1866. ] On the Laryngoscope. 223 
tones a larger surface of the vocal chords is in a state of vibration 
than when the falsetto notes are emitted, in which latter case the 
extreme edge only of the vocal cord vibrates, and a much less 
expenditure of breath is required. ; 
Great difference of opinion prevails as to the exact mode in 
which the falsetto notes are produced. Amongst those who have 
especially studied this subject, the names of Magendie, Mayo, 
Miiller,* and Lehfeldt, Willis, Pétrequin, and Diday, Bishop, 
Battaille, and Wheatstone may be mentioned. | 
These registers may be compared with greater facility if thus 
represented :— 
Cuest REGISTER. 
1. The vocal chords vibrate through- 
out their whole extent, viz., in their sub- 
glottic and ventricular regions and on 
their free border. 
2. Vibrations become more rapid and 
ample as the sound becomes more acute ; 
the reverse ocewring when the sound 
becomes more grave. 
3. Longitudinal tension is stronger 
than in the falsetto register. 
€, Opening of the glottis is rectili- 
near. 
Fauserro REcIstTer. 
1. The vocal cords vibrate only on 
their free border, and in their ventricular 
region, the subglottic region ceasing to 
take any part in the generation of sound. 
2. Vibrations become less ample and 
more rapid as the sound becomes more 
acute : but when more grave, the reverse 
takes place. 
3. Longitudinal tension is feebler than 
in chest register. 
4, Opening of the glottis is more or 
less elliptic.+ 
If Mi}° of the chest register be produced, and then, without 
any interruption to the current of air emitted, the experimenter 
suddenly passes to the same note in the falsetto register, the 
difference in the appearances reflected in the laryngeal mirror will 
be found to be very striking,—vide Figs. 7 and 8. The existence 
of a third register has been denied by Miiller, Bennati, and Gibb. 
Garcia very briefly refers to the head register and its relation to 
the falsetto, laryngoscopically, in his paper already referred to, 
which is also contained in the under-mentioned pamphlet.t Lastly, 
Battaille writes of the head voice in the followmg manner :— 
“ T’anatomie et Ja physiologie repoussent également la dénomination 
de voix de téte, fort improprement appliquée au registre de fausset.” 
The interesting revelations above disclosed to us by the aid of the 
laryngoscope alone afford proof of the great value of this instru- 
ment, not only to the physiologist, but also to the vocalist. Its 
great assistance, moreover, to the physician cannot be over- 
estimated ; for it is only by the multiplication of such instruments 
as the ophthalmoscope, the laryngoscope, &c., whereby diseases can 
be seen by the eye and determined with certainty, that the science 
of medicine can surely, although perhaps slowly, proceed to that 
* The experiments of Professor J. Miiller, of Berlin, relative to the produc- 
tion of vocal sounds are extremely interesting. Vide ‘ Ueber Compensation der 
Phys. Krafte am Menschlich. Organ.’ Berlin, 1839. 
+ Vide ‘ Nouvelles Recherches surla Plonation,’ par Ch. Battaille. Paris, 1861. 
t ‘ Notice sur 1’ Invention du Laryngoscope,’ par Paulin Richard. Paris, 1861. 
