
HARMONIC ANALYSIS OF CERTAIN VOWEL SOUNDS. 16 
would suit very well to produce records on the tinfoil from any given periodic 
curve, by cutting a cam of the required form, and applying it to the rim of the 
wheel W (vzde Plate XX XV.). By this means the phonograph might be made 
to speak artificial and vowel combinations of harmonic tones. We regret that 
want of time has prevented us from making this application of the apparatus. 
In conclusion, we would draw attention to the excessive smallness of some 
of the prime tones in vowel sounds, as compared with the upper partials. 
Many instances of this occur in the tables. They show how feeble even the 
prime may be when not reinforced by oral resonance, and also how even an 
exceedingly weak prime is capable of determining the musical pitch of a com- 
pound sound. 
VOL. XXVIII. PART III. 9R 
