Chapter II: Preface: To the First Edition

The number of books bearing more or less directly on the Theory of Voice Production which have been published during the last few years is very large, and shows clearly the extraordinary interest taken in this subject, not only by professional singers and speakers, but also by the general public. If I am now about to add another contribution to this already extensive literature, it is simply because amongst all the many excellent works on the Human Voice there is not one which brings before the reader the whole subject from beginning to end. The student who really wishes to get a clear understanding of the matter is obliged to wade through a variety of scientific books, and to pick up here and there, by means of very hard reading, such little scraps of information as, with much labour and waste of time, he can extract from books which were, in most instances, never written for the purpose for which he consults them.

* * * * *

To supply this generally-admitted want I have written these pages, in which I have endeavoured, to the best of my ability, to place before the reader in a simple and comprehensive form the Physiology of the Human Voice. I have, as far as possible, discarded all scientific terms, and it has been my aim to treat my subject in so simple and direct a manner as really to enlighten my readers instead of bewildering them. A treatise like this can, under no circumstances, be light reading; and I ask those who are truly anxious for information to give me patient study, accompanied by careful reference to the diagrams. For students who enter upon a perusal of these pages in such a spirit, this essay is specially intended; and if I have succeeded in making plain to such as these a really complicated subject, then my highest ambition will be satisfied.

E. B.

_April, 1880._

CONTENTS.

PAGES

Introduction 1-7

The vocal organ as a musical instrument 8-61

Differences of the voice-box, or larynx, in children, women, and men 62-68

Movements of the voice-box, or larynx, which can be seen or felt 69-72

The laryngoscope, and how to use it 73-79

The teachings of the laryngoscope 80-105

Appendix--Hints on teaching 106-125

Appendix To The Ninth Edition--Voice Failure 126

Appendix To The Tenth Edition--Does Diaphragmatic Breathing Apply Equally To Women As To Men? 141

Index 143

Index To "Voice Failure 146

Footnotes.

PLATES.

PAGES

I. General view of vocal organ _facing title_

II. The Lungs 10

III. The Chest 11

IV. Chest capacity--Methods of breathing 16

V. Side view of the Larynx 32

VI. Front view of the Larynx 33

VII. Larynx, Side view showing interior 37

VIII. Larynx, Side view, muscles, &c. 42

IX. Larynx, Side view, interior of left half 43

X. The Glottis in three states 46

XI. Larynx, Section viewed from above 48

XII. Larynx, Section viewed from behind 51

Sketch of Laryngoscope designed by Dr. Foulis 78

XIII. Laryngoscopic Image--Breathing 84

XIV. " " Upper thick register 84

XV. " " Upper thin register 85

XVI. " " Small register 85

Diagram of compass of the registers 93