This illustration depicts Laura Bridgman sitting on S.G. Howe's lap. On the table next to them are a number of blocks with different letters of the alphabet on them and a cup and saucer. The caption reads: "Dr. Howe Teaching Laura Bridgman." Image from the Perkins Institution Annual Report, 1887. Excerpt from the same page describes Howe's instruction: "He entered upon the task of piercing a trackless forest and purveying mental pabulum to the starving mind of Laura with undaunted courage and indomitable will."
