Valentin Haüy
Essai sur l'éducation des aveugles
"Essai sur l'éducation des aveugles" by Valentin Haüy is a scientific publication written in the late 18th century. This work discusses innovative methods for the education and integration of blind individuals into society, emphasizing their capacity for learning through tactile means. At the start of the book, Haüy lays the groundwork for an institution dedicated to educating blind children, detailing the challenges they face and the potential methods to overcome these hurdles. He expresses the belief that with proper techniques, blind individuals can learn to read, write, and perform various trades, thereby avoiding a life of dependency or begging. The opening sections introduce the philosophy behind the institution's mission and outline the initial strategies to be implemented, serving as both a dedication to humanity's impoverished members and a call to action for societal improvement.