Scan 14
Researches into the early history of the violin family, 1883
8 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 4. See the scan on archive.org.
1THE FIDDLE-BOW.
3In describing the early precursors of the violin, I shall have to allude so frequently to the fiddle-bow, that it appears to me advisable, in order to prevent tedious repetitions, to give first a short sketch of the history of this ingenious invention as far as it is at present ascertainable. I purposely use the designation "fiddle-bow," because our violin-bow was, in its primitive condition, but a rude contrivance, and as such we have especially to regard it in the following investigation.
5Probably the most primitive fiddle-bow was merely a long plectrum, or a feather, by means of which the friction was produced. On the Assyrian monuments in the British Museum are depicted some musicians, who vibrate the strings of a kind of horizontal harp by means of a long rod. From the position of the strings, it appears impossible that they could have struck them, as those of the dulcimer are struck; and, for twanging them, a short rod would have been much more convenient. It is therefore not improbable that this long rod was used to vibrate the strings by friction; perhaps it was for the purpose coated with some resinous substance.
7By examining the productions in the arts of foreign contemporary nations which have not been affected by European influence, we may occasionally find a clue to the origin and use of certain similar productions by nations of antiquity. Thus, as regards the long plectrum, we may perhaps obtain a hint from the Japanese, who sound some of their stringed instruments with a wooden implement of considerable dimensions, which is broad at the top instead
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