File:Idiot Savant G.jpg

years old when photograph was taken. Came to us in eleventh year ; 
was of average height and weight, but very childish for his years. 
Sight very defective, but other senses normal. Walked like an old 
person, with body inclined forward and step without elasticity. 
Could read, write and cipher, but extremely nervous ; attention was 
easily diverted from anything except music, which was his passion, 
and in which he became absolutely absorbed. Made gradual but 
steady progress during seven years in both mental and manual work. 
Accomplished the school course and became quite a good carpenter. 
Always devoted to music, learned to play the cornet readily, com- 
posed quite well, arranging his pieces for the band unassisted. 

Manly, thoughtful and quiet, of good moral tone, he was a leader 
among the boys and always for good. After leaving us he went 
west and was the band teacher in another large institution, and later 
became the leader of an excellent band in Chicago. 

Born at full term ; ordinary labor. Sickly in early childhood, 
did not walk until fourth year. Poorly nourished, living in condi- 
tion of extremest poverty ; very slow in developing mentally. 
Father, a butcher by occupation, was a drunkard and shot himself ; 
mother, abused by husband, weak and nervous, died of " heart dis- 
ease " at the age of 38, after having borne 12 children. All weak, 
ill-nourished, and having " head trouble," 10 died before reaching