WM PhlLADELPHlA INSTITUTE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE NLM Q05b05flfl 5 NLM005605885 u N A l I I B K A K T OF MEDICINE NATIONAL 11 1313 /* 13 V i-l if UStit !>V I I03W JO 1IVI1I1 IVNOIIVN JNOIOiW JO ABVB8I1 IVNOIIVN 3NI3I03W JO ABVBBI1 1 ^?s? 3NAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF M Nw^. f/\/ I iF* 03 W JO ABViail IVNOIIVN SNI3I03W JO ABVUail IVNOIIVN 3NI3I03W JO A * V B B I 1 11 NAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF M \ I Q3W JO ABVII8I1 IVNOIIVN 3NI3IQ3W JO A»VBB II IVNOIXVN 3NI3IQ3W JO ABVIBIl 11 Q3W JO ABVBBI1 IVNOIIVN 3NI3IQ3W JO ABVB8I1 IVNOIIVN 3NI3IQ3W JO A8VB8I1 1> *AL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF M ^Xt / THE N. E, CORNER ELEVENTJI Sc SPRING GARDEN ST3., Philadelphia, U. Z. Ti. -^^-ESTABLISHED 1884.^^2- Tl^e Bl^iladelpl^ia Institute, JV. E. Cor. nth and Spring Garden Sts., PHILADELPHIA, a. s. a. FOR THE PERMANENT CURE OF STAMMERING, STUT- TERING, AND ALL OTHER IMPEDIMENTS TO A DISTINCT ARTICULATION. BY THE PERSONAL TREATMENT OF EDWIN S- JOHNSTON, THE FOUNDER OF THE INSTITUTE, H/AJ NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE BETKESDA 14, MD. COPYRIGHT, 1888, BY EDWIN S. JOHNSTON. %hz "Philadelphia Institute for the IPermaneqt (Sure of Stammering. Is located at the North-east corner of Eleventh and Spring Garden Streets, in a high and open sec- tion of the City of Philadelphia. The building is the best appointed for the purpose of any in the United States; the rooms are large, with high ceil- ings, with full light, complete drainage and ventila- tion, and artistic interior finish. The second floor contains the reception room and the main Voice Room; this room is 22 feet in width by 38 feet in depth; the third floor contains private class-rooms and a gymnasium, with Dr. Sargent's apparatus for calisthenics, for the use of the pupils. The residence of Mr. Johnston is in the same block with the Institute, and is in charge of two ladies; arrangements may be made there for the care of those under treatment, with the comforts of their own homes. There are no external signs on the building to indicate its use, and the strictest confidence and privacy is preserved in all cases. 4 To reach the Institute take Chestnut Street cars at the Baltimore & Ohio R. R. Depot and change at Eleventh Street to the door. Take Union Line cars at the Penna. R. R. Depot, Broad and Market Streets, and change to blue car at Ninth Street to the door. The Reading R. R. Depot, Ninth and Green Streets, is only two blocks from the Institute. 5 STAMMERING AND ITS CURE. Stammering and Stuttering, and their Indi- cations.—An obstructed or impeded utterance results when the effort to speak, in certain persons, forces the vocal organs into spasmodic action. The manifestations of this derangement of these organs vary in nearly every individual; in some cases the sufferer essays to speak, but expels his breath without effecting a sound; in others his lips close in the attempt; sometimes he will, while reading or conversing, suddenly lose all control of his articu- lation, his mouth remaining open; sometimes he will expel the words in irregular order; sometimes his head and limbs are violently contorted ; in other cases he makes the attempt to speak in a feeble, in- coherent manner, and a look of vacancy passes over his face. Some sufferers will suddenly, when the stammering begins, remain silent, the face only indicating the struggle within; others will burst into tears, and then begin to speak ; some distend their mouths like funnels, and in this way gain a temporary control of 6 their voices; manifestations too painful to the writer to describe any further. The Causes of Stammering and Stuttering.— Stammering was defined by Aristotle as the ina- bility to articulate a certain letter; lisping as the omission of some letter or syllable, and stuttering as the inability to join one syllable with anoiher; Worcester and Webster use the words "stammer" and "stutter" as synonymous. Mr. Potter, one of the latest, and a most accurate writer on this subject, classes, under the head of paralalia, stammer- ing in the sense used by many writers, and under this head embraces many forms of defective utterance, as " lalling," " blsesitus," " gammacism," " iotacism," "nasalizing," " palatining." " rhotacism," " lambda- cism." Under the head Dyslalia, he classes stuttering, and under the head Sigmatism, lisping. He defines stammering as commonly used, as a temporary ina- bility to articulate, the organs being tightly held together; stuttering as the repeated utterance of one sound befor the next can be emitted; and lisping as a defective enunciation of the sibilant sounds, s, sh, z, zh, etc.; absolute accuracy in these definitions is impossible, and for the purpose of this paper they may be grouped together; all resulting from an inability of the will to control the organs 'properly, and a deficiency of a ready response to the will by 7 the organs themselves ; nervous irritability, delicacy of constitution and diffidence are the generally at- tendant conditions. This infirmity is contractable, that is, it may result from association with stammerers through a fatal tendency to imitation—the most dangerous of follies, and it is inheritable ;* and in many cases might have been prevented by the proper education of the organs in early childhood, facilities for which, however, unfortunately do not exist in our systems of primary education. Stammering may also result from external injuries; wounds of the head and back; it may result from severe mental emotion, as sudden fright; it sometimes also manifests itself after eruptive diseases, such as measles and scarlatina, and violent nerve and brain disorders, always, how- ever, being developed from the pre-disposing condition of a weak enforcing power of the will over the organs of utterance; it may result, though very rarely, from a defect in the organs themselves, f The disorder is * The learned Dr. Raphael Cohen cites the case of one family where stammering was transmitted through four generations, the malady usually developing between the second and fifth year. The affliction commencing with a repetition of syllables and words, at first seldom, then often, until it broke out in all its uncontrollable force; the cases are generally more severe arising from this cause, and the cure more difficult; the reason being that the organism predisposed to the devel- opment of the defect was planted in the pre-natal life, and had the force of the unnatural condition as a part of the condition of its own ex- istence. ■)• Malformation of the organs will be rarely found. In a series of six hundred carefully investigated by Columbat, there was not one case of stammering from malformation of the organs. 8 confined to no class or condition ; it is found in every climate and every country.* The Results of Stammering.—It is not alone the inconvenience of the infirmity which keeps the victim a self-conscious sufferer, driving him from social in- tercourse, closing against him the avenues of business, making him an object of ridicule to the incon- siderate and thoughtless, and of sincere commiseration to the compassionate; but beyond this it may have ultimate results to the sufferer—physically, through a congestion of blood in the organs resulting in an abnormal action of the heart, and aneurism of the aorta and carotids resulting in bronchial affection, and in extreme cases, causing the whole nervous system to give way under these continually renewing struggles, and leaving the victim, a wreck; mentally, the results may be even more grave, separated by his infirmity from companionship and society, he is driven to the solitude of his own unhappy contempla- tions, and exhibits the results of an ever weakening contention with the malady, in a continually lessening * Louis II, of France, and Michael II, were both surnamed Le Begue, meaning stammerer. Louis XIII, of France, was also a stammerer. The Rev. Canon Kingsley was a stammerer, Charles Lamb was a stut- terer, and the notable Physicians, Voisin, Palmer, Chegoin, Merkel, Guillaume, D'AIais, Becquerel and Cohen were all stammerers. Allusions to this disorder are found also in the Bible; Moses was a notable example; the Ephraimites and those whom Jesus cured of their impedi- ments in speech. It has been noticed among savage tribes ■ an instance was recently noted by Lieut. Schwatka, among the Alaska Indians. 9 self-confidence, and finally in many cases loses the quality of persistence altogether. In extreme cases his reason fails, and so terminates all that gives char- acter or pleasure to our existence.* There are, probably, two hundred thousand persons suffering from this disorder in the United States alone. Failure of Treatment Hitherto.—But simple as is the cause, and injurious as is the effect, by no instruction hitherto given has there been any deter- minable certainty in the cure ; good results have been secured, profound investigations have been made in Europe and the subject pursued in this country, but it has not been until the closing years of this century that any substantial progress has been made; nor has anyone undertaken to assure the sufferer in all cases where there is no organic defect, and that there is an absolute certainty in the cure, as I have for the past four years continually demonstrated. The Result of the Failure Hitherto, has been to weaken all confidence in any cure, or what is still worse, to cause a resort to methods which only increase the hopelessness of the condition. Parents and guardians leave the child to his own efforts, and remain passive spectators of the inevitable increase of the disorder until it becomes to the child a living * The stutterer's life is full of misery, and always a short one, by reason of the mental depression and misdirection of vital energy, which is induced thereby.—Canon Kingsley. 10 death. The wretched victim finding the obstruction increase with every endeavor, expends more and more force to bring the organs into control, produces a more and more spasmodic action, twisting and con- torting in many cases the whole muscular system of his face and body ; after these repeated trials he then essays a quiet persistency, and finds himself without breath to utter anything. His parents or his friends, at last driven to do something, try any suggestion, and having tried many, without effect, lose faith altogether. This hopeless condition describes many thousands of men, women and children whose lives are a burthen to their friends, to those with whom they have busi- ness relations, and to themselves. My own case is an illustration of much that is written here: After trials of every mode then, and still in vogue, I had relapsed into a condition in which my duty to others was the motive for the continuance of my existence. It was not until 1883, then in this condition for thirty years, I began those experiments on my own voice, which resulted in this restoration. I had, up to that year, been conducting an extensive business under disadvantages, which nothing but the utmost determination enabled me to carry on ; the very men with whom I was doing this business some- times sought to avoid me, and my social intercourse was broken up by this terrible calamity; only those with larger sympathies, among the majority with 11 whom I must associate, could, with much patience, endure me, it was even impossible for me to make purchases in stores without an interpreter of my un- certain and incoherable words. In the following year, 1884, fortunately for myself and those whom I have led out of the same condition, a paragraph in the Public Ledger ofthis City, for which I have manifested long ago, but can never fully express my gratitude to its proprietor, was read by me; from this my investigations and trials took a new direction, and the result, my cure, was finally attained. I reached the root of the remedy for myself; the strug- gle was not an easy one, but I was conscious all along that the result was no longer doubtful; once on the right road the end was more and more attainable every hour; I gained steadily, at last, a complete con- trol of my organs of articulation ; my face began cmce more, after so many years, to resume its earlier ex- pression, and that terrible rack of my whole system which had left me excitable, weak and nervous, weighed less and less heavily upon me I went out at last into the world again, like the old-time prisoner among strangers. In my change, physi- cally and mentally, I was not recognizable as my former self. Almost as soon as the fact of my cure was known, so many appeals were made to me, not only by vicims of the same malady, but by scientific men, and men of so much influence with me and the 12 community, that I began the treatment of others. I selected the most hopeless cases, and made trial after trial, and with the same results. When at last there was no longer doubt either in the minds of my friends or of those I had cured, there had been none in me from the end of my trial with myself, I placed the charge of my business largely in the hands of others, and have now, for four years, devoted my time mainly to this, my now life-work. In my Institution I will treat successfully all cases where there is no malformation of the organs of speech, and where the conditions of health and mental capacity are normal. I give the assurance of the correctness of this statement in the various letters which follow, covering the whole period of the ex- istence of the Institute I have founded. Motives which will be appreciated by every one prevent me from publishing any names except those by whom permission has been expressly given, and of these but a portion only on account of the necessary limits of this volume. The Method of Cure.—Among the first queries addressed to me when the results of my work were no longer debatable, was as to the method of my cure. To this I have always said that no answer can be given which will be wholly intelligible to any one. This, however, is essential to be said : I administer no drugs of any kind whatever. I employ no electric 13 or galvanic agency, nor any surgical operation,* for- merly so much in vogue. My treatment is simply and wholly educational, requiring patience, great firmness with constant kind- liness of spirit.f I lay down certain rules during the treatment upon the strict following of which depends essentially the complete restoration. The patient must submit himself to my entire control until such times as he or she has gained the same control and the same self-knowledge of which I am myself in possession. This will surely come by following my direction from day to day, even from hour to hour, for a period never of very long duration, and gener- ally limited to from three to six weeks—a joint labor of both the instructor and instructed, and always with the same result. * In addition to the other injurious modes surgery was for many years resorted to. Dieffenbach, of Berlin, in 1840 operated on stammerers by cutting a wedge-shaped piece out of the root of the tongue. Amusat, Yearsley and Braid, French surgeons, tried severing the muscles of the tongue and cut off the tonsils and uvula; Galen cauterized the tongue ; Actius and Kustner divided the frenum; Detmold passed needles through the tongue; DeChauliac used cauteries and blisters; thetempor- ary shock enabled the patient to speak, and the result was annouuced to the world. It is mentioned as a cure in Prof. Conistock's work as late as 1870. The mutilated sufferers, however, relapsed into their former con- dition as soon as the wound had healed. The practice was continued at times for over a quarter of a century, until it was found by experience that neither internal remedies nor surgery had any durable effect on stammering whatever. Mr. Potter traces this impotent mode bacK to Celsus, Anno Domini, 1-37, followed by DeChauliac, 1336. Itard, 1817, used golden or ivory forks, placed in the cavity of the alveolar arch of the lower jaw to support the tongue, but certainly cured no one. f "Fear of bodily punishment, or even capriciousness in his teachers' temper and rules will surely confirm the bad habit; if he is by any means kept in a state of terror, shame, or even anxiety, then this stam- mer will grow worse and worse as he grows older "—Canon Kixgsley. 14 It is a work which cannot be delegated by me to another, nor for which I can give any written in- structions. In a battle, the necessity for the close following of every movement, the necessity at times to restore the confidence of the faltering, renders the personal presence of the leader absolutely essential until the engagements close. It is the same here ; this is a struggle of a properly directed will against a refractory power of articulation, and in the same manner a personal direction and presence is necessary until the result is attained. Favorable and Unfavorable Conditions.— There are conditions, some more favorable than others for a cure; but to dwell upon these only dis- courages without aiding the sufferer. Decision, en- ergy and a buoyant disposition are favorable to a cure, yet, on the other hand, women and children of dispositions weak and seemingly irresolute, have de- veloped these qualities, and in a degree exceeding those seemingly far more favorably endowed, and so cases apparently incurable to others, have very quickly yielded to my treatment. No rule can therefore be laid down, and no one should be discouraged however long he may have suffered, and however hopeless may appear to others his condition. Time to Begin Treatment.—The numerous in- stances which have been treated in my Institution show that at no age have I been foiled in the appli- 15 cation of my system, yet I would say that persistence in any habit renders, as a rule, less easy the recovery of the organs to their normal condition, and that no consideration should deter anyone from availing him- self or herself of the advantages of my Institution at as early a stage of the development of the case as possible. To women this applies especially. There are more male stammerers, thirty to one, as investi- gations have shown, than females, and females escape hereditary stammering more frequently than males,* yet it is no less well established that stammering de- scending from the mother's side is more difficult to treat than that descending from the male ancestry. Results of My Treatment on the Patient During Cure.—Among the most manifest results of my treatment is the change in the appearance of the pupil. The depressed, submissive or care-worn appearance which so many wear gives place to a confident and joyous expression. There is a sensible development of the chest in many cases, a firmer carriage of the body, and a general improvement in the physical condition The sense of a sustaining and certain power over this hitherto uncertain, elusive, and refractory organ lends a buoyant movement to the whole mental and * Dr. Graves, in his clinical lectures, mentions one family in which, for three generations, nearly all the males were stammerers, while not one of the females was affected. 16 physical structure, of which the results remain in after life. Rules Given to the Stammerer.—The stam- merer must give exclusive attention to the work of his cure. He must exercise daily, in the majority of cases, for four hours. He must not converse, gener- ally, with any one, except in the presence, by the permission, or under the direction of his instructor. He must rouse himself from all despondency, which he will not find a hard task here. He must gain independence for himself through dependence on his instructor. The organs of his voice will come surely into a normal condition. He will at last speak with self-control and precision. Four hours of exercise are customarily required, but these are varied to suit the different cases. • TESTIMONIALS. From Henry W. Halliwell, Esq. Secretary of the Board of Public Education, 713 Filbert Street, Philadelphia. January 21st, 1884. Mr. George W. Childs : Mil Dear Sir—The lad, Samuel Devine, who accom- panies Mr. E. S. Johnston was a pupil of the Jackson School, and stammered sotadly that he was compelled to write all his exercises. He has been under Mr. Johnston's directions four weeks, with speech restored. I consider it almost miraculous. Aery truly yours, \V. H. Halliwell. From "Watson Cornell, Esq. Principal of the Jackson Grammar School, Philad'a, February 1st. 1SS4. Edwin S. Johnston, Esq.: Bear Sir—Samuel Devine was a pupil of this school about eighteen months. He stammered so badly that his exercises were necessarily written. I have tried a number of times to have him read, but he failed to do so in every instance, being able to utter a word only with great difficulty and discomfort. After being under your instruction four weeks, he called to see me, and I had the pleasure of hearing him read and converse with perfect ease and composure. His speech seems to be fully restored. Yours respectfully. Watson Cornell. 18 From William B. Rogers, Esq. Vice-President and Treasurer of the Western Saving Fund Society, of Philadelphia, 1000 Walnut Street. April 1st, 1884. Mr. Edwin S. Johnston : Dear Sir—It gives me great pleasure to testify how remarkably you have succeeded in overcoming the painful impediment of speech known as stammering. On many occasions in the past I have witnessed your distress in attempting to converse, and have felt much sympathy with you. You are no longer an object of com- passion, but rather one to be congratulated on what seems a radical cure. Very truly yours. Wm. B. Rogers. From Hon. Leonard Myers. Edwin S. Johnston, Esq.: Dear Sir—In my business relations with you, from time to time, during a number of years, I could not fail to notice your stammering, which seemed incurable. To my surprise the impediment in your speech is entirely re- moved, and I congratulate you doubly, because this is the result of your own efforts and study. Yours very truly, Leonard Myers. From L. Blaylock, Esq. Of Blaylock & Blynn, 824 Chestnut Street. Philadelphia, April 15th, 1884. Mr. E. S. Johnston : Dear Sir—I take great pleasure in adding my testimony as to your proficiency in curing stuttering and all impedi- ments of speech. I know how very distressing it used to be to hear you talk. Now you speak with great ease and fluency, and since you have cured yourself I listen to you with pleasure. I feel satisfied that your system can be relied upon. Yours truly, L. Blaylock. 19 From Francis W. Kennedy, Esq. President Spring Garden National Bank, Twelfth and Spring Garden Streets. Philadelphia, July 17th, 1884. Mr. Edwin S. Johnston : My Dear Sir—Having known yon for so many years, and seeing you frequently, gave me full opportunity to notice how painful and annoying to you was the impedi- ment of speech with which you suffered. It is a great source of pleasure to me now. to see the great change which has taken place, for you now speak with ease and fluency, and without hesitation. I sincerely congratulate you ; it must seem like a new life to you. I have also conversed with two or three of your pupils who formerly stammered, whereas at the time they spoke easily and naturally. If I were afflicted in this way, I certainly would put myself under yoar care. Your desire and efforts to extend the boon to others will be appreciated by all good people, and I wish you great encouragement. Yours very truly, F. W. Kennedy. From Horatio O. "Wood, M. D, LL.D. Member of National Academy of Science, Professor Materia Medica, Therapeutics, Pharmacy, and Clinical Professor Diseases of the Nervous System, University of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia, March 12, 1885. Dear Sir—In answer to yours of March 10th, I can only say I have seen several remarkable cures made by Mr. Johnston, and have no doubt as to their permanency. Yours, H. C. Wood. 20 From John D. Wattles, Esq Publisher Sunday-School Times, 1031 Walnut Street. Philadelphia, April 10th, 1886. My Dear Sir—I have seen a number of Prof. John- ston's patients " before and after" treatment, He seems to have excellent succcess. I consider him, too, a man of good character, who will deal honorably with those who consult him. Yours very truly. John D. Wattles. From H. Y. Lauderbach, Esq. Principal Lauderbach Academy. Philadelphia, April 12, 1886. Dear Sir—In reply to yours received on Saturday : I have a pupil now with me who stammered painfully, and who, under Prof. Johnston's treatment, was perfectly cured two years ago. I have met with a number of very bad cases that yielded to the same treatment in a brief time, and if I had a similar case in my own family, I would unhesitat- ingly place it under Prof. Johnston's charge. Yours truly, H. Y. Lauderbach. 108 S. 10th Street. From Philip Leidy, M. D., Physician-in-Chief of the Philadelphia Hospital-Insane Department. Philadelphia, November 30, 1886. I have examined the method of treating stammering and stuttering as practiced by Mr. Edwin S. Johnston, and witnessed its practical demonstration. His own per- sonal case was a most remarkable cure. I have known Mr. J. personally for thirty years, and during twenty-five years of that period he was a most wretched individual as a stammerer, in point of personal comfort, and distressing to those in conversation, having business with him. I am convinced that the principle of the treatment is rational, and useful in practice. The devotion of Mr. Johnston (since hisown cured case) to relieve others similarly afflicted I consider most philanthropic and praiseworthy. Respectfully, Philip Leidy. 21 From John M. Adler, M. D. Physician Girard College. Philadelphia, December 11. 1886. Dear Sir—In reply to your note of inquiry about Mr. E. S Johnston, I have to say that you will find Mr. J. entirely reliable, and if in answer to your statement of your disability, he has given you any encouragement as to a cure, it will be well worth your while to come on here for treatment. I have complete confidence in his integri- ty, and his ability to accomplish what he promises in a case of stammering. Yours very respectfully, John M. Adler. 1028 Arch Street. From Philip S. P. Conner, Esq. Philadelphia, January 21, 1887. Mr. Geo. A Co trier : My Dear Sir—It gives me pleasure to answer your let- ter of yesterday, since I have nothing but praise for Mr. Johnston and his method of curing stammering, and this is based not upon hearsay, but on actual results and facts familiar to me for over two years. In that time, both my son and a cousin of his have been cured of stammering by Mr. Johnston. Both cases were so bad that it was dis- tressing to hear their efforts at speech. Three weeks practice with Mr. Johnston removed the difficulty of ar- ticulation it has not returned. Provided the subject will do his part, I believe Mr. Johnston can cure any case of stuttering or stammeiing that is curable. The Mr. John- ston, to whom I have reference, is Edwin S- Johnston, of 11th and Spring Garden Streets, in this city. I remain, Aery truly yours. Philip S. P. Conner, y 126 S. 18th Street. Mr. Edwin S. Johnston : Dear Sir—You see what I have written to Mr Courier. Make what use you please of it. I shall always be glad to answer such letters as Mr. Courier's, for in doing so I feel that I am, in some degree at least, aiding you in your good work of curing stammering. Truly yours, P. S. P Conner. 22 From Peter B. Simons, Esq. San Francisco, Cal., May 7, 1887. Prof. Edwin S. Johnston : Dear Sir—It affords me great.pleasure to bear my tes- timony to the wonderful cures you have accomplished in the unfortunate defect of stammering, and none more so than in your own individual case. I well remember when it was painful to* see or hear you speak, and to me it seems almost incredible that such a change could be ef- fected, and the very fact that it is so, gives the fullest as- surance of your ability to relieve others, and I rejoice that you have devoted your life to this laudable and benevo- lent work, in which, I trust and fully believe, you will be greatly successful in restoring those afflicted. Yours truly, Peter B. Simons, 220 Sutter Street. From Samuel Devine, Jr. In response to your request for a testimonial, I would say until January, 1884, I was a very bad stammerer. I had attended other institutes for the cure of stammering, and on account of my repeated failures I was much dis- couraged. The prospect of a cure in my case did not seem favorable. Through the earnest recommendation of Henry W. Halliwell, Secretary of the Philadelphia Board of Public Education, I was induced to try your method, although I had doubts as to the results. At the end of four weeks I was entirely rid of my burden. The results were all the more wonderful, as the malady was hereditary in our family. George W. Childs, proprietor Philadelphia Public Ledger, and John Wanamaker, City Hall Square, Phila., saw me before and after treatment and were astonished at my speedy cure. I have been cured four years, and there has been no indication of a relapse into the old habit. Your efforts for the relief of stammerers deserve great praise, and you have my hearty and sincere wishes for a continuance of success. Sam'l Devine, Jr., 1224 South 19th Street. 23 From Aug. O. Bournonville, M. D. Philadelphia, June 11, 1887. I have known, for the past 27 years, as an inveterate stammerer, Mr. Edwin S. Johnston, who has paid special attention to the cure of stammering, having first of all cured himself. I have examined his system of education and would most cheerfully recommend him. Aug. C. Bournonville, 516 North Sixth Street. From Harrison Allen, M. D. Professor Physiology, University of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia, June 17, 1887. Mr. Edwin S. Johnston : Dear Sir—I take pleasure in stating that I am ac- quainted with the method employed by you for the relief of stammering and that, in my judgment, it is the correct one. I have knowledge of aggravated cases which have been entirely cured by you. With wishes for continued success, I remain Yours truly, Harrison Allen. From Ed-win T. Ooxe, Esq. Germantown, Pa., July 6, 1887. My experience with Mr. Edwin S. Johnston covers a period of upwards of 30 years. During the greater part of that time Mr. Johnston was painfully afflicted with the impediment in speech known as stammering. This impedi- ment was so serious that it was with the greatest difficulty he could take part in a conversation. I have, within the past three years, met Mr. Johnston many times, and I observe that the stuttering has entirely disappeared and his articulation is very fluent. This result was attained by a method of cure adopted by him for his own case and has been a complete success. Mr. Johnston has since adopted and applied with great skill and success the same methods for the relief of others similarly afflicted. Mr. Johnston can be commended for thorough honesty and integritv. Edwin T. Coxe. Wayne Street and Walnut Lane. 24 From James G-. "Wells, Esq. Philadelphia, July Is. lss7. I have known Mr. Edwin S. Johnston about 15 years, and until the last three or four years he was afflicted with impediment of speech tb such an extent that I have known him to withdraw from assemblages of ladies and gentle- men because of his inability to give utterance to his thoughts. By a method of his own discovery he has re- lieved himself entirely of the impediment, and now is able to speak as fluently as any one could desire. He is now engaged in relieving others similarly afflicted. My place of business being in close proximity to Mr. Johnston's Stammering Institute, I have had an opportunity to wit- ness the many cures effected by him. The worst stam- merer I ever saw, was cured by Mr. Johnston. He made all manner of contortions in his efforts to speak that were painful to witness. I remarked to Mr. Johnston before this patient commenced treatment that if he cured him, I certainly would become a convert to his methods. I saw him about five weeks afterwards and he conversed fluently and with ease. I cheerfully com- mend Mr. Johnston to all persons similarly afflicted. James G. Wells, Ninth and Spring Garden Sts. From John Wanamaker, Esq. Philadelphia, July 19, 18S7. Mr. Edwin S. Johnston : Dear Sir—In reply to your letter, I will be very glad to give you the testimonial asked jfor. I never saw worse stammerers than some of those you brought to me, and the cure that was wrought upon them was very rapid and truly wonderful. I am willing to say this in writing, or tell it to any one who may call upon me. Yours truly, John Wanamaker, Chestnut, Thirteenth and Market Sts. 25 From David Shaw, Esq. Pat'erson, N. J., August 11, ISS7. Dear Sir—In reply to your letter I would state : I was a sufferer from stammering from five years of age. I was 19 when I went to Prof. Johnston. I was about six weeks under his treatment. I have been nine months at home and have not stammered once in all that time, and do not believe 1 ever will. I consider myself permanently cured. I would unhesitatingly advise you, if a stammer- er, to put yourself under Mr. Johnston for treatment. If you go to Philadelphia oblige me by writing after you have been about a week there, giving particulars of the progress made. Respectfully yours. David Shaw, 13 Beech Street. From Rev. Thomas X. Orr, Pastor Second Presbyterian Church. Peoria, 111., Sep. 13, 1SS7. I knew Edwin S. Johnston intimately prior to the Au- tumn of 1883. Since that time 1 had not met him until a few days ago. I had always known him as a stammerer so seriously affected that scarcely a sentence passed his lips without more or less hesitation. I cannot express my surprise and gratification upon meeting him to be greeted in clear, easy, distinct flowing utterance, without a single trace of his former infirmity. If he has the power to communicate his secret' to others, I am sure everyone whose speech is impaired will feel rejoiced to know there is a sure remedy. Thomas X. Orr. From Hugh M. Irvin, Esq., Curwensville, Pa. October 1, ISS7. Mr. E. S. Johnston : Dear Si)—I take great pleasure in recommending your treatment for the cure of stammering. I had been a very bad stammerer, but through your method I was entirely cured of my impediment three years ago. Hugh M. Irwin. 26 From David Faust, Esq., President of the Union National Bank. Philadelphia, October 5, 1887. To whom it may concern : I have known Edwin S. Johnston for more than 20 years. He was, up to late years, one of the most severe cases of stammering I ever knew. He, several years ago, cured himself completely, and now converses freely and rapidly without any of his former difficulties of stammer- ing. I consider him in every way reliable. Respectfully yours, etc., D. Faust, 1506 North 16th Street. I endorse the above letter. Jno. B. Peddle, 423 Walnut Street. From Thomas Cochran, Esq., President Guarantee Trust and Safe Deposit Company, 316, 318 and 320 Chestnut Street. Philadelphia, October 10, 1887. Mr. Edwin S. Johnston : Dear Sir -I have known you for more than twenty-five years, and for many years your stammering speech was so remarkable that it was often painful to hear. I am glad to find, from recent conversations with you, that you have permanently cured yourself, and no person would know that you had ever been afflicted with an impediment in your speech. I have no doubt as to the excellency of your method. Yours truly, Thomas Cochran. From Furman Sheppard, Esq., Ex-District Attorney. Philadelphia, October 20, 1887. Having known Mr. E. S. Johnston personally for several years, 1 can heartily endorse the above. When I first be- came acquainted with him he stammered very badly, but he is now entirely relieved of all trouble of that sort, and I have seen cases in which his system has been equally beneficial. Furman Sheppard. 27 From Jesse W. English, Esq. Clayton, N. J., October 18, 1887. Prop. Edwin S. Johnston : My Dear Sir—It is with much gratitude that I give you this testimonial, for the wonderful change you have wrought in me. For more than twenty years I was a stammerer, and a very severe case was mine. About eight years ago, strange as it may seem, the malady grew more and more aggravated, and so much so that for a few months previous to my going under your treatment I be- gan to fear that I would not be able to talk at all. Having formed the habit so 3'oung, and stammering for so many years, it had become a second nature, and at times it was impossible for me to utter a word. So, in July last, I went under your treatment and was with you but three weeks. Having acquired the habit of talking naturally, returned to my home, feeling as if my whole nature had been changed. My friends talked with me with amaze- ment as if some great miracle had been performed. Know- ing myformerdifficultyand nowhearing me talk as they do, certainly surprised them. And I do truthfully state that the past three months have been the most enjoyable of all my former life, for now I can talk without stammering, - and feel as though life had some charms. As none but those afflicted know how embarrassing and great a malady it is, and I would that every stammerer would go under your treatment for I believe and know if they would, and follow out your method and be persistent in their effort, success will be theirs. Not only has my stammering been cured, but my physical health has improved, and the exercises proved to be very beneficial. Many say, will the cure be permanent ? My answer is simply this : I can and do talk to-day. Can I not talk one week, one month, or one year from now? Surely I can ; I now know how, and if I do not, it is my own fault; and I find that the new habit of talking right and naturally is be- coming more established each day. Professor, you have my sincere wishes in your good work, and I am thankful to God that He made it possible for you to cure your own case, and that you are now able and do cure others, ana I trust that you may be blessed with many years as a bene- factor to afflicted stammerers. Sincerely yours, Jesse W. English. 223 Walnut Street. 29 From Josiah W. Leeds. A number of years ago—18 to 20—1 frequently met Edwin S. Johnston upon matters of business, which could not be disposed of with expedition on account of his habit of stammering, he being afflicted in that manner more severely that any one I had known. I was greatly sur- prised upon receiving a visit from him to-day, to observe that he spoke with entire smoothness, having evidently al- together overcome the habit. Josiah W. Leeds. 522 Walnut Street. Phila., Tenth month 21st, 1887. From Gen. H. G. Sickel, Late U. S. Pension Agent, Philadelphia, October 21, 1887. Edwin S.Johnston. Esq. : My Dear Sir -Being personally acquainted with you for more than twenty years, I desire to add my testimony, "derived from personal knowledge." to the remarkable cure of stammering wrought in your own case by a system entirely original with yourself. My first acquaintance with you dates from a time when I knew you to be a great sufferer from that unfortunate malady, and though I have met you frequently and have continued my personal ac- quaintance with you since, it was with much difficulty that I could recognize in the easy flow of language the voice of my old afflicted friend. You had been transferred from one, whose conversation was painful to listen to, to one whose speech was clear and pronunciation perfect. That your efforts may be successful in the treatment of others afflicted with the same malady, is my sincere hope and belief, and I cheerfully recommend your system to all who may be similarly afflicted. Yery truly yours. H. G. Sickel, 720 Walnut Street. 30 From D. F. Woods, M. D. Philadelphia, October 22, 1887. Dear Mr. Johnston : I heartily congratulate you that in discovering a method to cure yourself of stammering, you can be of such great benefit to mankind similarly afflicted. I knew you when so great a stammerer that it was painful to look you in the face when you attempted to speak. I know of some of the cures you have made which are very surpris- ing, and I have heard of a great many others. Yours truly, D. F. Woods, N. W. cor. 15th and Spruce Sts. From Mr. G. J. Heppe, Esq. Philadelphia, October 24, 1887. Mr. E. S. Johnston : My Dear Sir—It is with much pleasure I give my testi- mony relative to your own case of stammering. I have known you for about fifteen years to be one of the worst stammerers I have ever seen. You can now speak with ease and freedom. I congratulate you upon your recovery from defective speech and trust you may confer this boon upon many others afflicted as you were. Yours truly, C. J. Heppe. 1117 Chestnut Street. From Watson Cornell, Esq Principal of the Nichols Grammar School. Philadelphia, Pa., Oct. 25th, 1887. Edwin S. Johnston, Esq. : Dear Sir—A few days ago I had the pleasure of meet- ing Mr. Samuel Devine, the young man whom some four years ago you took from our school, and in a few weeks cured of stammering. Mr. Devine now converses freely and without hesita- tion. I believe his cure to be perfect and permanent. Yours respectfully, Watson Cornell. 31 From Prof John G. R. McElroy, Prof, of Rhetoric and English Language, University of Pennsylvania. October 27, 1887. A number of very bad cases of defective speech, cured by Mr. Edwin S. Johnston, have come under my notice, one of them daily for five weeks while the cure was being effected. In the last case of which I write, I have at this date personal knowledge that the cure remains per- manent, after the lapse of about two years. My attention was first drawn to the good work Mr. Johnston is doing, by statements in the Public Ledger, statements made on Mr. Geo. W. Child's personal know- ledge of him and his cures. Besides, personal acquaint- ances of my own had known Mr. Johnston when he had hardly been able to speak three words consecutively so as to be understood. I am convinced that Mr. Johnston can cure any case of stammering, even the worst, pro- vided there is no organic defect in the vocal organs. Jno. G. R. McElroy. From E. B. Shapleigh, M. D. Philadelphia, Oct. 29th, 1887. Edwin S. Johnston, Esq. : Dear Sir—If any testimonial or recommendation from me, who have known you so long and so well, will be of any assistance to you I gladly give it, for I feel the strong- est sympathy for any one who suffers as you did, and I wish all to know that a cure is possible. The fact that you have cured yourself proves that the same treatment will cure others, for it would be hard to find a more distressing case than yours, and the cure has been perfect, you stammer no longer ; moreover, I have seen the progress some of your pupils have made. I wish you every possible success, and shall recommend all stammerers to you unhesitatingly. Yours very truty, E. B. Shapleigh, 658 North Eighth St. 32 From J. Berens, M. D. Philadelphia, Nov. 1st, 1887. Mr. E. S. Johnston : Dear Sir—One of my patients, from early boyhood a confirmed stammerer, submitted himself last August a year ago, 1886. to your treatment, he then being four- teen years of age. In five weeks I found that he had entirely overcome his trouble, and conversed fluently and without hesitation. Up to this date he shows no signs of a relapse. For the benefit of others I authorize you to make use of this testimony. Yours, Joseph Berens, S. W. Cor. Broad and Green Streets. From A. G. B. Hinkle, M. D. Philadelphia, Nov. 5th, 1887. Mr. Edwin S. Johnston: Dear Sit—It is with pleasure that I can say that I have had the privilege of your acquaintance for a num- ber of years, and have no hesitation in saying that you were one of the worst stammerers with whom I came in contact. That you should have entirely cured yourself, as you have done, of such habit or misfortune is truly wonderful and remarkable. I have seen quite a number of cases that were very bad ones entirely cured by your efforts and skill, and am happy to say that I have not seen one failure. Wishing you continued success in your noble effort, I remain, Yery truly, A. G. B. Hinkle. 1300 Spring Garden Street. 33 From Ed-ward Partridge, Esq. In my business relations with Mr. E. S. Johnston. I found his stammering a source of much annoyance. At times he could express himself only with the most painful difficulty. During a sojourn in the Adirondack Moun- tains, my son tells me, on one occasion, Mr. Johnston was utterly unable to articulate, and his efforts to do so only increased his discomfiture. I have been thrown in contact with Mr. Johnston fre- quently, and in my conversation with him, I notice he talks rapidly, without any of the contortions of face and body, which were to himself and others so distressing. I take pleasure in commending Mr. Johnston to all afflicted stammerers. Edward Partridge. 15 N. 8th Street. From Charles Evans, Esq., Atlantic City, N. J. November 15th, 1887. To Prof. Edwin S. Johnston: I am very glad to give my testimony as to your own cure of stammering, and have also seen a number of your pupils in the various stages of advancement, many after being cured. I think the results effected by you are truly wonderful, and you are doing a good work. That you can cure any case, provided conditions are favorable, is beyond question to my mind. With earnest wishes for your success, Am yours very truly, Charles Evans, Seaside House, Atlantic City, N. J. 34 From Thomas K. Reed, M. D. Mr. Edwin S. Johnston : Has heeded the injunction, "Physician, heal thyself." I knew him when he was an inveterate stammerer, but he is now entirely free from any defect of speech. His method of instruction is founded upon strictly physiological principles, and is both scientific and suc- cessful. It affords me pleasure to commend him as a gentleman of integrity, candor and ability, and as one who possesses every qualification necessary to his profession in a high degree. Thos. K. Reed, M. D., Atlantic City, N. J., Nov. 16th, 1887. From Wm. B. Rogers, Esq. Vice-President and Treasurer Western Saving Fund Society, 10th and Walnut Streets. Philadelphia, Nov. 21st, 1887. Yours of 17th inst. in regard to the character, profes- sional and otherwise, of Mr. Edwin S. Johnston is at hand. I have known Mr Johnston in a business way for a good many years, and esteem him as a truthful and con- scientious man. When I first knew him he was troubled with stammering to a most painful degree. He has suc- ceeded in curing himself, and since then has practiced the same method upon other persons. I believe he is generally successful. In my opinion, any one troubled with stammering, who can afford the time and money, to give Dr. Johnston's method a trial, would make a mistake not to do so. Yours truly, William B. Rogers. 35 From Mrs. Emilie V. Gramm. Germantown, Pa., Nov. 28, 1887. Dear Sir—Your letter received, concerning Mr. Edw. S. Johnston, who. I can safely say, has cured my son, Emil, of stammering. He was very bad, and attended Mr. J. s Institute for six weeks, and is now able to at- tend school regularly. I shall never regret the money expended for so good a purpose. He has made many wonderful cures, of which no doubt he has already informed you, and as the parties usually dine at Mr. J.'s, and often board at his home, I have come in contact with many of his pupils, in whom I take much interest, since my own child has been cured, and know what a comfort and happiness he has thereby de- rived. I had been induced to consult Mr. Johnston through a friend of mine, whose 16 year old son was also a great stammerer, and was cured in July, 1884. My child being younger, he wras more liable to forget, and was somewhat careless. Should be most happy to give you any further informa- tion if required. Yours respectfully, Emilie V. Gramm. East Washington Lane. From S. S. Miller, Esq. Of the firm of Hood, Bonbright & Co., 11th and Market Streets. Philadelphia. January 4th, 1888. I can recommend Mr. E. S. Johnston as a curer of stammering, from a personal knowledge of his own cure. I could not express the degree of his infirmity; in order to have any understanding of it, one would have to witness it. He deserves great credit for having cured himself. I am convinced it was done only after long study and hard work. Nothing but the most persistent effort could have accomplished such results. S. S. Miller. From Rev. John S. Sands, D. D. Pastor of the Arch Street Presbyterian Church. Philadelphia, Jan. 5th, 1SSS. I first met Mr. Edwin S. Johnston seven years ago. He was then such a stammerer that it was painfully unpleas- ant to converse with him. Since that time he has suc- ceeded in working a marvelous cure, not only upon him- • self, so that he can talk with great ease and fluency, but also upon many others who were wretched stammerers. In the interest of all such sufferers I cordially commend Mr. Johnston as a gentleman whom I believe to be worthy of confidence. John J. Sands. I concur in the above. B. Thackara, 1300 Chestnut St. From Rev. R. D. Harper, D. D. Pastor of North Broad Street Presbyterian Church. Philadelphia, Jan. 5th, 1888. In the interests of humanity it affords me pleasure to bear testimony to the ability of Mr. Edwin S. Johnston in his profession. He is a reliable gentleman, and merits the confidence of the community. R. D. Harper. 1323 Spring Garden St. From the "Philadelphia Inquirer." Chestnut and Tenth Streets. W. W. Harding, Publisher. Philadelphia. January 6th, J 8S8. Edwin S. Johnston, Esq.: Dear Sir—From a personal investigation of many cases of stammering placed under your care, I am convinced that the system adopted by you is a most successful one. Young men whose stuttering seemed incurable, have, after a month's instruction been able to converse distinctly, with out hesitation. Not only has the ability to speak been ob- tained, but also a permanent cure effected. Wishing you continued success, lam, Yours truly, W. W. Harding. 37 From Moses P. Handy, Esq. Editorial Rooms, World Building, Park Row, New York. January 7th, 1888. I take pleasure in saying that I know of at least two very bad stammerers who were cured by your treatment. T remember, in particular, the case of young Shelby. When I first saw him he could hardly put two words together, and who, when I last saw "him, was quite a fluent talker. You are welcome to use this testimonial as you may think best. Yery truly yours, Moses P. Handy. From S. M. Wanamaker, Esq. Philadelphia, January 11th, 1888. I take pleasure in commending Mr. E. S. Johnston to all afflicted stammerers. I have known him for a number of years. By the most indomitable perseverance he has succeeded in entirely curing himself of a most distressing type of stammering. I have also seen a number of his patients before and after cured. He effects cures of bad cases of stammering in a marvelously short time. His cures are so thorough one cannot detect any trace of the infirmity. Any one afflicted with impediment of speech would do well to give his system a trial. S. M. Wanamaker. 818 and 820 Chestnut St. From Rev. J. L. Withrow, D. D. Pastor Third Presbyterian Church, Chicago, 111. January 11th, 1888. When I was well acquainted with Mr. Edwin S. John- ston, during my pastorate of the Arch Street Church, Philadelphia, of which he was a member, he was one of the most afflicted with the infirmity of stammering that I have ever known. Until to-day I had not seen Mr. Johnston for about 15 years. I was much pleased to see the wonderful change wrought in him. He could speak without any effort whatever, and seemed entirely trans- formed. I believe Mr. Johnston to be reliable in all his statements and transactions. J. L. Withrow. 38 From John F. Saddington, Esq. Contractor and Builder, Brooklyn, N. Y. January 12th, 1888. I have been acquainted with Mr. E. S. Johnston, of Philadelphia, for 15 years. Our business relations brought us in contact frequently, and I could not fail to notice nis distressing impediment of speech. He was the worst stammerer I ever saw. He cured himself so thoroughly that there is no trace of his infirmity. Even the contor- tions of face and body have entirely disappeared. That he could effect such results is simply marvelous, and I feel no hesitation in saying I believe his method would cure any curable case. Mr. Johnston is reliable and will do all he promises. jOHn F. Saddington. 462 Willoughby Ave. From Rev. Enoch Stubbs Parsonage of Thirteenth Street M. E. Church. Philadelphia, Jan. 16th, 1888. It gives me great pleasure to testify to the thoroughly reliable and gentlemanly character of Mr. Edwin S. Johnston, whom I have known for ten years. Formerly greatly afflicted with stammering, he is now perfectly cured, by methods which he seeks to apply to those who may become his patrons. We not only wish but expect for him the largest success. Most respectfully, Enoch Stubbs, Pastor of 13th St. Church, Phila. From F. Gutekunst, Esq Imperial Photograph Galleries, 712 Arch Street. Philadelphia, January 17th, 1888. I have known Mr. E. S. Johnston for a number of years, and knew of his defect of speech. He has cured himself by certain methods, and he has now organized a school for the treatment of similar cases, and from what I have seen of the patients under his charge, the change for the better has been remarkable. His treatment is well worth a trial. Respectfully, F. Gutekunst. 39 From H. W. Halliwell, Esq. Secretary of the Board of Public Education, 713 Filbert Street. Philadelphia, January 24th, 1888. Dear Mr. Johnston: I am only too glad to speak of the wonderful success of your method of improving the speech of yourself and of others, who have come under my immediate notice. I think, when I first met you, you were one of the most un- fortunate sufferers from imperfect speech that I ever saw. To hear you speak was but to pity and sympathize with you in your distressing efforts to communicate your thoughts to others. At times your facial contortions were so agonizing to behold that I almost dreaded conversation with you. I remember the first time I saw you after you had per- fected the cure which no one else had been able to accom- plish. That you must have exhausted the skill of others seemed certain, as you were not the kind of man to leave remedies and methods untried and quietly submit to a life- long affliction. The labor, struggle and cure were your own. I was astonished at the marvelous change in your speech, and I take pleasure in telling you that you are one of the quickest and most fluent speakers I know. Your enunciation is better than that of ninty-nine men out of a hundred, acquired, no doubt, in your desperate efforts to throw off the thraldom of years. When I learned that you had reduced your method of cure to a system, I sent a young man to you who had from birth been a most unfortunate stutterer and stammerer. This with him seemed hereditary, as his father was even worse than he. The young man's cure is perfect, and no one appreciates it more than the unfortunate father, who thinks himself too old and too busy to have you under- take a cure in his case, but who is keenly alive to the dis- advantage under which he has always labored. I have been witness to other cures, just as wonderful, that you have made, and I heartily compliment you on your success. Your efforts in relieving imperfect speech with all its attendant suffering, deserve high praise, and I shall ever take the greatest pleasure in recommending your system. Very respectfully, H. W. Halliwell. 40 From Joseph H. Thornley, Esq. January 30th. 1888. I have been personally acquainted with Mr. E. S. Johnston for a number of years. He was an object of much compassion and sympathy on account of his dis- tressing malady, stammering. He stammered so badly it seemed incurable. But he succeeded in entirely curing himself, and can now speak with perfect distinctness and ease. There is nothing to indicate his former trouble. I can recommend Mr. Johnston as a man of integrity, and believe he can do all he claims. Joseph H. Thornley, Ocean Grove, N. J. Formerly of Eighth & Spring Garden Sts., Phila. From James J. Levick, M. D. Philadelphia. February 2, 1888. ^ When I first knew Mr. Edwin S. Johnston, of 1033 Spring Garden Street, he suffered greatly from an impedi- ment in his speech, stammering so greatly that it was at times difficult to understand him. This was some years since. He appears now to be entirely well in this respect, He has, for five years past, been engaged in remedying this defect in others with great success. James J. Levick. M, D., 1200 Arch Street. From John H. Graham, Esq. Of Graham, Emlen & Passmore, 631 Market Street, and 622 Commerce Street Philadelphia, February 17, 1888. I have been personally acquainted with Mr. E. S. John- ston for a number of years, have lived in his vicinity, and his reputation is unimpeachable. Mr. Johnston was an object of much sympathy on account of the distressing im- pediment in his speech. He stammered at times so badly it was very painful to look at him. He has succeeded in so entirely curing himself, no one, even the closest observer. could detect any vestige of the old habit. No one need despair, for failure is impossible if one yields himself en- tire to Mr. Johnston's method and follows his instructions. I can say this, not only from knowledge of the wonderful re- sults in his own case, but have witnessed many of his cures. Mr. Johnston is in every respect reliable, and worthy of confidence. Any one afflicted with an impediment in his speech, would do well to give his method a trial. John H. Graham. 41 From Clifford Lewis, Esq. Treasurer Mutual Assurance Company. Philadelphia, February 25, 1888. Dear Sir—It gives me great pleasure to add my testi- monial to the efficiency and thoroughness of your treat- ment in cases of stammering, and to the almost miracu- lous cures effected thereby. In the case of my son, Mr. David Lewis, Jr., the cure has been complete, and has entirely averted what threat- ened to be a serious disadvantage to him through life. Yery respectfully yours, • Clifford Lewis, 526 Walnut Street. From Henry Steck, Esq. Chairman of the American Light and Heat Co., Limited, No. 631 Chestnut Street. Philadelphia, March 1, 1888. Prof E. S. Johnston : Dear Sir—I take extreme pleasure in testifying to the thorough and permanent cure of my son's impediment of speech, performed by you. He had been a bad stammerer for years, and experi- enced considerable difficulty in expressing himself, but now he can speak and read as fluently as any one. His physical development, whileunder your treatment, was just as remarkable. His chest largely expanded, and his vocal organs improved ; he also gained greatly in strength, as his physique well attests. He has been cured 18 months, and there is not the slightest trace of his former impedi- ment. Yery gratefully yours. Henry Steck. 42 From David Shaw, Esq. . Patterson, N. J., March 10, 1888. Prof. E. S. Johnston : Dear Sir—It is with pleasure I testify to my cure of stammering under your guidance. I was a very difficult subject, and at times could not speak without the great- est difficulty. I was obliged to separate myself from all society, on account of my infirmity. I am now happy to state, after 15 months' trial, I can speak and read with as much ease and fluency as when I left the Institute. I have not stammered once all that time. My cure was ef- fected in' 6 weeks, and this seems a very shor,t time in which to cure a habit of 14 years' standing. I most emphatically endorse your method. Wishing you as much success with others as you met with in my own case. Yours very truly, David Shaw. 13 Beech Street. From R. Oelbermann, Esq. Winter Park, Florida, March 17, 1888. Mr. E. S. Johnston : Dear Sir —With pleasure I testify to the efficacy of your treatment for the cure of stammering. In the case of my son, who was under your charge three years ago, it has been a permanent success. I heartily advise all suf- fering from this trouble to see you at once. Truly yours, R. Oelbermann. 115 N. 16th Street, Phila. 43 From John M. Sayford, Esq. Harrisburg, April 5, 1888. Prof. Edwin S. Johnston : Dear Sir—You have rendered my son Raphael so great a service, I feel myself under personal obligation, and desire in this way to acknowledge it. The boy seems to be entirely cured of the painful infirmity which, before you took his case in hand, threatened to be a lifelong em- barrassment and hindrance to him, and a source of anxiety and trial to his friends. Now he speaks as readily and with as little apparent difficulty as most people. Quite gratifying, too, is it to observe the improvement in his physical tone. He has, from early childhood, been some- what weak in body, a fact which was, perhaps, involved with his vocal difficulty. When he left home he was narrow-chested and inclined to stoop; now he is erect and has a notable fulness and expansion of the chest. I feel assured he is on the road to better health and larger accomplishments in life than would have been possible to him without the training you have given him. You are at liberty to use this testimonial as you may wish ; it is most cheerfully given. With many wishes for your con- tinued and increasing success in the work of relieving your suffering fellowmen. Yours respectfully, JOHN M. SAYFORD, Harrisburg Nat. Bank, Pa. W. W. Wallace, Manager of the Philadelphia Presby- terian endorses the above. From Joseph S. Geisinger, Esq. Lebanon, Pa., April 13th, 1888. Dear Sir—Yours of the 7th inst. was duly received and contents fully noted. In reply will say I was afflicted with stammering for nearly 30 years, and at some times very bad. I went under Mr. Johnston's treatment on Decem- ber 15th, 1884, and was under his treatment one month, and am glad to say that I was cured of stammering. I am perfectly satisfied, as I can go among strangers and talk all right, which I could not do before. And I cheer- fully recommend Mr. Johnston's method for the permanent cure of stammering and stuttering to any similarly afflicted. Y'ours very respectfully, Joseph S. Geisinger. 44 From Mrs. M. Keely. Camden, X. J., May 14, 1888. Prof. E. S. Johnston : Dear Sit—I desire to thank you for what you have done for my daughter Laura. On account of the painful im- pediment in her speech, she was in a very nervous condi- tion. I took her to Prof. H. C. Wood, at the University of Pennsylvania, who examined her in the presence of his clinic, and advised me to bring my daughter to you. At the expiration of two weeks she was able to speak quite naturally without the slightest hesitation. Now, after six weeks' treatment, she is entirely cured. I am convinced that she will never stammer again. She was taken before Mr. Geo. W. Childs and a number of other prominent citizens and clergymen before and after treat- ment. Dr. Wood has also seen her since cured, and all pronounce the cure a most wonderful one. I cannot tell you how grateful I feel for your kindness to Laura. Mothers need have no hesitation in placing their children with you. Laura has been very happy under your care, and every year we will appreciate more the great gift of free speech which you have bestowed upon her, with every wish for your success. Yours sincerely, Mrs. M. Keely, 51 State Street. From John G. R. McElroy, Professor of Rhetoric and English Literature, University of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia, May 5, 1888. Prof. E. S. Johnston : My Dear Sir — Your pupil, Laura F Keely, who has just called on me, first came to see me about six weeks ago. Then she could neither talk nor read without the greatest difficulty. To-day she speaks and reads as naturally, and with as little impediment, as the most fluent speaker. So far as I can judge, too, the cure is permanent. Yery truly yours. John C. R. McElroy, 115 S. 20th Street. 45 I have cognizance of the foregoing case, and concur in the statements of the good achieved by Mr. Johnston. H. C. Wood, (Professor Materia Medica and Disease of Nervous Sys- tem, University of Pennsylvania.) From Lewis H. Adler, M. D., and Hamilton Disston. Philadelphia, Mav 9, 1888. Prof. E. S. Johnston : _ My Dear Sir—Laura F. Keely, whom I have known since childhood, has been one of the worst cases of stam- mering I have ever seen. She has recently paid me a visit, and to my surprise I find her speech perfect, I have every reason to believe you have made a permanent cure. Truly, L. H. Adler, M. D., 41 N. Twelfth Street. Hamilton Disston, Of the firm of Henry Disston & Sons, Keystone Saw, Tool, Steel and File Works, N. Front St., Cor. Laurel, and Tacony, Philadelphia. From Rev. John S. Sands, D D., Rev. Enoch Stubbs and Rev. R. D. Harper, D. D. Philadelphia, April 21, 1888. Prof. E. S. Johnston : Dear Sb—I must confess my astonishment and pleasure at the cure which you have wrought in the case of Laura Keely. When I saw her and conversed with her, about four weeks ago, I thought I had never come across a worse case of stammering, and yet here she is, after a month's treatment, talking naturally and easily, with comfort to herself and to those who listen. I am surprised and gratified. Wishing you success in your good work, I am Yours, &c., John S. Sands. We endorse the above letter. We were witnesses of her case. The cure was a most remarkable one. Enoch Stubbs, R. D. Harper. OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. The Philadelphia Public Ledger Editorial. January 12, 1884. "Among the interesting correspondence in to-day's Ledger is a letter from a well-known business man, telling how, and in what a marvelously short time he cured him- self of stammering. We can vouch for the truth of the statement, being well acquainted with all the circumstances. Down to the 12th of November it was a painful matter, because of stammering, for Mr. Johnston to engage in discussion, even about business matters. The change in his case from painful stuttering to perfect ease and fluency of speech inside of a few weeks is wonderful. Logically it should be expected to produce similarly good results in others. Mr. Johnston is like a transformed man. As to this we write from actual knowledge.'' The Philadelphia Record Editorial. September 15, 1884. THE DUMB TO SPEAK. Remarkable Cure of a Philadelphia lad. Professor Wood, of the University of Pennsylvania, recently had occasion to examine a lad of this city, who stammered so badly that he was virtually dumb. His attempts to talk were so painful that he had been thrown into a state of extreme nervous debility. Dr. Wood de- clared that, in his opinion, it would be impossible to effect a cure because of an organic defect, but recommended him to Mr. E. S. Johnston, of N. E. Cor. of 11th and Spring Garden Streets, this city, whose singular cure of 47 his own case some time ago attracted attention. The lad, who is 11 years old, but very bright and intelligent, was taken to Mr. Johnston, and has been under his tuition for about three weeks. Two days ago he was taken back to Professor Wood, who was so astonished to hear the boy talk with ease that he doubted at first whether it was the same person he had seen before. There was scarcely any impediment whatever, and he was so much interested in the case that he asked permission to exhibit him to his classes at the University. Yesterday afternoon the lad was presented to the full medical class at the University by Professor Wood, who pronounced the case a very extraordinary cure of chorea. The boy's performance and Mr. Johnston's remarks, after Professor Wood's address, were greeted with applause by the class, and the Professor at the close highly compli- mented Mr. Johnston both for his success in the case and his kindness of heart in taking such good care of a patient who could bring him no profit. The Philadelphia Evening Star. April 3, 1885, Mr. E. S. Johnston, who first cured himself of stam- mering, has fitted up elegantly, at 11th and Spring Gar- den Streets, a suite of rooms where, by the same rules that were effectual in his own case, he effects most re- markable cures of stammering in others. Those afflicted should call and see him. His references and testimonials are of the most convincing character. The New York Christian at "Work. April 23, 1885. THE STAMMERING TONGUE UNLOOSED. Stammering may seem to the casual observer to be one of the petty evils of life, but to those who have to stam- mer in their own speech or to listen to stammering in the speech of others, it appears in all its reality, a terri- ble infirmity. Happily there are comparatively few of the human race who are afflicted with this infirmity ; but those who are thus afflicted esteem their affliction such a harden that thev would do almost anything to be rid of it. 48 We have heard of many cases in which cures of stam- mering were attempted and failed ; and we have heard of some which were successfully cured. And we are satisfied that many of the methods suggested for cure are not practical. But we have heard with pleasure of the success attending the efforts of Mr. E. S. Johnston, of Philadel- phia. Mr. Johnston's first success was upon himself. For years he had been a stammerer, and for years he had been studying how to cure his infirmity. At last he found a way. Having obtained complete relief, he under- took the cure of others who were similarly afflicted. In this he has met with phenomenal success, having led into the habit of fluent speaking many who were stammerers of the worst kind. Mr. Johnston is vouched for by gentlemen whose names are not generally seen in testimonials, and who have en- dorsed him because of the rare merits of his system and of the importance of having stammerers cured. Among these gentlemen are Professor Wood, of the University of Pennsylvania, and George W. Childs, proprietor of the Philadelphia Ledger. No higher evidence of ap- proval and esteem could be asked. The recent case of the lad Shelby has made quite a stir among the scientific men of Philadelphia. This lad was worse than speechless, but under Mr. Johnston's care he has now become able to speak as fluently as other boys. We cheerfully commend Mr. Johnston to those who are afflicted, assuring them of the best of treatment from a gentleman of undoubted integrity. The New York Weekly Tribune. December 16, 1885. The institute for the treatment and cure of stammering and all impediments of speech, at the N. E. Cor. 11th and Spring Garden Streets, Philadelphia, which was es- tablished by Mr. E. S. Johnston, about two years ago, has met with most remarkable success. Mr. Johnston stam- mered badly for thirty years, but has radically cured him- self and many others. He is cordially endorsed by Pro- fessors of the University of Pennsylvania, and many prominent physicians of Philadelphia, all of whom have personally witnessed the effect of Mr. Johnston's treat- ment. His cures are permanent, and we commend all thus afflicted to his care. 49 The Philadelphia Daily News. October 5, 1886. Mr. E. S. Johnston, 11th and Spring Garden Streets, is making some astonishing cures of bad cases of stam- mering. His method has attracted the attention of a great many of our leading physicians, who pronounce his work not only thorough but wonderful. The Philadelphia Evening Bulletin. November 20, 1886. There is no longer reason why mankind should perma- nently suffer from stammering or any other impediment of speech, since it has been practically demonstrated that this form of affliction readily succumbs to proper treat- ment, and may be completely overcome. The institute at the N. E. Cor. of 11th and Spring Garden Streets, established by Prof. Edwin S. Johnston, has accomplished some remarkable cures in this direction, and has met with a great measure of success. Prof. Johnston's method is essentially his own, the fruit of long, personal effort to overcome a defective articulation from which he had suffered over thirty years. His case was an unusually painful one, and he had tried every known system without the slightest success. _ Prof. John- ston's method has never failed when the conditions made a cure possible. His treatment is so simple and easy, and yet so effective, that one must admit its merits at first sight. Prof. Johnston is always glad to meet sceptics. Some of his strongest endorsers are people who were in- clined to doubt the efficacy of his method before they had witnesses its remarkable results. To the unfortunate stammerers who failed to find relief through other means, Prof. Johnston extends an especially urgent invitation to call. The number of permanent cures he has accomplished is already very large, and every day adds to the number. Resides these substantial evidences of the merits of his plan, Prof. Johnston has scores of glowing testimonials from former patients, and the en- dorsement of the medical profession, and of many promi- nent business men of Philadelphia. \TI0NAt LIBRARY OF MEDICINE 50 The Philadelphia Evening Call. December 19, 1887. STAMMERING CURED. Any defect in one's speech is an irritation ; a positive stammer in one's utterance of language is a most serious misfortune. Business men who have been thus afflicted have found it a great detriment to their interests, and in fact a stumbling block in their way. Sensitive young men and women who have been afflicted in this respect, have, through mere mortification, avoided society and led the life of recluses. A stammerer is denied the delights of free conversation, he is handicapped in his business pursuits, and the affliction often results in giving birth to a settled melancholy that is hard to enliven. But stam- mering is not an incurable disease ; that fact has been emphatically demonstrated by Professor E. S. Johnston, who has cured the worst cases of this character known to the medical profession. Professor Johnston discovered, or rather invented his particular method of instruction. Four years ago he was a stammerer of the most aggra- vated type ; his attempts at speech were utterly fruitless in intelligible results. He now talks in an easy, graceful, fluent style. He cured himself four years ago. He has established an institute in Philadelphia, N. E. Cor. 11th and Spring Garden Streets. It is the largest institution for the treatment of stammering to be found in the United States. His system of treatment admits of a privacy that is highly grateful to those afflicted with stammering. Professor Johnston's record is certainly an admirable one, and we should advise all suffering from any impediment of speech to avail themselves of his excellent treatment. 51 The Evening Bulletin, Philadelphia. March 19, 1888. RELIEF FOR STAMMERERS. What Prof. Edwin S. Johnston, of this City, Has Accomplished. The fame of Edwin S. Johnston, Esq., as a curer of stammering has grown so extensive that there is hardly a city, town or village in the United States that has not heard of him, while his wonderful cures have invited correspondence from noted physicians and scientists of Europe. Mr. W. W. Wallace thus writes in a recent issue of the Philadelphia Presbyterian: " What is more embarrassing than to stand face to face with a chronic stammerer, and watch and wait until the combined effort of his contorted features and shifting body, and gesticulating arms and lagging tongue have evolved something of a clue, however remote, as to what he wants to say. The conflict that arises between your sympathy and your sense of the ridiculous is fierce. Not for your life dare either of these emotions find expression in word, look or manner, for your ' vis-a-vis' is keenly sensitive to his infirmity. " Probably few persons have been worse afflicted in this respect than was Mr. Edwin S. Johnston, of Philadelphia, five years ago, and great was my surprise on meeting him, after an interval of a few months, to discover that he was able to converse with entire ease and fluency. In reply to my astonished inquiry, he said, ' I have cured myself, and having suffered and known all about it in its worst form I am thus practically qualified to cure others, and have adopted the cure of stammering as a profession.' In addition to his own surprising cure he has been suc- cessful in permanently curing a large number in these ensuing years. Notably, a nephew of the writer, a boy sixteen years old, whose utterance was so painfully defec- tive that a slate and pencil were prospectively his only medium of conversation. A few weeks under the care of Professor Johnston has effected a cure, the genuine nature 52 of which cannot be disputed, and the value of which can- not be over-estimated in its bearing upon the boy's future life and usefulness. All who are in anyway afflicted with this infirmity will do well to communicate with Professor Edwin S. Johnston. His institution at the N. E. Cor. 11th and Spring Garden Streets, Philadelphia, Pa., is considered the largest and most complete in its appliance of any in the United States. His testimonials from Mr. George W. Childs, Mr. John Wanamaker, Dr. Horatio C. Wood, Rev. Dr. Withrow, of Chicago, 111., and other eminent citizens are of the very highest character, and show that he enjoys the fullest confidence of men of that class." From Editorial in the April number of the Literary and Society Journal, Leisure Hours. In conversation with one of our most competent general practitioners, a few days since, a physician whose ability is second to no other in Philadelphia, he brought forward an instance of a wonderful cure, growing out of the ad- vance the past ten years in what is known as " Specialty Practice.'' It was so wonderful as to be very entertain- ing. It related to a patient of this doctor's, who was so greatly afflicted as a " stammerer," as to be a great bore to every one with whom he came in contact socially. This young man had even gone abroad to be under the care of a noted German physician ; not improving, he came back to this country, and after a few months, under the care of Prof. Edwin S. Johnston, at his private institute for the cure of stammering, at 11th and Spring Garden Streets, he entirely recovered. It was our pleasure, since hearing of the above case, to visit the aforesaid institute and ex- amine some of the strongest testimonials, and the most flattering, that any specialist could possibly expect to re- ceive. Such well-known citizens as Mr. Geo. W. Childs, Mr. John Wanamaker and Dr. Horatio C. Wood have filed letters with this institute, showing where intimate friends of each of these gentlemen have been permanently cured by Prof. Johnston. The last letter, only recently 53 received, was from Mr. Hamilton Disston, after a friend of his had been entirely cured through this systematic treatment. This friend had been for years under the attention of a very noted 12th Street physician. In conclusion, let us state that Prof. Johnston cured himself perfectly of as bad a case of stammering as ever existed. Could the public want any better teacher than the man who proves in himself the efficacy of his system ? Lippincott's Magazine Editorial. May, 1888. One of the most remarkable cures of that distressing infirmity—stammering, is that of Mr. Edwin S. Johnston, of Philadelphia, who, about five years ago, had the greatest difficulty to express himself in the simplest way, and was almost unable to prosecute ordinary business. Recovering the use of speech which had almost deserted him, Mr. Johnston has devoted himself to the assistance of others afflicted in this way, and has been successful in effecting many cures as remarkable as was his own. Prominent citizens of Philadelphia, notably, Mr. John Wanamaker, Mr. Geo. W. Childs, Dr. H. C. Wood, Mr. Hamilton Disston and many others, including the writer of this, have known of the case of Mr. Johnston, and are willing to testify to the value of the methods employed by him. Mr. Johnston will be glad, we are sure, to furnish any information desired regarding his treatment, and to give all the necessary testimonials con- cerning the effectiveness of his method. Notices of a similar character appear also in the following journals: The Philadelphia Press, Inquirer, North American, Standard of Church and Cross, Lutheran Observer, Christian Standard and Home Journal, Presbyterian Journal, Episcopal Recorder, Reformed Church Messen- ger, Christian Instructor, Christian Recorder, National Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist and Catholic Standard. 54 Also in the following papers of other States : The New York Christian Union, Christian Woman and Church Union. The New Jersey Temperance Gazette. The Baltimore Baptist, Methodist, Episcopal Methodist, Methodist Protestant and Presbyterian Observer. The originals of these letters are on file at my Institute, and may be read by any one interested in the work. It is hoped this publication will obviate to a great extent the necessity for addressing inquiries to the parties from whom these letters have been received. Any one, how- ever, desirous to make further inquiries of them, will please, in all cases, enclose a postage stamp for the return letter. The name of no pupil connected with the Institute will be made pub- lic, without express permission of the pupil, parent, or guardian. Please hand this pamphlet to a suffering friend if you have no present need for it yourself. You may thus be the means of doing