Scan 65
The American history and encyclopedia of music .., 1908
10 lines. Read by computer on 8 September 2026. Printed page 41. See the scan on archive.org.
1species of whispering gallery. The sound which enters the large end is increased, until it issues from the smaller end with a force capable of affecting the ear drum, which could not perceive the original vibrations.
3Although many important observations have been made concerning the acoustic properties of buildings, it is impossible for architects to arrange plans which will produce proper results. It is a matter of chance, and the circumstances producing the best effects cannot be copied. Rooms in which the reflection of sound is too pronounced may be improved by covering the walls with hangings, or irregularities of surface. The architect who was in charge of the restoration of the hall of the Conservatory at Paris so feared marring the almost perfect acoustic properties that he would not change even a box partition or a hanging, such minor details having been found to be of great importance.
5Reflection is the fundamental principle of the speaking tube, which enables persons in different parts of a building to communicate. The smooth interior, and the elastic material from which it is made, do not detract from the strength of the sound vibrations, and they reach the end of a long length of tube in much the same condition as when their journey was begun.
7Sound vibrations which encounter obstacles in their passage through the air, bend about them, and either lose or retain their power. Acute sounds, whose vibrations are short, lose by the encounter, but those which are grave, and have longer vibrations, are much less affected. For this reason the music produced by a brass band will assume a very changed character if the band is situated at a distance from the hearer, and objects of various descriptions intervene.
9Certain substances, for instance membranes and wood, are very susceptible to sound vibrations. A violoncello hanging on the wall of a room will vibrate strongly without having been touched if a tone corresponding with one of its strings is sung within the room. The vibrations created by
The computer misreads some letters and numbers. Where a name matters to you, read the scan.