316 THE VOICE 



14. In the production of the articulate sounds of speech, 

 the larynx is not directly concerned, but those sounds really 

 depend upon alterations in the shape of the air-passages above 

 that organ. That speech is not necessarily due to the action of 

 the larynx is proved by the following simple experiment. Let 

 an elastic tube be passed through the nostril to the back of the 

 mouth. Then, while the breath is held, cause the tongue, teeth, 

 and lips to go through the form of pronouncing words, and, at 

 the same time, let a second person blow through the tube into 

 the mouth. Speech, pure and simple, or, in other words, a 

 whisper is produced. Still further continue the experiment, 

 while permitting vocal sounds to be made, and there will be 

 produced a loud and whispering speech at the same moment ; 

 thus showing that voice and speech are the result of two dis- 

 tinct acts. Sighing, in like manner, is produced in the mouth 

 and throat; if, however, a vocal sound be added, the sigh is 

 changed into a groan. 



15. Ventriloquism is a peculiar modification of natural 

 speech, which consists in so managing the voice that words 

 and sounds appear to issue, not from the person, but from 

 some distant place, as from the chimney, the cellar, or the 

 interior of a chest. The original meaning of the word ventril- 

 oquism (that is, speaking from the belly) indicates the early 

 belief that this mode of speech was .dependent upon the 

 possession and use of some special organ besides the larynx 

 and mouth; but at the present time it is known that it is 

 produced by these organs alone, and that the sources of decep- 

 tion consist, on the part of the performer, in the dexterous 

 management of the voice, together with a talent for mimicry ; 

 and, on the part of the auditory, in the liability of the sense 

 of hearing to error in respect to the direction of sounds. The 



strengthened his lungs and improved his health so much that he was never 

 afterward threatened with any serious pulmonary disease. But, of course, 

 this happy result followed because the exertion of lecturing was not too 

 great for the then existing condition of his lungs." Combe's Physiology. 



14. The production of the articulate sounds ? What experiment is mentioned ? 



15. What is ventriloquism ? Indication of the original meaning of the word ? How are 

 the ventriloquous sounds produced ? 



