The Royal Institute for Blind Youth Under the Restoration

This chapter focuses on the accomplishments of the Royal Institute for Blind Youth Director Alexandre-René Pignier. Pignier consistently tried to improve the functioning of the institute in spite of recurrent financial difficulties due to insufficient government subsidies. In addition to providing new professional prospects for the blind, the purchase of a plot of land, and the construction of a new building, Pignier contributed to the institute's influence abroad by developing sustained relationships with similar establishments in Europe and the United States. The chapter also discusses the work of Charles Barbier de la Serre, the inventor of writing in dots for the blind; and Louis Braille, “the Johannes Gutenberg of the blind”.

Historical Art and Culture Studies · Historical Studies on Reproduction, Gender, Health, and Societal Changes · Medicine