on foot to drop reading and writing entirely from the
school course, but probably a compromise will be made for the present
by substituting a shorthand or phonetic system, based upon the direct
interpretation of the sound-waves themselves. This is, of course, the
only logical method for the visual interpretation of sound. Students
and men of research, however, will always need to understand how to
read print, as much of the old literature will probably never repay
phonographing."

"But," I said, "I notice that you still use printed phrases, as
superscriptions, titles, and so forth."

"So we do," replied Hamage, "but phonographic substitutes could be
easily devised in these cases, and no doubt will soon have to be
supplied in deference to the growing number of those who cannot read."

"Did I understand you," I asked, "that the text-books in your schools
even are phonographs?"

"Certainly," replied Hamage; "our children are taught by phonographs,
recite to phonographs, and are examined by phonographs."

"Bless my soul!" I ejaculated.

"By all means," replied Hamage; "but there is really nothing to be
astonished at. People learn and remember by impressions of sound instead
of sight, that is all. The printer is, by the way, not the only artisan
whose occupation phonography has destroyed. Since the disuse of print,
opticians have mostly gone to the poor-house. The sense of sight
was indeed terribly overburdened previous to the introduction of the
phonograph, and, now that the sense of hearing is beginning to assume
its proper share of work, it would be strange if an improvement in
the condition of the people's eyes were not noticeable. Physiologists,
moreover, promise us not only an improved vision, but a generally
improved physique, especially in respect to bodily carriage, now
that reading, writing, and study no longer involves, as formerly,
the sedentary attitude with twisted spine and stooping shoulders. The
phonograph has at last made it possible to expand the mind without
cramping the body."

"It is a striking comment on the revolution wrought by the general
introduction of the phonograph," I observed, "that whereas the
misfortune of blindness used formerly to be the infirmity which most
completely cut a man off from the world of books, which remained open to
the deaf, the case is now precisely reversed."

"Yes," said Hamage, "it is certainly a curious reversal, but not so
complete as you fancy. By the new im