Liddy, A Child Found and Lost: A Voice Across Time

The subject of children whose physical and psychological development takes place in the wild or in isolation has long intrigued philosophers and scientists. The term “feral” has been used to refer to such children. Reports of feral children are rare. The contents of a manuscript written in 1887, therefore, provide an interesting and important insight about feral development. It describes a child who grew up under depriving and isolating circumstances. This story of a “handicapped black child” named Liddy is beautiful and sensitive. It also conveys the hopeful spirit of the woman who tried to help this child.