Scan 9
A Treatise On The Structure And Preservation Of The Violin, 1875
4 lines. Read by computer on 18 September 2026. No printed page number was found. See the scan on archive.org.
1most of the good Italian violins, and those of other celebrated makers, have been spoiled.
3Having been engaged for the last thirty years in the restoration of such damaged instruments, and in the construction of new ones; and having, from my youth, studied music, mathematics, physics and acoustics, I consider myself better qualified to reason on this Art, with the practical experience gained during the above period, than one who merely understands the subject theoretically, or who only imitates the work of another without thinking for himself. Daily experience proves, that even many renowned instrument-makers fall into error in this respect: and I imagine that I shall not be bestowing an unacceptable service on many reflecting performers and lovers of music, in directing their attention to the best means of preserving a good instrument, and of improving a damaged one. The assurance of having produced a work of any real utility, would amply reward me for my labour.
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