Section IV., 1914 [255] Trans. R.S.C. 



The Effects of Music upon the Blood-Pressure. 



By Swale Vincent, A. T. Cameron, and H. P. Armes. 



(From the Physiological Laboratory of the University of Manitoba, 

 Winnipeg.) 



(Read May 27, 1914) 



Comparatively few systematic observations have been recorded 

 upon the physiological effects of music, notwithstanding the fact that 

 in a general way such physiological effects are universally recognized. 

 The sedative or soothing effect of music is well known, and this, as we 

 shall have occasion to note more fully, is probably due to a distinct 

 action upon the circulatory system. The opposite kind of effect, 

 namely in the direction of inciting to increased bodily activity, is 

 noticeable with march, dance, and military music. 



So far as we are aware, the effects of music upon the blood pres- 

 sure have not been investigated since the modern instruments for 

 recording blood pressure in the human subject have been in regular 

 use. References to the work of Dogiel, Patrizi, Mentz, Binet and 

 Courtier, and Guibaud, are given by Jentsch (Musik und Nerven, 

 II, Wiesbaden, 1911, p. 17), and none of these appear to have used 

 the modern instruments. As the present communication is only 

 of a preliminary nature no further reference to literature will be 

 given. 



Our experiments have been carried out with a Roger's Sphyg- 

 momanometer. 



Simple tones (single notes, scales, arpeggi, etc.) as well as 

 more elaborate and artistic pieces of music have been employed as 

 stimuli. In our experiments the former have not given very 

 concordant results, and these we do not propose to deal with at present. 

 The latter have consisted of piano pieces, by various composers, 

 songs with piano accompaniment, rendered by amateur and profes- 

 sional performers, and various compositions played by a full symphony 

 orchestra. The individuals experimented on, male and female, have 

 been to the number of seventeen. The age and general condition of 

 the subjects varied within wide limits, the youngest being about 20, 

 the oldest about 60. 



The height of the normal blood pressure has also varied con- 

 siderably in different individuals, the lowest being about 105 mm. 

 mercury, the highest (arteriosclerosis) 190-210 (different days). 



