334 A. M. Mayer—Researches in Acoustics. 
sound remains unaffected by intense higher notes, the observer 
feels as though he had a special sense for the perception of the 
graver sound—an organ entirely distinct from that which re- 
ceives the impress of the higher tones. . 
That one sonorous sensation cannot interfere with another 
which is lower in pitch, isa remarkable physiological discovery, 
and next after the demonstration of the fact that the ear is capa- 
ble of analyzing compound musical sounds into their constitu- 
ent or partial simple tones, is probably the most important ad- 
dition yet made to our knowledge of the nature of hearing. It 
cannot fail to introduce profund modifications into the hypothe- 
ses heretofore framed respecting the mechanism and functions 
of the ear. 
3. On a proposed change in the usual method of conducting 
Orchestral Music, indicated by the above discoveries. 
We have seen how an intense sound may obliterate, entirely 
or in part, the sensations of certain partial tones or components 
of any musical tone, and thus produce a profound change in its 
uality. In a large orchestra I have repeatedly witnessed the 
entire obliteration of all sounds from violins, by the deeper and 
alone holding their own. I have also observed the sounds of 
the clarinets lose their peculiar quality of tone and consequent 
charm from the same cause. No doubt the conductor of the 
orchestra heard all his violins, ranged as they always are close 
around him, and did not perceive that his clarinets had lost that 
quality of tone on which thé composer had relied for producing 
a special character of expression. 
The function of the conductor of an orchestra seems to be 
threefold. First, to regulate and fix the time. Secondly, ‘I 
regulate the intensity of the sounds produced by the individu 
in the 
urely 
relations from his own in respect to their distance ere a 
various instruments in action. Is it not time that he she ‘ 
pay more attention to his third function and place hi ‘sn 
the position occupied by an average hearer? This Perence 
would be elevated, and somewhere in the midst of the auale! 
The exact determination of its place would depend on V 
