Thought without Words

Abstract

HAVING much of the same experience as Mr. Galton, I nevertheless prefer dealing with a larger group of facts. I have often referred to the mutes of the seraglio at Constantinople, who cannot be charged with thinking in words. They have their own sign conversation among themselves, and which has no necessary reference to words. Even the names of individuals are suppressed among themselves, though they sometimes use lip reading to an outsider to make him understand a name. Anyone having a knowledge of sign language is aware that it is independent of words. The tenses of verbs, &c., are supplied by gestures.