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Physics. — “ On the motion of the bridge of the violin ”. By J. W. 
GriLTAY and Prof. M. df, Haas. (Communicated by Prof. H. 
K AMERLINGH ONNES). 
(Communicated in the meeting of November 27, 1909). 
1. In the following lines an account is given of an experimental 
research the object of which was to make a contribution to our 
knowledge of the manner in which the vibrations of the strings are 
transmitted to the roof of a violin by the bridge. 
As far as we know the literature on the physics of bow instru¬ 
ments is very limited and leaves the true nature of the motion of 
the bridge undecided. 
Helmholtz ’) says: “Der eine Fuss des Steges ruht auf einer 
relativ festen Unterlage, namlich auf dem sogenannten Stimmstocke, 
einem festen Stabchen, welches zwischen der oberen und unteren 
Platte des Korpers eingebaut ist. Der andere Fuss des Steges allein 
ist es, welcher die elastischen Holzplatten und mittels deren Hilfe 
die innere Luftinasse des Korpers erschiittert. 
From this description cannot be inferred whether the bridge vibra¬ 
tes principally in its own plane i. e. at right angles to the longitu¬ 
dinal direction of the strings, or at right angles to its own plane i. e. 
in the direction of the strings. 
Van Schaik 1 2 * * ) remarks : “By the vibrations of the bowed string a 
motion of the bridge is set up which consists in an oscillation about 
a line parallel to the length of the violin : in this manner the 
movable foot of the bridge communicates vibration to the roof of 
the violin and thus to the air.” His opinion therefore is that the 
bridge vibrates in its own plane perpendicularly to the direction of 
the strings. 
Apian-Bennewitz 5 ) observes: “dass namlich der rechte Fuss erne viel 
geringere Bebung als der linke zu machen hat und dass die Thatig- 
keit des linken Fusses als eine hammernde zu bezeichnen ist.” His 
view is thus the same as van Schaik’s, as appears further from 
page 133 of his book. 
Barton «) in conjunction with Garret and afterwards with PentzerIuis 
1) Tonempfindungen, 3e Ausg. p. 146. 
2) Dr. J. Bosscha, Leerboek der Natuurkunde, 01, bewerkt door Dr. W. C. L. 
van Schaik, 5th Ed., p. 170. 
S) Die Geige, der Geigenbau und die Bogenverfertigung. Weimar, Bernhardt 
Friedrich Voigt, 1892, p. 125. 
4 ) Philosophical Magazine, 6th Series, Vol X, XII and XIII. 
