OF ARTICULATE SOUNDS. 861 



gree in accordance with the examples amidst which they are placed), are 

 certainly also dependent in part upon congenital constitution ; as we often 

 see in the case of children among ourselves, who grow up with certain pecu- 

 liarities of pronunciation, not thus derived from imitation, of which they do 

 not seem able to divest themselves. 



708. It is in want of power to combine the different muscular actions con- 

 cerned in vocalization, that the defect termed Stammering essentially con- 

 sists. Many theories regarding the nature of this impediment have been 

 proposed ; and there can be little doubt that it may be attributed to a 

 great variety of exciting causes. A disordered action of the nervous centres 

 must, however, be regarded as the proximate cause; though this may be (to 

 use the language of Dr. M. Hall) either of centric or of excentric origin, 

 that is, it may result from a morbid condition of the ganglionic centre, or 

 from an abnormal impression conveyed through its afferent nerves. When 

 of centric origin (and this is probably the most general case), the phenomena 

 of Stammering and Chorea have a close analogy to each other ; in fact, 

 stammering is frequently one of the modes in which the disordered condition 

 of the nervous system in Chorea manifests itself. It is in the pronunciation 

 of the Consonants of the explosive class, that the stammerer experiences the 

 greatest difficulty. The total interruption to the breath which they occa- 

 sion, frequently becomes quite spasmodic; 1 and the whole frame is thrown 

 into the most distressing semi-convulsive movement, until relieved by ex- 

 piration. In the pronunciation of the continuous Consonants of the first 

 class, the stammerer usually prolongs them by a spasmodic continuance of the 

 same action ; and there is in consequence, an impeded, but not a suspended 

 respiration. The same is the case with the I and r in the second class. In 

 pronouncing the m and n, on the other hand, as well as the aspirates and 

 vowels, it is sometimes observed that the stammerer prolongs the sound by 

 a full and exhausting expiration. In all these cases, then, it seems as if the 

 muscular sense resulting from each particular combination of actions, be- 

 came the stimulus to the involuntary prolongation of that state. It is possi- 

 ble that the defect may result, in some instances, from malformation of the 

 parts about the fauces, producing an abnormal stimulus of this kind in some 

 particular positions of the organ ; and such cases may be really benefited 

 by an operation for the removal of these parts. But the effect of such an 

 operation is certainly exerted in most cases through the mind of the patient; 

 the expectation of benefit from it tending to improve his command over the 

 muscles of vocalization, which Emotional excitement always impairs ; and 

 the improvement is usually proportional to the confidence which he has been 

 led to feel in the result. The slightest disturbance of the feelings is sufficient 

 in most stammerers to induce a complete perturbation of the vocal powers ; 

 the very fear that stammering will occur, particularly under circumstances 

 which render it peculiarly annoying, is often sufficient to bring it on in a 

 predisposed subject ; and the tendency to consensual imitation sometimes 

 occasions stammering, in individuals (especially children) who never show 

 the slightest tendency to it except when they witness the difficulty in others. 



709. The method proposed by Dr. Aruott for the prevention of Stammer- 

 ing, consists in the connection of all the words by a vocal intonation, in such 

 a manner that there shall never be an entire stoppage of the breath. It is 

 justly remarked by Miiller, however, that although this plan may afford 

 some benefit, it cannot do everything ; since the main impediment occurs in 



1 By Dr. Arnott this interruption is represented as taking place in the larynx: 

 thiit. such is not usually the case, the Author believes that a little attention to the 

 ordinary phenomena of voice will satisfactorily prove. 



