Page:Memoir upon the formation of a deaf variety of the human race (microform) (IA cihm 08831).pdf/39

34 MEMOIRS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. A group of deaf/mute families from Maine. — Members of deaf-mute families shown in Fig. 7 have been admitted into the American Asylum at Hartford, Conn. There is no record showing any relationship between the families, but their close proximity to one another is extremely suggestive. The fact that there are four generations of deaf-mutes in the Lovejoy family suggests the idea that some of the other families may perhaps be descended from it through the female line. Whatever the explanation, it is at all events remarkable that so many large deaf-mute families should have originated in small places within a few miles of one another.

It must not be supposed that I have attempted to give an exhaustive list of the large deaf-mute families. I have simply given specimen cases to prove that in many different parts of the country deafness has been transmitted by heredity. There are many more large families known to me which are not alluded to above.