a ae ae ot ee =: 
H. W. Poole on Perfect Musical Intonation. 203 
the major third. By flatting the fifths, the third is prevented 
from being so sharp, as it would otherwise be; and sharping the 
third, will, in like manner, benefit the fifths. Temperament, 
therefore, is a compromise between the thirds and the fifths, in 
which each gives up more or less of its purity, in order to favor 
the other series of intervals. 
32. Although temperament may be adjusted in many different 
Ways, yet every possible adjustment can be classified under one, or 
both, of two general systems, called the meaNn-roNe sysTEmM and 
EQUAL TEMPERAMENT. ‘I'he first aims to preserve the perfection 
of the thirds; while the latter sacrifices the thirds, and gives 
preference to the fifths. 
33. The first is called the mean-rone system, for the reason 
that, instead of preserving the distinction between the major tone 
this temperament, it is tuned a perfect major third from C, or E?, 
as we express it, in the table. This E not being high enough, 
octave. In this system, a sharp cannot be used as a flat, as it 
will be false by the enharmonic diésis, or about two commas. ’ 
This is the interval by which three major thirds fall short of the 
octave, and it is obtained in this manner. Commencing with C, we 
tune E,a perfect major third, from this E, tune G#, a major third ; 
and from C, an octave above the first, tune downward a major third 
to Ab. This Ab is not as low as G#, by the déésis, and GF will 
Hot answer at all for Ab. When -q——— 
common organs, which have but SPO a - EZ 
™Many respects, more resemblance than any other temperament, 
to the perfect scale. It recognizes a distinction between sharps 
and flats, diatonic and chromatic semitones, has perfect major 
thirds, and has its minor thirds nearer to perfection, than in any 
