230 OF SOUND AND HEARING. 



wall were away. I judge too, that if the speaker or the 

 hearer be placed at a little distance from the wall, the voice 

 shall be better heard than nigh unto the wall, because the 

 arching so much the less departs from a right line. But 

 this also would be further inquired. 



If the ear be laid to the one end of any tube or long 

 hollow trunk, and a voice speak softly at the other opening 

 of the tube, such a voice shall be heard, which, being as 

 softly spoken in the air at large, should not arrive, nor be 

 heard. Whence it is clear, that that confining of the air 

 helps to the conveying of the voice, without confusion. 



It is also a common opinion, that, other things being 

 equal, the voice is better heard within doors than abroad ; 

 but whether the voice be better heard when the ear is out 

 of doors, and the voice within the house ; or contrariwise, 

 when the voice is out of doors, and the ear within the 

 house, may be further inquired ; albeit herein also the 

 opinion is received, that what is abroad is better heard 

 within doors, than what is within, abroad. 



It is common to hearing and sight, and indeed, in a 

 certain measure, to the other senses, that the attention of 

 the perceiving mind, and express direction to perceiving, 

 helps somewhat to perceiving, as when one looks stead 

 fastly, or (as they say) pricks his ears. 



Sounds are not carried so far, articulate and distinct, 

 as their species, and a confused coil of them ; for the hum 

 of voices can be heard where the articulate words them 

 selves are not heard ; and a confused tinkling of music, 

 when the harmony itself or tune is not heard. 



Sound is preserved, at the best, in a hollow trunk. 

 Therefore let there be taken a hollow trunk of a good 

 length, and let it be put out from the window of a lower 

 chamber; let one speak by thrusting of his head out of 

 the window, at one end of the trunk, as softly as ever he 

 may ; let another lay his ear to the other end of the trunk, 

 standing below upon the ground : let this be done in like 

 wise reversely, by speaking from below, and laying to of 

 the ear above, and from this trial let a judgment be made, 

 whether the voice ascend or descend more easily, or even 

 alike. They deliver for certain, that there be some places 

 and buildings so vaulted, that if one stand in a certain 

 part of the chamber, and speak, he can be better heard at 

 some distance than near. 



All harmony appeareth to sound somewhat fuller and 

 deeper at a little remoteness from the place of tlv. 1 sound 



