Sign Language Among North American Indians Compared With That Among Other Peoples And Deaf-Mutes: First Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1879-1

"Sign Language Among North American Indians Compared With That Among Other Peoples and Deaf-Mutes" by Garrick Mallery is a scientific publication likely written in the late 19th century. This work focuses on the study of sign language, particularly among Native American tribes, as well as comparing their gestures with those used by other cultures and deaf-mute communities. The text aims to compile and classify a significant body of research on this form of non-verbal communication, highlighting its complexities and its evolutionary significance. The opening of the work introduces Mallery’s dedication to the research on sign language over a two-year period, outlining the necessity of original investigation due to the lack of detailed knowledge on the subject. He emphasizes the potential richness of gesture communication among North American tribes and notes the ongoing collection of data from various contributors worldwide. Mallery seeks to clarify that his paper is a progress report rather than a complete analysis, underscoring the interconnectedness of bodily gestures and facial expressions in conveying meaning. The distinctions between emotional and intellectual gestures are discussed, serving as a precursor to more extensive discussions on the origins and utilization of sign language throughout history.