms
would be jerked from their sockets, or that our lungs at least would give
way. But we are living still, and so is our smiling friend Dr. Corn-
stock. He has turned author too, and our table even now bears witness
to that fact, in the presence of an admirable treatise on elocution by our
former teacher.
No man, perhaps, in the United States understands so well how to
cure stammering as Dr. Comstock. His success in this department has
been almost miraculous. Yet he does not seek to hide his secret " un-
der a bushel," but, with true benevolence, has made it public in the
work before us. The volume also treats generally of elocution, gesticu-
lation, &c. &c, and should be the study of every one desirous of be-
coming an orator, or even of reading well. The work is illustrated by
numerous figures, displaying every position to be assumed in pronoun-
cing a speech. Indeed, we have never seen a more complete treatise
of the kind, and we cordially recommend it to parents, teachers, and
others, as a work especially deserving support. Next to the privilege
of being a pupil of the doctor the privilege of purchasing his book.
is
Saturday Evening Post, Philadelphia, Dec. 18, 1841.

The system of Dr. Comstock is peculiar, and we cannot speak intel-

ligently on because it cannot be understood without a study, which
it,

we are unable to give to it. We can however say, that it appears to us

to be founded on philosophical principles, and to be exceedingly well
illustrated in parts which we readily comprehend. Dr. Comstock is not
a mere theorist he is eminently a practical man, and in the application
;

of his principles he has been very successful in developing the powers

of elocution, and in the cure of defective exercise of the organs of speech
Presbyterian, Philadelphia, Dec. 18, 1841.

This work contains some new and plausible principles, and it is em

Lellished by numerous diagrams and engraved figures, illustrative of
the subject. We have never seen a work of this kind published in a
more elegant manner. Philadelphia Gazette, Dec. 21, 1841
 35

This isone of the most elaborate works on Elocution ever published

in our country, containing
1

the results of much study and attention tc

the subject, and a thorough acquaintance with the philosophy of the
—
human voice. Its several parts are systematically arranged and its
rules are illustrated to the eye by numerous diagrams. It is well adapt-
ed to meet the wants of schools and colleges as well as to direct private
individuals, who would improve themselves in reading and speaking.
Christian Observer, Philadelphia, Jan. 7, 1842.

The politeness of the author has placed before us his " System of
Elocution," but from a hurried glance at its contents, we are not able
to say as much for it as its merits demand ; however we have seen suffi-
cient to be enabled to recommend it particularly to the heads of families
and schools, who cannot fail to find it an invaluable auxiliary in the
various subjects of which it treats. Its divisions comprise Elocution,
Vocal Gymnastics, Gesture, Practical Elocution, being exercises in arti-
culation, pitch, force, time and gesture, and exercises in reading and
declamation. The engravings are exceedingly numerous, and admira-
bly adapted to the purposes for which they are designed.
Catholic Herald, Philadelphia, Jan. 20, 1 842.

Dr. Comstock has been long and favourably known in this city, and
elsewhere, as a distinguished and successful teacher of Elocution. His
system views that important, yet so sadly neglected, branch of education,
as both a science and an art. His principles are founded on truth and
nature, and in their practical application he is evidently master of his
subject. Friends, in whose judgment we place reliance, speak of him
as a teacher in terms of high commendation. The work we have just
noticed is a new edition, with special reference to gesture, to the treat-
ment of stammering, and defective articulation comprising numerous
;

diagrams and engraved rigures, illustrative of the subject.

Banner of the Cross, Philadelphia, Feb. 5, 1842.

Comstock's System of Elocution, for sale by S. S. & W. Wood. —

This is a most excellent book, containing a system of elocution, with
special reference to gesture. It has a great number of cuts, descriptive
of the plan, and is admirably calculated for the learner. It ought to be
made a school-book, and be in the possession of every seminary.
New York Express, March 2, 1842.

Philadelphia, Dec. 10, 1841

Dr. A. Comstock, )

Philadelphia.
Dear Sir —
I am much obliged to you for the copy which you were
50 kind as to send me of your "System of Elocution." I find yout
book admirably adapted to the object for which it is intended.
I am very respectfully, Dear Sir,
your obedient servant,
CHARLES PICOT.
36

From the Rev. Thomas B. Bradford.

Philadelphia, April 4, 1842.
I take great pleasure in recommending Dr. Comstock's System of
Elocution. A
practical acquaintance with the system, and with the
instructions of its author, enables me to speak with confidence of the
high superiority of this treatise, and of the ample qualifications of its
author as an instructor in the art of speaking.
His course of instruction is exactly adapted to the cure of stammerers
and my who have been thua
personal knowledge of the cure of those
warrants me in particularly recommending such individuals to
afflicted,
place themselves under the tuition of Dr. Comstock.
T. B. BRADFORD.

From E. C. Wines, A. 31., late Professor of Moral, Mental,

and Political Science in the Central High School of
Philadelphia.
Philadelphia, Oct. 22d, 1842.
I take pleasure in stating that Dr.A. Comstock taught Elocution in
my school during the whole of last year, and that his System of Elocu-
tion was used as a text-book. I consider it a work of very great merit,
admirably adapted to the end for which it was designed. The principles
of the science are laid down with clearness and ability in the First Part;
and the selections for practice in the Second Part are made with excel-
lent judgment. It is a work every way worthy of the public patronage.
The progress of the pupils in my school under Dr. Comstock's in-
struction was altogether satisfactory. He fully sustained his high repu-
tation as a teacher of practical elocution.
E. c. wines.

From S. W. Crawford, A. M., Principal of the Academy

connected with the University of Pennsylvania.
I have examined Dr. Comstock's Elocution, and agree with Mr
Wines in the aboverecommendation.
S. W. CRAWFORD.

From the Pennsylvania Law Journal, Dec. 10, 1842.

Weacknowledge the receipt of a copy of this valuable work and ;

although a treatise on elocution cannot be regarded as a law-book, the

subject of vocal delivery is so nearly connected with the practice of the
law, that we willingly accord to this volume a notice in our Journal.
Doctor Comstock has been long known to both the editors as a sue
cessful teacher of the subjects treated in his book. He has, perhaps,
paid greater and more intelligent attention to defects of articulation, and
to the cure of them, than any other person in the United States. And
while certificates from Professor W. E. Horner and other members of
 37
the Faculty, attest that Dr. Comstock's " System is founded upon un
exact anatomical and physiological information in regard to the organs
concerned in the production and modification of sound," numberless
testimonials from pupils residing in every part of the Union, show that
he has been equally successful in the more rare, though not less im-
portant part of the teacher's office ; we mean, imparting his science
with practical effect. A
long and intimate acquaintance with the Dr.
enables the editors to vouch for the truth of what is thus attested, and
yet more, to bear a ready testimonial to Dr. Comstock's merits as an
amiable, gentlemanly, and conscientious man.
We have, indeed, often lamented the gross, and, to an ear of any
susceptibility, the distressing inattention to delivery so generally pre-
valent in the pulpits and at the bar, in this country. How surprising,
in this day of almost universal accomplishment, that in professions
whose common object is persuasion through the medium of the voice,
the management of " this mighty instrument for touching the heart of
man," should be so much disregarded ! should be treated in one pro-
fession as useless, in the other as almost impious !

How many a divine, whose sermon was replete with learning, with
piety, with all the refinements of graceful composition, has sent away a
ready (perhaps an anxious) hearer, disgusted with the unimpressive,
nay, sometimes the sickening manner in which the preacher's senti-
ments were delivered while a Maffet or a Kirk is followed by thou
!

sands whose slumbering sensibilities are first awakened to the majesty

of the gospel truth, by the commanding power of an impressive voice !

How many a jury has thought a speaker's argument without force,

because his manner was so; and have found a verdict against law and
against evidence, because they had been charmed into delusion by the
potent fascination of some gifted orator!
Who, indeed, that has listened to the ennobled voice of Kemble, to
the chastened recitation of a Wood, to the air-dropt accents of Mrs.
Seymour, or the sternly pleasing power of Ellen Tree ; who, that seek-
ing a better school, may have hearkened to the unsurpassed discourses
of a Wainwright, rising, now, to fervour almost apostolic, sometimes
sinking into gentleness unearthly, has not acknowledged the power of
educated tone to awaken an eloquent response from the chords of human
feeling ? Who has not felt, on such occasion, " that when, in connection
with a more careful culture of our moral being, the voice shall be trained
to a more perfect manifestation of its powers, a charm, hitherto unfelt,
will be lent to the graceful pleasures of life, and an influence of almost
untried efficacy to its serious occasions !"
Let, then, our preachers leave the towering heights of their divinity,
and strive to present its humbler truths in more graceful garb. Let our
lawyers, not neglecting the weightier matters of the law, attend to
those embellishments of argument which, with half our race, often prove
more effective than argument itself.

The Author acknowledges the receipt of a recommendation from J.

E. Murdoch, Esq., the well-known elocutionist of Boston ; and he regrets
that want of room prevents its insertion here. Mr. Murdoch has adopted
the work as a text-book in his Vocal and Athletic Institute.
38

From the Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, M. D., D.D

Philadelphia, June 26th, J 843.
Andrew Comstock, M. D.
Dear Sir —
I have very carefully read the " System of Elocution,'

&.c. published by you. Indeed, ever since I have become acquainted

with the work, I have made it a book of reference on that subject. It
seems to me admirably well adapted to the purposes for which it is de-
signed. I have, indeed, no experience in the treatment of" stammering,"
or "defective articulation." But your rules for their cure appear very
natural, and I think cannot fail, in ordinary cases, to be successful. For
myself, I can say that I have derived from your work, some hints that
have been most useful to me as a public speaker. I hope the book will
be appreciated as it deserves, and that you will go on to reap a rich liar-
test of reputation and profit from your valuable labours in that much
neglected, but very important art.
Very respectfully, your ob't serv't,
HENRY W. DUCACHET,
Rector of St. Stephen's Church, Philadelphia.

From G. W. Francis, A. M., Principal of a Family Board-

ing School, Troy^ N. Y. ; and C. H. Anthony, Esq.,
Principal of the Albany Classical Institute, Albany,
N. Y.
We have used Dr. Comstock's System of Elocution for some time in
our schools, and we do not hesitate to give it the preference to any system
with which we are acquainted.
G. W. FRANCIS.
C. H. ANTHONY.
Troy, N. Y., Feb. 2d, 1844.

From the Faculty of the University of Michigan.

University or Michigan, April 20, 1845.
We have examined Dr. Comstock's System of Elocution with somo
care, and we are fully persuaded that it is better adapted to assist
pupils in acquiring a correct, easy and forcible enunciation than any
other work with which we are acquainted.
JOSEPH WHITING, A. M.
Professor of Languages.

A. TENBROOK, A. M.
Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy

GEO. P. WILLIAMS, A. M.
Professor of Mathematics

O. C. COMSTOCK, A. M., M. D.
Superlntendant ot Fubiic instruction. Michigan.
 39

From the Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, M. D., D.D.

Philadelphia, June 26th, 1843.
Andrew Comstock, M. D.
Dear Sir — have very carefully read the " System of Elocution,"
I
&c. published by you. Indeed, ever since I have become acquainted
with the work, I have made it a book of reference on that subject It
seems to me admirably well adapted to the purposes for which it is de-
signed. I have, indeed, no experience in the treatment of " stammering,"
or " defective articulation." But your rules for their cure appear very
natural, and I think cannot fail, in ordinary cases, to be successful. For
myself, I can say that I have derived from your work, some hints that
have been most useful to me as a public speaker. I hope the book will
be appreciated as it deserves, and that you will go on to reap a rich har-
vest of reputation and profit from your valuable labours in that much
neglected, but very important art.
Very respectfully, your ob't serv't,
HENRY W. DUCACHET,
Rector of St. Stephen's Church, Philadelphia.

From G. W. Francis, A. M., Principal of a Family Board-

ing School, Troy^ N. Y. ; and C. H. Anthony, Esq.,
Principal of the Albany Classical Institute, Albany,
N. Y.
We have used Dr. Comstock's System of Elocution for some time in
our schools, and we do not hesitate to give it the preference to any system
with which we are acquainted.
G. W. FRANCIS.
C. H. ANTHONY.
Troy, N. Y., Feb. 2d, 1844.

From the Faculty of the University of Michigan.

University of Michigan, April 20, 1845.
We have examined Dr. Comstock's System of Elocution with some
care, and we are fully persuaded that it is better adapted to assist
pupils in acquiring a correct, easy and forcible enunciation than any
other work with which we are acquainted.
JOSEPH WHITING, A. M.
Professor of Languages.

A. TENBROOK, A. M.
Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy.

GEO. P. WILLIAMS, A. M.
Professor of Mathematics.

O. C. COMSTOCK, A. M., M. D.
Superintendant of Public Instruction. Michigan
 .

0.0 A Letter from the Jl-jn. Ira Maylwvo, of Michigan.

Office os Superintendent oj? Public Instruction,
Monroe, Maj 15, 1847.
Dear Sir
I received by yesterday's mail, "Comstock's Phonetic Reader," and
"Speaker." 1 had before in my possession (received from some
unknown source) your "Treatise on Phonology," No. 1, and the 1st,
2d, 3d, 7th, and 9th Nos. of your ''Phonetic Magazine."
I was unable to give any attention to these works when first received.

When 1 got a little time to devote to the subject, I took up the Treatise
on Phonology, and I was unable to lay it down until I had completed
its perusal. I placed it in the hands of my children, and judge what
was my surprise to hear a daughter not yet six years old. read the
first chapter of Genesis fluently, in less than one hour from the time
she first saw a Phonetic character !

I wish you every possible success in your efforts to facilitate the

acquisition of the English language. Permit me, sir, to express the
hope that, when you shall have prepared the necessary elementary
books, Phonology will become a common branch of study in the pri-
mary schools of this, and other States of the Union.
Very truly yours,
IRA MAYHEW, Sup'L Public Instruction.
To Andrew Comstock, M. D., Philadelphia.

A Letterfrom J. K. Mitchell, M. D.. the Professor of the

Theory and Practice of Medicine, in Jefferson Medical
College, Philadelphia , and a Member of the American
Ph ilosoph ic a I Soc iety
Philadelphia, June 28, 18-51.
AXDREW COMSTOCK, M. D.
—
Dear Sir From a critical examination of your great theory of
phonetics, I am glad to find that the system has already attained to
completion. To me it is truly gratifying to learn that an alphabet
exists which is strictly representative, not only of all the sounds, but
of their various modifications in speech, in every language in which
books are written upon the arts and sciences. I am glad to perceive this,
because I consider a universal alphabet of the greatest value to the
civilized world. A knowledge of your system enables the student, at
once and always, to read every book printed conformably to it, not
only in English, but in French. German, Latin, Greek, Spanish,
Italian, &c. The greatest obstacle to the accpaisition of one's verna-
cular, or any other language, is thus entirely removed, and the learner
finds the only insuperable impediment to self-instruction totally ob-
viated. Not only will your system of phonetics do these things, butit will
produce that uniformity of pronunciation so desirable and so elegant.
I esteem your efforts of the greatest value, because I perceive that

the dream of Franklin has become, in your hands, a profound reality.

I remain, dear sir, truly yours,
J. K. MITCHELL.
 com Stock's phonology. 109

A Letter from the Rev. Saynurl Aaron, Principal of Tree Mount

Seminary.

Norristow.v, Pa., July IS, 1848.

Dr. A. Comstock :

—
My Dear Sir, Although so little given to puffing that I have not for
years even advertised my own school, a sense of duty compels me to
notice in terms of the highest commendation the truly benevolent and
philosophical efforts you are making to diffuse the knowledge and estab-
lish theuse of the perfect alphabet.
As a teacher of young men and boys for many years, I have had a
laborious and most painful experience in inculcating the thousands of
absurdities and irregularities in English orthography. To stamp on the
memory of youth a jargon imposed on us all bj* the authority of lexico-
graphers, is an undertaking about equally hateful in the labor, hopeless
in the prospect, and stupid in the accomplishment. The contradictions
and enigmas in spelling are well adapted to beget in bright youths a
persuasion, that the chain of knowledge, instead of being a series of
beautifully connected links, is a tissue of tangled knots and kinks, and
that teachers are a pack of arbitrary blockheads. Adull boy never
learns to spell ; a smart and willing one acquires the art after many
years as a hateful conventional necessity.
Your alphabet, very agreeable to the eye, and, for aught I see, com-
plete in the elementary sounds, can be learned in a few days by any one
not an idiot; and then distinct reading follows in a few days more. I
have no doubt a sprightly child, ignorant of all letters, could be taught
by its use to read slowly but surely in one week while now such read-
;

ing is a work of years, and spelling is almost never learned.

I must commend your alphabet for its good appearance. Without
meaning to disparage the " Anglo-Saxon," which I now receive, and
with high respect for its conductors, I am free to say that the beautiful
page of your New Testament is vastly superior to any other phonotypy
I have seen.
It is perfectly truthful, but may seem like flattery, to say that your
intelligent and tireless zeal in advancing this great reform, has no
parallel so far as I know, and will doubtless be better rewarded by your
own consciousness of benevolence and right intention than by any eulogy
of mine. You will meet with much opposition, be ridiculed by the
stupid, the conservative will inveigh against your " mad innovation," the
literary bigot will dread the loss of his occupation, but time, perseverance,
and the common sense of the world, will effect your triumph.
I heartily approve the publication of your intended monthly, and I
hope it may soon be read and appreciated by many thousands.
My school will take sixty copies for one year; and be assured my
pupils generally are as cordial as myself in the hope of your success.
Direct a copy to Dr. Dunlap, Norristown, your tbrmer pupil.
I am sincerely your affectionate friend,
SAMUEL AARON.
10
 ;

STAMMERING CURED

STAMMERING CURED.
A Letter from Mrs. Mann, of Zanesville, Ohio, to Dr. A. Comstoclc,
of Ph iladelphia.

Zanesville, Ohio, March 20, 1852.

Dr. Comstock :
—
Dear Sir, — Having waited a sufficient length of time to test my
daughter's acquirements in reference to her freedom of speech, I
seat myself to acknowledge the extreme delight and satisfaction

I have experienced in finding her capable of expressing herself

with ease and freedom from any thing like stammering. Occa-
sionally, when very much excited, I can detect a very slight em-
barrassment, which does not, however, amount to a stammer
and I believe it would never be observed by persons unacquainted
with her former impediment.
It is but due to you, sir, to acknowledge that your labors have
accomplished more than my most sanguine expectations could
have looked for and were I to attempt to express my gratitude
;

and thankfulness for the inestimable benefit she has derived from
your system of teaching, I should utterly fail of doing yourself,
or my own feelings, justice. My daughter has told me of your
fatherly care and persevering efforts for her benefit. I doubt not

but you will believe me, when I say that I, as a mother, know
how to appreciate such demonstrations of true honor. Yours is,
emphatically, a labor of love and, whilst I most sincerely desire
;

to express my gratitude to you as the instrument of incalculable

good to my child, I wish humbly to recognize the hand of Provi-
dence in pointing to you in answer to a long-cherished desire to
place her somewhere, where she could be cured of so unfortunate
an embarrassment. I am much pleased with the improvement
she has made in Elocution and French. I have always esteemed
Elocution not only a very beautiful, but also a very essential
—
accomplishment and to Annie it is doubly so. Annie's improve-
ment in music is perfectly satisfactory. I very soon observed
the great improvement in fingering. I am, with much esteem,
your sincere friend,
ANN M. MANN.
I
 !

comstock's phonology. 113

[From the Providence Dnily Journal.]

THE PHONETIC ALPHABET.

To the Editor of the Journal :

I have lately had the pleasure of meeting with Dr. Comstock, of Phi-
ladelphia, well known throughout the United States as one of the greatest
elocutionists of the day, and also renowned for the success he has met
with in curing stammering and various other imperfections of speech.
But I wish to speak of him now in relation to ore of the most practical
inventions of modern times, a new Alphabet for the English language.
Dr. Comstock is a man deeply versed in philological lore, and has made
this subject his study for years. He has at length matured it and given
it to the world as the result of his investigations into the regions of

thought and deep practical sense. Any one who has at all looked into
the science of the English language, must have seen at once, that, as a
language, it is (though one of the noblest in the world) sadly deficient
in rules and laws. In fact, there is no law, no rule, in relation to the
pronunciation of words, as may be seen from the fact that the -letters
o-u-g-h, for instance, are pronounced in seven different ways, and that it
is only through common usage that it is known which of these seven
ways is correct. Now a foreigner and a stranger to our language knows
nothing of common usage; he must learn the language by rule; but
how can he know the proper pronunciation of a word, when he sees
seven different words, with what seems to him the same combination of
letters, and yet is told they are pronounced in seven different ways
This very great difficulty, and to many persons an insurmountable one,
Dr. Comstock's new alphabet is designed to meet and to obviate. He
has a character for each of the elementary sounds in the English lan-
guage and any one, by paying attention to the characters, may learn
;

very readily to read by them.

But some objectors may say, Will not this alphabet, if introduced
generally, change our language entirely ? To this I answer by another
question. Is not our language constantly changing ? Is it by any means
the same as it was two hundred years ago, to say nothing of going still
farther back 7 Do not books, published then, require a dictionary to tell
us the meaning of many of the words, and is not the way of spelling
them quite obsolete now 1 But let the new alphabet be used, and there
is, there can be no change for, by this, every word must be written and
;

pronounced by a fixed rule, so that the very word conveys, on its face,
its own pronunciation, and there will be no need of referring to diction-
aries or authorities to decide the alphabet is its own interpreter of
;

sounds. I send you herewith one of Dr. Comstock's newspapers, so that

you may see for yourself his plan ; and you will be satisfied, Mr. Editor,
after you look into it, that it needs no eulogy of mine to recommend it
to your notice, or that of your readers.
J. A. E *

* We have reason to think that the above article was written by Mrs. Jane A.
Eames, of Providence, II. I.— the authoress of a very interesting anonymous work,
entitled, " Budget of Letters."— C.
114 RECOMMENDATIONS OP

A Letter from the Rev. William Beardsley,

Author of a Phonetic Alphabet and a System of Short-Hand.

Bristol, Kendall Co., Illinois, Feb. 20, 1851.

Dr. A. Comstock :

—
Dear Sir, For several months I have been proposing to write to you
1

—
on the subject of the reform you so nobly persevere in that of the writ-
ten representation of speech or, as I would style it, The Epographic
;

Reform.
Your Pamphoxeticon, as to its general features, commends itself to
every mind capable of judging of its merits, as an improvement in
literature, which, if generally adopted, would be of greater utility for the
generation now growing up, and tor those to come, than all our modern
improvements in the arts, as effected by the application of steam-power
to machinery These, indeed, facilitate the acquisition of wealth in a
great variety of ways, as well as multiply, almost incalculably, the con-
veniencies of life. They also bring regions of the earth, remote from
each other, into proximity, and thus introduce distant nations to each
other's acquaintance, and open to our view illimitable sources of know-
ledge and enjoyment.
But the Pamphoneticon, let it be put into general operation, would be
the key to unlock those sources of knowledge to every mind, and thus
quality, or furnish the means to qualify all who would avail themselves of
its advantages. And, as to the pecuniary advantages it would afford,
if the maxim, " A penny saved is a penny earned," is true, this improve-
ment would not suffer in comparison with any of those effected by steam-
power. And then the mighty impetus it would give to the study of lan-
guage, and the magic power it would exert to dispel the confusion and
jargon of modern tongues, and gradually prepare the way lor one uni-
versal language or, at least, to remove one of the chief obstacles to the
;

acquisition of the different languages, so as to render them comparatively

easy, and thus remove, also, one of the great barriers to international
communication and amity.
How vastly would such a reform, or rather revolution, speed the march
of science and of the arts in every land, and especially in our own !
Suppose the two millions of children, or more, in the United States, now
in a process of drilling in our primary schools, in order to " beat into
them" a knowledge of the common alphabet, and of its labyrinthic ar-
rangements into words to represent our spoken language, instead of
being thus absurdly led, or driven " in terrorem" through all the count-
less intricacies of such a chaos — instructed correctly in the science of
Epology, or Phonetics, and then, in the simple representation of the ele-
mentary sounds, on the principle of one simple sign to each elementary
sound, and always the same letter to denote one and the same sound —
who can estimate the amount of energy such a change would impart to
those millions of young minds, now comparatively inert? —
inert, because
uninterested, and uninterested because uninformed as to the very rudi-
ments of their mother tongue. Instead of drilling them much of their
time in school for many years, in the dry and most repulsive task of
reading and spelling syllables and words, which few ever perfectly at-
tain, and less retain, let them once and forever learn the true theory and
 :

cojjstock's phonology. 115

practice (which a great portion ofthem would be able to do within a
month), and then let them apply their minds to the study of things, so
as to acquire knowledge, and they will manifest an ever-increasing
eagerness to climb the heights of science. How different would be their
history, and how much higher their destiny !

Persevere, then, in the work, and may you live to witness in this en-
terprise as great a change as has been effected, within the last forty
years, in locomotion by steam-power.
Yours for the Reform,
WM. BEARDSLEY.

A Letter from Stephen D. Stout, Esq.

Charleston, Tennessee, Feb. 23, 1851.

Dr. A. Comstock :

Sir,— I have been reading your paper (Phonetic Telegraph) for more
than a year; and I must say that I have the highest opinion of your
improved system of orthography. I received all the books that I ordered
from you, and a little Geography extra, which is truly a beautiful book.
I was pleased with the Phonetic Alphabet at first sight, but withheld
my opinion till I had carefully examined the merits of the system. Now,
I think I am not mistaken when I say that the Phonetic Alphabet is one
of the greatest inventions of the age. Its beautiful appearance, its sim-
plicity, and, above all, its perfection, speak highly in its favor; and, so for
as my observation extends, it has been favorably received wherever it has
been examined.
I feel deeply interested in your publications, and will do all in my
power to aid you in this great Reform.
Yours, truly,
STEPHEN D. STOUT.
Teacher of a G rummur-ischool.

A Letter from J. K. Mitchell, M. D., the Professor of the Theory and

Practice of Medicine, in Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, and a
Member of the American Philosophical Society.
Philadelphia, June 28, 1851.
A. Comstock, M. D.
Dear Sir, — From a critical examination of your great theory of Pho-
netics, I am glad to find that the system has alreadv attained to com-
pletion. To me it is truly gratifying to learn that an alphabet exists
which is strictly representative, not only of all the sounds, but of their
various modifications in speech, in every language in which books are
written upon the arts and sciences. I am glad to perceive this, because
I consider a universal alphabet of the greati si value to the civilized
world. A 1

knowledge of your system enables the student, at once and

always, to read every book printed conformably to it, nut only in Eng-
lish, but in French, German, Latin, Greek, Spanish, Italian, &c. The
greatest obstacle to the acquisition of one's vernacular, or any other
language, is thus entirely removed, and the learner finds the only insu-
116 RECOMMENDATIONS OF
perable impediment to self-instruction totally obviated. Not only will
your system of Phonetics do these things, but it will produce that uni-
fbrmitv of pronunciation so desirable and so elegant.
I esteem your efforts of the greatest value, because I perceive that the
dream of Franklin has become, in your hands, a profound reality.
I remain, dear sir, truly yours, J. K. MITCHELL.

A Letter from the Rev. D. G. Mattery, of Woodstock, Virginia.

Dr. A. Comstock: Fairfax C. H., Va., March 31st, 1855.
Dear Sir, — I am delighted with your little book, (Phonetic Readert
No. I.), and shall do what I am able, to make it known in my neigh
borhood.
I have been a teacher during most of the last ten years, and have a
thousand times lamented that we have an orthography so absurd. Your
beautiful alphabet is all that I can desire. Its adaptation to all lan-
guages, and particularly its relation to the missionary work, makes me
most anxious for its speedy adoption. Had I the power to compel its
adoption by all missionaries, that power should be exercised.
Enclosed, please find postage-stamps for the Readers, and also for
your Treatise on Phonology, which latter please send by mail. I shall
get some, if not all of your other books, when I reach home. I expect
to remain here during the month of April, and alier that shall reside
permanently at Woodstock, Shenandoah county, Va. Yours sincerely,
D. G. MALLERY.

Another Letter from Rev. D. G. Mullery.

Dr. Comstock : F. C. H., April 18th, 1855.
Dear Sir, — Your letter came to hand while I was conversing with
another minister on your system. Although I had never seen a script
alphabet in actual pen and ink writing, yet I read it without the least
hesitation and, handing it to my friend, he found but few words which
;

he did not understand, notwithstanding his only acquaintance with your

alphabet was gained from looking over the slip of printed paper which
you enclosed, and that while I was reading your letter.
I hope to see the day when we shall have the Hebrew Bible printed

in your phonetre characters and I am sure it would delight the eyes

;

of many who, like myself, have wearied themselves with the uncouth
characters in which we are now obliged to read it.
As you are aware, it is one of the subjects on which candidates for
the (Presbyterian) ministry are examined yet you will not, I think, find
;

one in ten who can read it after five years' ministerial life. This is
owiuw-, in a great measure, to the irksomeness of the task of keeping
up their acquaintance with it; and this is occasioned by the character
of the letters which, with the subscript vowel-points, gives a confused
appearance to the page, wearying the eyes of all, and permanently in.
juring the eyes of many.
If such a book as "Arnold's Hebrew Book" could be published with
some portion of Genesis and the Psalms added to it> and all in your
phonetic characters, the labor of learning Hebrew would become a
pleasure. Yours truly,
D. G. MALLERY,
Woodstock, Shenandoah Co , Va.
 com,stock's phonology. 117
A Letter from N. F. Cooledge, Principal of Cotton Hill Seminary, Ga.

Dr. A. Comstock : Cotton Hill, Ga., July 7, 1855.

Dear Sir,— I am well satisfied, from the simplicity and utility of your
Universal Alphabet, that it is a work "destined for immortality;" and
that if you will publish a complete series of school-books, in my humble
opinion, ten years will suffice to work a general reformation, and
class
the old alphabet among the " things that have been, but are no more."
Permit me to say, most respectfully, that your claims are not so
generally understood as they should be. I think your watchword should
be agitation—your motto, keep it before the people; for the friends of this
reform are looking to you to carry it forward. Respectful lv,
N. F. COOLEDGE.

A Letter from Gilbert Randolph, Esq.

Morgan Kqrati, Tsnssx, Nov. 173, 1S54.

Dr. Andru Komstok:
—
Dir Sur Mcor oan a yrx agco I rat ts yu, and rxsxvd an ansur, rslativ ts
yur Fconstik wurks; sins qi<5 tim I hav bin ordunrj sum ov yur wurks Ors
08 heps ov Lipinkot, Grambco & Ku.
I am weI phzd wio yur SistEru ov Fconstix. Yur FconElik karaktur/. ds
not luk sco kuksd, kruked, and unsith az Pitman'z. Curli yurz wil tek
betur wib be Amsrikan pxpl ban biz.

lam tifirj a komun sksl, and hav a klas ridnj in be TEStamsnt: qil be
nd, I hav Komstok's Fconstik TsstamEnt bifcor rui. Hep i/.i it iz It ! iz do
trubl ts kol Evun hard ncm in it.
I am ts gEt mi patrunz in be sprat ov FwnEtix.
trirrj If I suksid, I cal
ordur a pak ov yur biks bitwxn ois and spnrj. I wild bi glad if yur Dik-
cunari kud bi rsdi bi oat tim. I hav sevural students ncp, hs rid yur Fo-
DEtik print prsti wsl, and .ssvural hs kan spsl olmcost £ni wurd bi ?rpnd. I
am konfinst oat 5e studi ov FconEtix wil fasilitet be studi ov orftografi, xvn
akordirj ts 6e cold msdud.
If yu ar pubheirj a piriodikal in yur Alfabst, I dizir yu tH send it ts mi:
and be subsknpeun pris cal bi forftkumirj upon 6e nsit ov be furst numbur.
Mi post-ofts iz, Pcort fik Sprirjz, Rcon Kcpnti, TsnE.-i.
Yur wurks hav grvn Entir satisfakcun qoi'Evur I hav surkuletfd bsm.
Hcopirj ts hrr from yu ssn, rslativ ts yur Dikcunan, tBgs&ur wio edi sugdes-

fnnz yu me si fit ts mek ts wun hs wiciz yur FconEtix yzmrvursal sukses, I

am yurz, rxspsktfr/li, G. RANDOLF.

A Letter from Wm. Johns, Esq., of Talladega, Alabama.

Taladiga, Alabama, Okt. 9, 1847.

Pun, — I hav wio plsjur, and. I trust, not wibcpt profit, n-ivil and rsd be
difursnt numburz ov yur Fconetik Magazin, from be kouiEnsuisut ov its

publikecun.
Yurz iz, ts mi mind, a lodabl Enturpriz, and dfistind ts sfskt mu6 for bh
koz ov luniirj, not onli aniurj ocoz hs ncp spik oi Iijglie larjgwiij. but bi rni-
118 com stock's phonology.
durirj a nolec) ov it izi ov akwizicun, nidus its adopcun bi bi ubur necunz
or bi urft. Ais vvil probabll bi bi ultimatum.
AVer it nEsssari, and -kud I pnzutn ts sfekt Em Orrj, I init se msm gud
Oinz m rilecun ts yur sistEni ov Fmnografi, and yur sftorts for rxform ; but
I kanbt Enkunc] yu so sfsk&jali em ubur we az yu mi on patrumc).
bi givrrj

I oarfcor inklcoz yu wun dolur, wib be rikwEst bat jm tend mi bf Magazin

for os kuiTut yir.

I hav komEnst 61 EstablicmEnt ov an mdipEndsnt Ili Sksl in bis pies (Ta-

ladiga); and, lik yur frmd Birdzli, "I am dizirus ts obten, at bi cpt.-et. OE

mcost aprsvd buks, and ts mtrcodus bE rowst aprsvd msOudz ov mstrukeun."

And I eal, az ssn az konviuysnt, Egamm yur sxnz ov buks; and, if be ar
qot I antisipet, adopt bsm az tsxt-buks, and Endsvur ts hav bEm mtrwdust
cjsnurah, in bis kqmti. Yurz, wib nspekt, WM. JD0NZ.
Dr. A. Komstok, Filadslfia.

The following Lines, accompanied with the First Edition of the Treatise on
Phonology, were sent to an uncle (since deceased), who loas loth a Cler<jy~
man and a Physician.
Filadslfia, Epnl 2, 1846.
I'v bin Engecjd, az bi biz linz yu '1 si,

In mekrrj purfskt qir ordografi.

<J>r ansfsturz, az if bar sunz ts bobur,
Spsld wurdz wun we — prcontpnst bnn in anubur;
Bi oe sem sin Exprest kwit difursnt sqpndz,
Qi6 muc, yu nco, bs pupiFz mind konfepndz.
But wx, lis hv in bis Enlitnd erj,
Qsn nuthrj but unprsvniEnt iz be ret),
Qeu Koraurs bnrjz bur murdandiz from far,
On snortirj stimbcots and bE fliirj kar,
Qsn wudn niEn ar med ts spik and sirj,

And nuz iz karid on be litmrj'z wrrj,

Qsn Evun art iz ts purfskcun brot,

And evun larjgwi^ "in six ls;nz tot,"
Wil purfskt ordur cpt ov keos brrrj,

And mek cpr spclirj kwit an izi Sirj.

Ais haz bin dun, az bi mi brk yu'l SI,

Qi6 borz be till ov Fconoltotji.

Piruz bs work, not wib a hesti glans,

Ifyu bs koz ov sinis ivrd advafis;
But wib du ksr, and wib inkwirrrj mind,
Az ol wil ds bs'il bsnifit mankind,
Qsbur be psdl pilz, yurj fiklrfn lif.,

Folro bE plq\ or id bE pulpil pn6.

A. KOMSTOK.
Rev. Dr. .A. M. ''.. E
 comStock's PIIONOLOGY. 119

A Letter from Wm. IT. Allen, LL.D., President of Girard College.

Girakd College, -Aug. 31, 1Sj5.

Dr. A. Comstock :

Dear Sir, —
Having examined your Phonetic Alphabet, I believe that it

isfounded on a correct analysis of the elementary sounds of our language,

and that its use would greatly facilitate the acquisition of the arts of read-
ing and spelling, as well as promote uniformity in pronunciation. The
characters which you have adopted, being the Pioman and Greek letters, or
modifications of them, are simple in form, easy to write, and pleasant to
the eye, while the tone-marks, to indicate accent, inflection, and intonation,
enable the reader to comprehend and represent the exact meaning of his
author.
I recommend your alphabet to the attention of teachers and writers, in
the belief that its introduction into general use would save years of irk-
some labor to children, and be the nearest approach which has been made
to a "royal road to knowledge;"
I remain, respectfully yours,
WM. H. ALLEX.

A Letter from the Rev. Lyman Coleman, D. P., Principal of the Presby-
and Author of "An Historical Text-Book, and Atlas of
terian Institute,
Biblical Geography ;" "Ancient Christianity Exemplijied ;" "Apostolic
and Primitive Church," &c. &c.
Dr. A. Comstock :

—
Dear Sir, I do but reiterate the common sentiment of all who have duly
examined your Phonetic Alphabet, in giving expression to the conviction
that the characters which you have adopted greatly surpass, in simplicity
and beauty, all similar attempts to analyze and express the elementary

sounds of our language; and I consider that your Pamphoneticon is the

nearest approach which has ever been made to a universal alphabet.
Were it possible to reduce our spelling to a system so simple, so compre-
hensive, and complete, it would be an incalculable service to all who en-
counter the difficulties of the anomalous orthography of our noble language.
Even should a reform so desirable prove unsuccessful, your efforts in this
direction are not the less important to all those who study the first prin-
ciples of our own, or of foreign languages.
Very respectfully yours,
LYMAN COLEMAN.
Philadelphia, Sept. 6, 1855.

I concur entirely in the opinion of Dr. Coleman.

JOHN S. HART,
Principal of the Philadelphi-a High School.
September 7, 1855.
120 RECOMMENDATION OF

A Letter from James M. Morrison, E*q., the Linguist and Poet.

Philadelphia, Oct. 3, 1855.

Dr. Comstock :

—
Dear Sir, Although what I may say in commendation of your Phonetic

System can have little or no weight, being, as Burns says,

" a nameless wight,

Trod in the mire clean out of sight;"

yet having, for a period of over thirty years, made the study of languages
a recreation, I consider myself not altogether incompetent to say a good
word for you.
Every linguist knows that, poor as the English tongue is in articulate
sounds, the Roman alphabet is inadequate to give them all expression. It
is equally evident that numerous combinations of letters are retained to
express sounds that are now obsolete or provincial. Hence the apparently
absurd combinations of letters expressing the same sound, and the equally
absurd double, triple, and even quadruple debt which the same letter is

made by representing different sounds

to pay, —
an anomaly found, to the
same extent, in no other tongue; alike repulsive to foreigners and puzzling
to children. Your system cuts a clear path through this tangled thicket,
by giving each letter an articulate sound, and each sound a uniform
representation.
As our knowledge of the great family of man increases, our ideas require
to be expressed in words whose uncouth sounds cannot be written in Ro-
man characters, such as Chinese, Hindostanee, Russian, &c. ; but they can
be easily managed by your system. And provincial peculiarities, as well
as words from the French, Spanish, &c, when printed in your characters,
can be read to a native without exciting his risibility.

To my mind, the most ingenious part of your whole system is its tone-
marks, by means of which the reader is not only enabled to pronounce
single words correctly, but to give the very tones of the language in which
the author himself would express his ideas.
Wishing you as much gain and glory as your meritorious labors deserve,
I am yours, very respectfully,
JAMES M. MORRISON.

Philadelphia, Oct. 6, 1855.

I have examined Dr. Comstock's Phonetic Alphnbet with some care,

and I consider it decidedly the best that I have ever seen.
P. REDFIELD,
Phonographer and Principal of Mantua Boys' School.
 RECOMMENDATION
OP

§i\ tostofe'is jgfrmtfo glpjraitt

"WITH A COMPARATIVE VIEW OF

THE PRESENT PHONETIC ALPHABETS.

We have carefully compared the Phonetic Alphabet of Dr.

A. Comstock, of Philadelphia, with that of Isaac Pitman, of
England, now used by himself in that country, and by An-
drew J. Graham in this; also with the modification of the
said alphabet as used by Longley, Prosser, and Benn Pitman,
in Cincinnati ; and we have no hesitation in saying that the
Alphabet of Dr. Comstock is far preferable, for the following

reasons :
—
1. Dr. Comstock's alphabet is founded on a correct analysis
of the elementary sounds of the language ; whereas Pitman's
alphabet, as well as its modification, is founded on an incor-
rect analysis of these sounds.*

2. The alphabet of Dr. C. contains all the letters of the old

alphabet; whereas the other alphabets reject three of them,
viz., c, q, and x. .
3. In Dr. C.'s alphabet, the letters of the old alphabet are

employed in a way which essentially aids the pupil in acquiring

* We (Id not. here wish to he understood as referring, in any respect whatever, to Pitman's
Short-Hand Alphahet. His Phonography, as he calls it, though not strictly phonetic, is admitted
to be the best system of Short-Hand which has vet been devised.

(121)
122 RECOMMENDATION OF
a knowledge of other languages, as they are appropriated, as
far as practicable, to the corresponding sounds in the different
languages in which the Roman alphabet is used; whereas, in
Pitman's alphabet, as well as in its modification, the letters

of the Roman alphabet are not employed in a way which

affords the learner of other languages essential aid.

4. Whenever there is a sound common to the English and

the Greek, and the English having no letter for it, but the
Greek a letter appropriated to the sound, this letter, in Dr.
C/s alphabet, is made to represent the same sound ; whereas,
in Pitman's alphabet, as well as in its modification, not one
Greek letter which is employed by him, is appropriated to the
sound that it represents in the Greek. Not only so : Mr. Pit-
man has formed new letters which are inelegant, when he
might have taken Greek letters which are beautiful, to repre-

sent sounds that are common to the two languages.

5. All the letters in Dr. C.'s alphabet are symmetrical, and,
in print, afford a beautiful page ; whereas, in Pitman's alpha-
bet, as well as in its modification, many of the letters are
uncouth, and, in print, make the page unseemly.

6. Dr. C.'s alphabet has tone-marks to indicate accent, in-

flection, and intonation, which enable one to read, at any period
however distant, an author exactly as he intended ; but Pit-
man's alphabet, as well as its modification, is destitute of tone-
marks, and, consequently, affords no such aid.
In conclusion, we would say that Dr. C.'s alphabet is the
only one which we have ever seen that deserves the name of
phonetic, for it is the only one which has a letter appropriated
to every elementary sound of the language, and signs to repre-
sent the various modifications of the voice in reading and
speaking. And we verily believe that this alphabet would not
only enable the pupil to resolve vocal words into their ele-
mentary sounds, and to read with propriety, but would greatly
facilitate his acquisition of our present anomalous orthography.
 comstock's phonetic alphabet. 123
With these views we cordially recommend Dr. Comstock's
Phonetic Alphabet to the consideration of those who feel an
interest in a subject so well calculated to facilitate the acqui-
sition of knowledge, and promote the extension of morality
and religion throughout the earth.
J. K. MITCHELL, M. D., WM. CURRAN, M. D.,
Professor of Medicine in Jefferson A Controller of the Public Schools,
Medical College, Philadelphia. Philadelphia.

GEORGE ALLEN, EDWIN THOMPSON,

Professor of Greek and Latin in the Phonetic Compositor in John Fagan's
University of Pennsylvania. Stereotype Foundery, Philadelphia.

S. W. CRAWFORD, D. D., H. Y. LOUDERBACK,

Principal of the Academical Depart- Principal of Mount Vernon Male-
ment of the University of Penn- Grammar School, Philadelphia.

sylvania, and Professor of Didactic WILLIAM ROBERTS,

and Pastoral Theology in the Theo- Principal of Ringgold Grammar
logicalSeminary of the Reformed School, Philadelphia,
Preshyterian Church.
EDWIN BOOTH,
JOHN ROBERTON, A Controller of the Public Schools,
Professor of Languages, No. 119 South Philadelphia.
Ninth Street, Philadelphia.
THOMAS BALDWIN, JOSEPH T. COOPER,
Editor of the Evangelical Repository,
Principal of a Mathematicaland
and Pastor of the Second Associate
Classical School, Philadelphia, and
Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia.
Associate Editor of Lippincott's
Pronouncing Gazetteer of the B. M. DUSENBERY,
World. A Controller of the Public Schools,
Philadelphia.
J. SIMMONS,
Principal of Locust Street Institute E. B. MEARS,
for Young Ladies, Philadelphia. Stereotyper, Harmony Court, Phil'a.

A. B. IVINS, A.M., WILLIAM EVANS,

Principal of Friends' Central School, Phonetic Compositor, Office of the
Philadelphia. Public Ledger, Philadelphia.

LYMAN COLEMAN, NELSON SIZER,

Principal of the Preshyterian Insti- Professor of Phrenology, of the firm
tute, Philadelphia. of Fowlers, Wells, & Co., Phil'a.

JAMES BROWN, E. CAPRON,

Author of the Rational System of Editor of the Philadelphia Daily
English Grammar, Philadelphia. Times.

A. T. W. WRIGHT, EDWARD E. JONES,

Principal of the Normal School, Proprietor of the Daily Morning
Philadelphia.
Times, Philadelphia.
JOHN FAGAN, GEO. R. GRAHAM,
Stereotyper, St. James' Street, Phi- Editor of Graham's Magazine, Phi-
ladelphia. ladelphia.

H. E. WALLACE, WM. H. SICKLES,

Editor of the Law Intelligencer, Phi- A Controller of the Public' Schools,
ladelphia. Philadi phia
124 RECOMMENDATION OP
S. DOUGLAS WYETH, JAMES L. TYSON, M. D.,
Stereotyper, No. 7 Pear Street, Phila- Professor of Materia Medica and
delphia. Therapeutics in the Philadelphia
College of Medicine.
ANDREW McMAKIN,
Editor of the American Courier, C. CAMPBELL COOPER, M. D.,
Philadelphia. President of the Board of Directors
of Public Schools, 9th District,
E. J. HEMPHILL,
Philadelphia.
Secretary of the Board of Control-
lers of the Public Schools, Phi- E. CONVERSE,
ladelphia. Editor of the Christian Observer,
Philadelphia.
GEO. W. BURR,
A Controller of the Public Schools, L. A. GODEY,
Philadelphia. Editor of Godey's Lady Book, Phila-
delphia.
ROBERT E. PETERSON,
Editor of Peterson's Familiar Science, DAVID McKINNEY,
Philadelphia. Editor of the Presbyterian Banner,
Philadelphia.
C. SHERMAN,
Printer, No. 19 St. James Street,
JACOBS,
W. B.
Philadelphia.
Editor of the Christian Chronicle,
A. H. LAIDLAW, A.M., Philadelphia.
Principal of the Monroe Boys' Gram-
M. McMICHAEL,
mar School, Philadelphia.
Editor of the North American and
P. A. CREGAR,A. M, United States Gazette, Phila.
Principal of the North-West Boys'
Grammar B. R. LOXLEY,
School, Philadelphia.
Depository Agent of the American
R. P. KING, Baptist Publication Society, No. 118
Printer, firm of King and Baird, Arch St., Philadelphia.
Philadelphia.
J. P. ENGLES,
JOSEPH PANCOAST, M. D., Publishing Agent of the Presbyterian
Professor of Anatomy in Jefferson Board of Publication, No. 265
Medical College, Philadelphia. Chestnut St., Philadelphia.

JAMES W. McCALLISTER, JAMES SCOTT,

C.
A Controller of the Public Schools, Depository Agent of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia. Bible Society, N. W. corner of 7th
and Walnut, Philadelphia.
TYLER LIPPINCOTT,
Phonetic Compositor in T. K. Collins's ROBERT MORRIS,
Printing Office, Philadelphia. Editor of the Pennsylvania Inquirer,
Philadelphia.
JOHN SARTAIN,
Artist, and Editor of Sartain's Maga- JAMES S. WALLACE,
Editor of the Philadelphia Sun.
zine, Philadelphia.

SAMUEL DURBOROW, J. R. FLANIGEN,

Rector of the Church of the Evan- Editor of the Daily News, Phila.
gelists, Philadelphia. SAMUEL C. UPHAM,
BE ATT Y, Editor of the Sunday Mercury, Phila.
A.
Rector of Trinity Church, Carbon- WILLIAM RICE,
dale, Pennsylvania. Proprietor of the Pennsylvanian,
Philadelphia.
M. HAMBLETON,
Attorney at Law, aDd Phonographic EDWARD W. WEBB,
Reporter, Philadelphia. Editor of the Pennsylvanian, Phila.
 comstock's phonetic alphabet. 125
JOHN M. COLEMAN, J. A. norm:,
For 18 years Principal of Grammar Pastor of the St. George's M. E.
School, Philadelphia. Church, Philadelphia.

JOHN LEYBURN, JOS. R. CHANDLER,

Editor of the Presbyterian, Phila. [l"or 25 years Editor of the United

CHARLES WADSWORTH, States' Gazette, and afterwards

Pastor of Arch Street Church, Phila. Member of Congress.]

THEO. CUYLER, WM. RAMSEY, D.D.,

President of the Board of Directors Pastor of the Cedar Street Church,
of Public Schools, Eighth Section, Philadelphia.
Philadelphia.
J. COWPERTHWAIT,
JOSEPH WRIGHT, V.D.M., Min-
A. M., A Director of the Girard College, and
ister of the Bible Christian Church, for manyyears a Director and Con-
Philadelphia, and for more than 25 troller of the Public Schools of
years Principal of Millington Aca- Philadelphia.
demy, Maryland.
WM. H. BATT,
HORACE M. MARTIN, Principal of Zane Street Boys' Gram-
Editor of the Evening Argus, Phila. mar School, Philadelphia.

JOHN CHAMBERS, JAMES BRYAN, A. M, M. D.,

Pastor of the First Independent Professor of Surgery in the Philadel-
Presbyterian Church, Broad St.,
phia College of Medicine.
Philadelphia, and one of the Vice-
Presidents of the Pennsylvania SAMUEL SARTAIN,
Bible Society. Engraver on Steel, Philadelphia.

P. COOMBE, WM. F. BRADY,

Pastor of Fifth Street Methodist Phonetic Compositor, Ledger Build-
Episcopal Church, Philadelphia. ing, Philadelphia

A Letter from George B. Wood, 31. D., Professor of the Theory and Prac-
tice of Medicine in the University of Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia, Sept. 28, 1855.
Dear Doctor:
From what I know of your System of Phonology, from the great length
of time and diligent perseverance which you have devoted to this subject,
and from my knowledge of your general character and ability, I have no
doubt that your Treatise on Phonology, now in the press, will be a work
of much research and great usefulness, and should have no hesitation in
recommending it to all teachers of youth, and all others desirous of forming
a just estimate of spoken language.
Respectfully and truly yours,
GEO. B. WOOD.
Dr. Andrew Comstock.
 — —

BE. A. COMSTOCK'S WORKS. ^

PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR,
No. 102 ARCH STREET, PHILADELPHIA.

Comstock's System of Elocution, with special reference to Gesture, to

Treatment of Stammering, and Defective Articulation; comprising nearly 300
tin.-

Diagrams and Engraved Figures illustrative of the subject, Price, $1 postage, IT ;

cents.

Comstock's Phonetic Speaker, a reprint of the System of Elocution, in

the Author's Perfect Alphabet, l'rice. $lj postage, 17 cents.

Comstock's Phonetic Reader £ consisting of a Selection of Pieces, Classical

and Moral, in Prose and Verse, in both the Old and the New Alphabet. Designed
for Schools, as well as for individuals, whether natives or foreigners, who w ii h to
acquire the true pronunciation of the English Language. Price, $1 postage, 17 cts. ;

Comstock's Phoneticon, a large Chart, comprising—-first, the Elementary

Sounds of the English Language— second, numerous Engravings, showing the beet
posture of the mouth, in the energetic utterance of the elements third, a Perfect
Alphabet, graphic and typlc—-fourth, Exercises in Pitch, Force, and Melody—-fifth,
Exercises in Gesture. Mounted on rollers. Price, $3.

Comstock's System of Vocal Gymnastics— a Key to the Phoncticon

comprising Exercises in Articulation, l'itch, Force, .Melody. Modulation, and Ges-
ture; arranged as they are practised in the Author's Vocal Gymnasium. Price, 25
cents; postage, 3 cents.

Comstock's Phonetic Minstrel $ consisting of Original Songs, in the New,

as well as in the Old Alphabet, set to Music. Price 12 cents; postage, 1 cent.

My Little Geography, in Comstock's Perfect Alphabet, comprising more than

50 Kngravingg. Edited by Mrs. Tuthill. Price, 25 cents; postage, 5 i

Epitome Historic Sacrpe, on an improved plan, with an Interlinear Trans-

lation. Designed as a Primary Book in the study of the Latin Language. Edited
by A. Comstock, M.D. l'rice. §1; postage, 25 cents.

Pope's Homer's Iliad, Book I., with an Essay on Homer, and copious
Foot-notes — 126 8vo. pages, in the Phonetic Alphabet, l'rice, 50 cts.; postage, 7 cts.

The New Testament, in Comstock's Perfect Alphabet —397 octavo pages—

substantially bound. Price. $1.25; postage, 2S cents.

Comstock's Phonetic Magazine, in two volumes, neatly bound In muslin.

Price of each. (1.25; postage, 20 cents.

Comstock's Phonetic Telegraph. Price, 50 cents; postage, 10 cents.

Comstock's Treatise on Phonology. Price, 38 cents postage, 7 cents. ;

Comstock's Phonetic Reader, No. 1.)

t. .,-,
Comstock's Juvenile d j
> Reader, tw-.1.' Price, 25 cents; postage, 4 cents.
No. i

[Dr. C is preparing, for publication, An Etymological and Pronouncing Dictionary

of the English Language— the pronunciation to be given in phonetic character.-. As
tho pronunciation will be in the New Alphabet, this Dictionary will answer all the
purposes of a Phonetic Dictionary, as well as tho.-e of a common Dictionary.)

iitg' All orders for the above works must be accompanied with the cash, and di-

rected to
ANDREW COMSTOCK, M.D.,

No. 102 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa.

ysQg
 !

DATE DUE