That others whose knowledge of signs is lifelong hold similar opinions is shown by the following extract from _The Deaf and their Possibilities_, by Dr Gallaudet:--
"Thinking that the question may arise in the minds of some, 'Does the sign language give the deaf, when used in public addresses, all that speech affords to the hearing?' I will say that my experience and observation lead me to answer with a decided affirmative. On occasions almost without number it has been my privilege to interpret, through signs to the deaf, addresses given in speech; I have addressed hundreds of assemblages of deaf persons in the college, in schools I have visited, and elsewhere, using signs for the original expression of thought; I have seen many more lectures and public debates given originally in signs; I have seen conventions of deaf-mutes in which no word was spoken, and yet all the forms of parliamentary proceedings were observed, and the most earnest, and even excited, discussions were carried on. I have seen the ordinances of religion administered, and the full service of the Church rendered in signs; and all this with the assurance growing out of my complete understanding of the language--a knowledge which dates from my earliest childhood--that for all the purposes enumerated gestural expression is in no respect inferior, and is in many respects superior, to oral, verbal utterance as a means of communicating ideas."
The following is an analysis of the sign language given by Mr Payne of the Swansea Institution, together with his explanatory notes:--
/1. Sympathetic \ II. Gesture < 2. Representative (= Natural signs | Conventional \3. Systematic (a) Arbitrary signs > especially in (b) Grammatical signs / shortened form. III. Mimic action.
"_Observations._--People speak of 'manual signs.' Of course there are signs which are made with the hands only, as there are others which are labial, &c. But the sign language is comprehensive, and at times the whole frame is engaged in its use. A late American teacher could and did 'sign' a story to his pupils with his hands behind him. Facial expression plays an important part in the language. Sympathetic gestures are individualistic and spontaneous, and are sometimes unconsciously made. The speaker, feeling that words are inadequate, reinforces them with gesture. Arbitrary signs are, e.g., drumming with three separated fingers on the chin for 'uncle.' Grammatical signs are those which are used for inflections, parts of speech, or letters as in the manual alphabet, and some numerical signs, though other numerals may be classed as natural; also signs for sounds, and even labial signs. Signs, whether natural or arbitrary, which gain acceptance, especially if they are shortened, are 'conventional.' 'Mimic action' refers, e.g., to the sign for sawing, the side of one hand being passed to and fro over the side or back of the other.'Pantomime' means, e.g., when the signer pretends to hang up his hat and coat, roll up his sleeves, kneel on his board, guide the saw with his thumb, saw through, wipe his forehead, &c."