1918] Vibrations: IVIechanical, Musical, and Electrical 259 



alike were taken separately to test if the apparatus worked satis- 

 factorily. The other two curves, slightly different from each other, 

 show the distinction in appearance between the records of a bad tone 

 and a good one. 



In this work the assistance of Messrs. C. A. B. Garrett and 

 J. Penzer was acknowledged. In 1014 Prof. C. Y, Ptaraan, of 

 Calcutta, by experiments somewhat similar to the above, showed that 

 the forward speed of a string where it is Ijowed is identical with that 

 of the bow itself. 



YII. — Violin Yibratioxs. 



If the problems of the monochord were numerous and complicated, 

 those of the violin are still more so. For there are now four strings 

 instead of one ; further, all are different in thickness and pitch, and 

 are capable of use in sections of varying length. Again, the sound- 

 box is curved in a variety of ways. Finally, the reinforcement of 

 the belly is asymmetrical. The bass bar lies almost under the 

 fourth string, while the sound-post stands near that foot of the 

 bridge which is under the first string. In the work on the violin 

 assistance was received from Messrs. T. J. Richmond, T. F. Ebble- 

 white, and W. B. Kilby. A number of vibration curves obtained 

 for the violin were shown on the screen. Fig. 5 gives one set of 

 these, showing the vibrations of each string as indicated by the letters 

 G, D, A and E. The D string was plucked by a sharp point, the 

 other strings were bowed. The white line shows the longitudinal 

 motions of that corner of the bridge near which the first, or E, string 



YIIL— Co^'CLUSIOx. 



With respect to the sympathetic vibrations occurring in stringed 

 instruments, it is obvious that though a little has been done much 

 more remains awaiting attack. Thus, the violoncello, guitar and 

 harp might be dealt with. But specially, because of its immense 

 vogue, the pianoforte needs thorough investigation. A start Avas 

 made some time ago by Mr. G. H. Berry, and further researches are 

 now in progress in London under the joint direction of scientists 

 and piano manufacturers. 



In the past music lovers and scientists alike have been deeply 

 indebted to the makers of musical instruments, who have themselves 

 received but little help from science in return. The lecturer ex- 

 pressed the hope that science might shortly pay off part of its debt 

 to the musical craftsmen of the country and help to make the British 

 piano second to none in the world. 



[E. H. B.] 



