$03 ANIMAL MECHANISM. 



are deaf and dumb, might readily be restored by a punc- 

 ture of the membran^, even in advanced life. ( 9 ) 



CONCLUSION. 



None of the organs of sense are more complicated or 

 splendidly constructed than the one under consideration. 

 The will has it but slightly under its control, and being 

 unable ' to withdraw itself from impressions,' it has 

 the curious apparatus of little bones to increase or dimin- 

 ish the intensity of impressions on the nerve, like a 

 regulator between the external agent and the nervous 

 tissues. Judgment, by the combined assistance of the 

 other senses, perfects the function of the organ and 

 ideas, without number are constantly ushered into being 

 by the sense of hearing. 



By this sense, music is a never failing source of plea- 

 sure, heightened and infinitely modified, according to 

 the physical development of the ear, and the discipline 

 and education to which it has in modern times been 

 subjected. ' The causes of the pleasure resulting from 

 harmony and melody, are very far from being satisfac- 

 torily explained, notwithstanding the sagacious conjec- 

 tures and repeated attempts of the most able metaphysi- 

 cians, as well as physiologists : we know no more of 

 them than we do of the causes of the pleasures and pains 

 of all the other senses.' 



(9) Dr Forster of Manchester, England, who recently ascended 

 to the height of 6000 feet in a balloon, in company with Mr Green, 

 the aeronaut, remarked that the pressure on the membrane of the 

 ear, arising from the rarefaction of the atmosphere, was so painful 

 as to oblige him to descend ; sounds, however loud, below, soon 

 became inaudible as he ascended. Dr Forster suggests that an 

 aerial jaunt into the clouds, might cure some kinds of deafness. 



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