The Sun.
London, England, 1850-10-10 00:00:00

THURSDAY EVENING, OCTOBER lO, 1850.

LITE it A T RE,

and definitions—even the " Golden Rule," the doc-
trine cf the " Three Dominants, or the Theory of
the Supremacy of the Third"—would be thrown
clown as so many themes of controversy, in
which every chapter in the hook must be cited,
and discussed; whereas, it need scarcely be doubted
that the reader, who comminences earnestly at the
beginning and follows the developments of the system
candidly to the end of the first part, consisting of the
" Elements," " Prolegomena," and "Practical Trea-
tise," will feel that uncertainty, obscurity, and multi-
plied contradictions no longer cloud or distort his
musical insight. If he knows well all that has been
perused from the beginning to the end of that first
part—if he have made himself thoroughly acquainted
with all the rules, both essential and accessory, he
will feel confident that he possesses all the knowledge
requisite for composition of any kind whatever,
choreographic, dramatic, symphonic, sacred, and fugued
music. But if he wishes to be a prefesjonal composer,
he will study the second part entitle d '' The Theore-
tical and Confirmatory Treatise," in which most of
that which has hitherto been st eret in the art is re-
vealed. In a manner as novel es it is unexception-
able, are elucidated the geneuphonic doctrine of the
unity of the diatonic genus, t he •‘ poly tonism" f chords,
the use of the " inelo-harmonic t 3 pometer," the melo-
harmonic properties cf the third, the functions of the
"three dominants," the accordance of the "sonor-
ous" with the " rythmical" potency, the alterations
of the " transcadence," with the nature and union of
" tonistn and modism," &c. The examples are taken
from the most faultless works of the greatest masters,
and they appear sufficiently to testify the luminous-
ness and completeness of the geneuphonic theory.
If any, however, should upon perusal arrive at a dif-
ferent conclusion, no stretch of prejudice, no force of
injustice will resist the acknowledgment, that the
musical scholar, of whatever standing, cannot rise
from the study of this great work without a clearer
judgment, a more definite knowledge, and a more
exact perception of the natural truths of music than
he .had before conceived to be by any means attainable,

THE' GENEUPHONIC GRAMMAR, an
original aid col. domed Grammar of Harmony,
C'euntrpoiht, and Musical Composition; or the
Generation of Euphony reduced to Natural Truth.
ily the late General J. J. de Virues y Spinola, and
Don 17.7'. A. Chaluz de Pernevil. Dedicated, by
permission, to H. 11. IL the Prince Albert.
It happens not uffirequently that ingenious and
enthusiastic reformers of established theories and
usages in science suppose that they have devised a
new system, when in reality they have done no more
than invent a new nomenclature. A cursory reading
of this work would leave the impression that the
authors of the ‘• Geneuphonic Grammar" have simi-
larly mistaken the true result of their own labours.
However confused, vague, and uncertain be the
hitherto enunciated laws of musical composition, and
'weever acceptable and convenient may be the new
terms in which the natural laws of music are ex-
rnessed by the discoverer of the geneuphonic theory,
General de ViruCea and his accomplished coadjutor,
Don Chaluz de Vernevil, it does not readily strike
the reader of their work (or rather works) that
the actual laws, the ruling principles, which
have ever governed, and continue to govern,
the best masters in their compositions, are
in any degree affected by the system here proposed.
Neither dues it imtnediatelv appear that, in the no-
menclature adopted, the authors of this grammar have
eleyaether succeeded in clearing the terminology of
/eusical science from hard words and names of pe-
dni:tic, if not of barbarous, combination. Thus it will
occur to some that the term " polytonogarnmism" is
neither very expressive in itself nor very classical in
its composition, and some other terms introduced may
seetn open to similar objection.
But what if a more careful reading leads to the
conviction that here is developed a theory, essentially
new, complete, precise, and luminous, applied in a
system, which comprehends in a simple and symme-
trical body those natural laws which have been intui-
tively recognised by musical genius, however they
may have been disguised hitherto by the jargon of
the schools ? What if the few novel terms introduced
—and they are but few in the practical or the didac-
tic parts of the system—are justified by a demonstrated
necessity, and serve in every instance to
mark distinctly and unmistakably the leading
principles of the new theory, and to guide the
student in their application ? The careful and
impartial reader will recognise before •be lays down
the volume that such are the results obtained. That,
amongst the cognoscenti and professors, this work
will meet with an impartial, indeed a liberal, consi-
deration, is guaranteed by the fact that it receives
the patronage of Prince Albert, who is not only re-
cognised universally in the musical world as an ac •
complished practical musician, a learned and masterly
composer (witness his noble mass), but is further
known to be exceedingly careful in permitting the
scientific notfific p
his nartenteensiniontsh.e anyßpauttronmagoere,oftheuniversally
n work of
acknowledged fact that musical science (so called)
has hitherto been in a most unsatisfactory state, con-
stantly deplored by the most able writers in every
age, from the early Greeks to Catel, Weber, and An-
toine Reicha, must secure a candid attention for a
work of which the object—unquestionably worked
out with much success—is to display the elements of
harmony in a point of view correspondent with the
present state of musical taste in this country, and
to treat them in a concise, perspicuous, and
complete manner. The want of such a work is
acknowledged by the greatest men of our times,who, in
attempting to supply the deficiency, acknowledge a
consciousness of the inadequacy of their efforts.
Weber, who, a quarter of a century ago,.filled the
world with his frame as a great theorist, says, in his
"Theory of Musical Composition," that "so far as
music is concerned, the progress made of late years
in practical composition has been out of all proportion
to that which has been realised in the correspondent
theoretical doctrines, the latter yet remaining in a
very rude state. Whoever doubts the fact may readily
satisfy himself of this truth, by merely inquiring of
the multitudes, who every day fruitlessly endeavour
to derive the requisite assistance from the treatises on
composition, or the miserable thorough-bass schools,
which have hitherto been published." In his preface
to his " Dictionary of Music" (of the " Methodical
Encyclopmdia") be speaks of the existing theories in
this way—" What is tiresome are the continual battles
I am incessantly obliged to fight against so many
doctrines opposed to the truth, which those
works contain, and in which the erroneous
ideas of Rameau, D'Alembert, and of many
others are collected, and in which are gathered,
in spite of judgment and experience, all
that is known as being false. I pity those who are
doomed to stuff their minds with such nonsense. They
are far less advanced than those who never opened a
book of theory." From Engelback, Busby, Sheridan,
Castel Blaze, nay from Rousseau and D'Alembert
themselves, and a host of others of equal note, such
complaints might be quoted to the extent of volumes.
But in Bacon's preface to his " History of Music,"
the whole charge against the prevalent theory is for-
cibly summed up in these words—" The theory is
reduced to certain mystical subtleties, of which the
application
and truth have nothing either constant. or
certain.
All those authors, however, have thought that there
was no reason to despair of arriving at a theory upon
which a grammar should be formed for elementary
music, harmony, and the science of counterpoint,
which might answer every question, and remove every
doubt, and which should rest on a radical, positive,
simple, but comprehensive, single, but universal prin-
ciple. That great problem the authors of the " Gen-
euphonic Grammar" profess to have solved. If it be
denied that their solution is perfect, it must be ad-
mitted that they have achieved a very close approxi-
mation, and that they have demonstrated principles
which before were at least overlooked and disre-
garded, if not altogether unknown. The original
author of the theory, De Virues y Spinola, now de-
ceased about eight years, served his country with dis-
tinction as a diplomatist and a general officer, and was
regarded in Spain as the most eminent poet, scholar,
and metaphysician of his time. He is said to have
devoted twenty years to the elucidation of those prin-
ciples upon which his theory is perfected. His own
view of his labours is interesting and instructive.
In his preliminary discourse he says:—
"My aim is to explain a simple fact, coeval with na-
ture herself, whence it springs. This theory will re-
main unshaken. Contested or not for a period, it will
be brought to perfection in course of time by successive
connoisseurs ; and the fact which has dictated it, and
which has constantly been within the view of every
practitioner, will at length become manifest. The system
of which it is composed, and which will,in my opinion, do
away with all the ancient theories, is grounded upon a dis-
covery, or rather hypothesis, perfectly novel; a desidera-
tum, the accomplishment of which is the fruit of the most
unremitting researches. It strikes me that the hypothesis,
which is nothing less than that of a solo principle appli-
cable to every case, v.ithout exception, and which the
great masters, though unintentionally, have followed in
al! ages, is destined to produce in the science of music a
revolution similar to the one in geography effected by
our great Columbus. Ido nut hesitate to affirm
that the acquisition of the science of
harmony
aced in no case exceed a month. The infallible
effect of this theory will be to lay before the
pu,,i
••1 at the first view—I, wherein consists all tl,le
art of every partition whatever; 2, that all this art, with
respect to harmony, lies in one and the same operation •
.
3, that this operation is the very same
which
be
has just
learued. The theory of music remained incomplete.
This, although unknown to many of the first ?omposers
all the philosophers
of our ae, was a truth admittedy
and the l gearned who had devoted themselves to the great
art, of which I now present the new rudiments.. The
perusal of their works, and the want of a Pv"?ciPle; appli-
cable to all cases, inspired me with a vvish,even in my youth,
to achieve the discovery of this principle. I must,
•how-
ever, confess that I viewed it at
firs
,ht in the light of
another quadrature of the circle, or of ano _ philoso-
pher's• • •.t in view, I employed all
stone. With this otre , • .
early
eaucatton in reading
the leisure moments of my musical harmony,
above forty thousand folio e
I"ggaosingle treatis ,
Amongst all these, I did not find. h
the
Want
of an
exempt
an uni-
from serious errors, and on -
shish the
Never lo
sin principle was not sensiblyny
years afte slug
sight
of this idea, I continued, for 03
a allowed to mrwslhrds, to
apply every respite occasions feet.,
to thatstudye y the
and
various duties of my public car,
meditation of which I have spoken at the opening of this
discourse', and which, from their very
nnature, could have
no fixed or regular design•
r not only
artrelhinquished
my endeavours until I arrive
which constituteste re-
ledgeknow-
of the spring in °still.° eduction of thisand
gulates harmony, but of the r.
leesn fact to an
applied to every
universal principle. This rral
of system reared upon
this single and general princip co.mplete that it
cient tlieories, destroyed
rendered useless all the ari
all the ancient exceptions, itself admitting of
none, and answered, as i
v st e'c4eOf beforehand and
from its own power who hOtjestion. It is
then the learned men of abi 103 n,
music,
ave unmortalizsd
themselves by their writings
for nide' who supply mo
with the necessary couraee
now, _an undertaking.
All of them, I rep's', have_
least, oiedaged the want of
an universal principl,,Dtr
h hue regulated." single fact, by
which every other mil,
His earnest and able coadjutor Don Chaluz de
Vernevil, a man of noble rank' professor in the Uni-
versity of Madrid, and member of several learned
has reduced the theory into
a on the continent,
d
a series of clear, lucid, an practical lessons, which,
with the first elements of •
commencing music, may
mastered within mouth
readily be Inas a , and lead the
student to a complete and satisfactory knowledge of
musical science, heretofore absolutely unattainable
of reading, incleed,
by any course it ever was
, even
satisfactorily acquired, . by years of toilsome
study or a life of triumphant practice. `..P
0 attempt
an analysis cf a system so comprehensive would he
attended with little success in the space which hi
(nt
be afforded in these columns, a
tine stale a ur4ef.ex.posi-
tion (:'the leeding principles as might be given here
would fail to carry that conviction of their perk t
ap-
pliaability which a con4derate perusal of the volume
itself will irresistibly produce. To quote the rules

lishment of a few such facts would clispGse) of the übjee- ; PROJECTILE EX PL OSI VE SHELL
tion that the results of mestnerigin are all imagination." 1 VERSUS SUMIARINE EXPLO6IVE SHELLS.
I am fond of my cow, and stand up for her good quali-
ties, hot I cannot boost of any imaginrative faculty in
A cow n orbicily imaginative is a now idea, I Lebec°. If
it is true that the greatest chemist in the world says
thathe must believeil he sawn baby memorised, I would
ask him whether a cow, or a cat, or a vicious horse,
would not do as well.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.

SIR,-It appears by a letter from Cnerbourg that
our jealous neighbours are not less busy than our-
selves in the manufacturing of destructive bullets.
M. Lagrange has turned out of his laboratory some
of so terrific a character as to entitle him to a place
in the Peace Society. He is, if there is rib exagge-
ration in the matter, a peace maker of the right sort ;
for as turbulently disposed men are induced to deport
themselves civilly by the fear of coming off second
beat in a scuffle, so with nations, they, for a like
reason, deem it prudent to control their pugnacity.
But, after all the ingenuity that has been bestowed
upon projectile destructives, are they likely, if into
hostile uze they should come, to prove, in maritime
warfare, a match for submarine explosives ? Most
assort tily net ; for these embi ace in their application
greater eute, c rtainty, and safety than can obtain
in projectiles on ship-board, which require, to be
effecti-iely used, very precise practice, hivolving an
exactness in tl:e trining and elevating of heavy
ordnance, not easy of accomplivhment when attempted
in rough weather, against an object changing with
ranidity its position.
-Submarine explosives, on the contrary, require no
such nicety in their employment; launched overboard
and suspended by buoys at a suitable depth below the
sut face of the water, diverging to port and starboard,
they can with ease and certainty be towed into con-
' tact w ith the aka of attack ; and so soon as the con-
tact takes placz , they explode, sending the object of
attack to the bottom. The bow only of the attacking
vessel would be exposed, and that could be rendered
sufficiently shot-proof for the work in hand; the
crew, small in number, would be, with the machinery
of the vessel, snugly ensconced under hatches, so there
would be barely a chance of mischief to them ; taking
into account, also, that by choice the attack would be
made under cover of the darkness of night, 'let the
state of the weather be what it might.
This, be assured, Mr. Editor, would be an affair,
not of twenty minutes, but one much nearer-twenty
seconds.

If my cows are ever ill again, I will try the experi-
ment with great care, and let you know the result. I
may mention
.that some of my neighbours were al are
of the desperate illness of the cow, and of her doctor's
astonishment at her recovery. We did not tell the
doctor how we interfered with his patient, and I
dare say he has not heard of it at this hour ;
but others of myntighbours were deeply interested in
the story, cad wi.hed it could be made, known. To this
I can have no objection, us I do not mind a laugh, and
should he glad to save the life of even a single cow.
" I um, dear Dr. Elliotsun, 3 ours truly,
tt ' 11ARIIIET MAI:TINEAU.'"
The present number cnntains several interesting
cases
to which wu shall probably direct the att,ntion of our
readers ci solre future occasion, and also gives a very
satisfactory account of the progress of the Mtsmeric
Infirmary.

THE DALTONS. Nos. V. and 17. Ey Charles

Lever.

Another separation has taken place in the Dalton
family—Kate having removed from Biden with the
Onslows,, accompanying Lady Hester to Florence.
Before the close of the number just published for
October, we find them established in the Tuscan
capital; and Kate in a fair way to become a mere
fashionable coquette. Albert Jekyl has " dangled"
after the Onslows like a parasite and diner out, as he
is: and the circumstance of his odd habits of living is
made the occasion for a most humorous scene between
himself, a fat old monk, and a Spanish ballerina.
These three incongruous beings meet at a petit souper
in Jekyl's apartments. The dancer is the disguised
femme de chambre of Kate Dalton, and seems
destined to effect no alight influence over that
young lady's destinies. Sydney Onslow has left
Italy to attend a dying relative, hut her brother
George remains with Sir Stafford. Among the other
personages of the story now in Florence we must not
forgot to mention the abominable Colonel Hagger-
stone. " Phiz" contributes to the story his graceful
and inimitable illustrations.

Yours sincerely and obliged,
Oct. 9, 1850. NAUTICUS.

BANK OF MANCHESTER.

The annual meeting of the proprietors in the
Bank of Manchester was held on Tuesday morning
in the Clarence Hotel, Manchester; Mr. G. H. Chap-
pell presiding.
The report, read by Mr. FARRAR, stated that the
account submitted at the previous meeting brought
down the affairs of the bank to the 30th June, 1849.
The estimated net assets at that time were 69,110/.
Os. 10d. ; the estimated liabilities, 21,618/. 13s. Bd. ;
and the probable surplus, 47,491/. 7s. 2d. The ac-
counts of the bank were now made up to the 30th
June, 1850, and stood as follows :—Estimated net as-
sets, 69,1351. 2s. 2d.; liabilities, 19,492/. 10s. lid. ;
probable surplus, 49,6421. 1 ls. 3d. The increase
arises from gain on the estimate previously made,
after deducting the current and contingent expenses
of the bank. The directors recommend that a further
return of 15s. per share be made to the shareholders
lin the course of the ensuing month. The directors
who retire are Messrs. J. C. Dyer, W. S. Stell,
and John Potter; and the directors proposed their
re. election, together with the election of Mr. William
Peacock, in the place of Mr. Edward Hacking, de-
' ceased.

The CHAIRMAN moved the adoption of the report,
which was seconded by Mr. STEW., who said he was
sure the shareholders would now be very glad to re-
ceive a return of 15s. per share in addition to the Bs.
which had been previously given.
Mr. J. WALKER proposed that the sum of 15s. per
share he paid to such proprietors of the bank as should
have executed the deed of indemnity of the Bth of
January, 1849.
Mr. G. PARE seconded the motion.
Mr. Clams inquired where the money was to come
from ?

The CHAIRMAN said it might appear that the sum to
be divided would exceed somewhat the amount in
hand ; but they anticipated money from the sales of
some property which had been made sufficient to make
up the amount. Should it not be received in time, he
would furnish the money, as would one of his col-
leagues, sufficient to secure the payment of 15s. per
share to every proprietor.—(Cheers.)
The resolution then passed, and subsequently the
retiring directors were re-appointed agreeably to the
recommendation of the report.
➢ir. J. C. DYER then suggested, not, he said, as a
director, but as an individual shareholder, that as the
majority of the shareholders wished to be relieved as
soon as possible from all connexion with the affair,
some steps might be taken for the concentration of
the property into fewer hands. Suppose a number
of shareholders, amounting to at least one-third of the
whole stock, should agree upon a certain give-and-
take value to be affixed to the shares, then they
might be bought up into the hands of fewer indivi-
duals ; and as there was a considerable property ex-
isting in the bank itself, they might, if they chose,
re-establish the concern. _ _

The CHAIRMAN said he should be glad to relinquish
his shares at once, under any such arrangement, but
if it was the wish of the shareholders that the di-
rectors should go on winding up the affairs of the
bank, they would, as before, zealously devote them-
selves to the work.

The proceedings shortly afterwards closed by a vote
of thanks to the directors.

RAILWAY TRAFFIC 11E1:URNS.
SOUTH-EASTERN RAILWAY. Gross traffic receipts for
the week ending Oct. 8:
Passengers ...
Carrying account

... £12,173 9 0
... 3,188 16 2

Total ... £15,362 5 2
Corresponding week hut year... 12,357 18 3
LONDON, BRIGHTON, AND SOUTH COAST RAILWAT.-•••
Traffic for the week ending Oct. 7 :
Passengers
Goods

...£11,144 11 0
2,;26 7 S

Total ... ... ... £13,870 18 6
Corresponding week last year... 11,677 0 0
LONDON AND BLACK WALL RAILWAT.—Amount of revenue
for the week ending Oct. 6:—
Passengers
Goods

-.4E915 7 8
37 10 0

Total ... £952 17 8
Corresponding week last year ... 677 8 1
LANCASMIRE AND YORKSHIRE RAILWAY.—(2S3I miles
open.)—Traffic for week ending Oct. 6 ....£14,487 7 7
Corresponding week in last year, (196 i
miles open) .. ....£10,994 13 3
SithorstitaE UNION RAILWAY.—(Open .0 miles.)—Traffic
for the week ending Oct. 6 :
Passengers, parcels, &c.
Goods and live stock

... £314 17 10i
... 210 5 4

Total £525 3 9i
Corresponding week last year ... 443 6 7
SOUTII WALES RAILWAY.—Return of traffic for the week
ending Oct. 6 :
Passengers
Parcels ...
Goods

... ... £938 1 3
... ... 46 10 2
... .. G 3 6 4

Total (exclusive of mails)... 1,017 17 9
GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY.—Return of traffic for the
week ending Sunday, Oct. 6 ... £17,720 2 7
CALEDONIAN RAILWAY.— (160 miles opened.) Return of
traffic inr the week ending Sept. 29 :
Passengers, &c. ....C3,304 15 2i
Goods, &c. „.. 0 6

Total .....£7.086 15 8i
Corresponding week last year ... 6.658 17 8

LIVERPOOL, THURSDAY MORNING —The steam-
ship Pacific, from New York, was off Holyhead at ball-put
six o'clock.

THE CITY Or GLASGOW STEAM-SHlP.—This fine
steamer, on her way down the river, took the ground at
Bowling Bay, on Saturday afternoon. She might have
floated off with the next tide; but from the extreme daik-
ness of the night it was thought more prudent to wait till
Sunday, when the tide again flowed. She lay accordingly at
Bowling till Sunday at twelve o'clock, when she again started
on her voyage, and at two r.at. got fairly under weigh off
Gourock. It may be worth mentioning that while the vessel
was lying at Bowling on Sunday morning, Divine service
was perlormed on board, both in the first and second cabins,
by the Revs. Dr. Kennedy and lames Asher, both American
clergymen.—North British Iliad.
DISEASE AMONGST THE YOUNG WOODS IN Rox-
BURGHSHIIIII.—We have heard repeatedly of late of a dis-
ease, somewhat akin to that which has overtaken the pota-
toes, manifesting itself strongly amongst the young woods.
The larches are dying fast, and other descriptions likewise.
In the Duke of Buccleuch's plantations in Teviotdale, Esk-
dale, and Ewes, the havoc is very great, threatening to de-
stroy many woodlands altogether.—Daily Mai/.
CHINESE FUNERAL.—A Chinese funeral took place
yesterday. The Chinaman died at the Chinese Restaurant
of Macoa and Woosung. 'I he funeral was large, there being
over one hundred and fifty Chinamen in the procession, each
wearing a piece of white crape. A large number of persons
visited the burying ground to witness the ceremonies, which
are as follows :—They lowered the coffin as we do; they then
threw the white bandage worn on their arms into the grave;
then matches, and the wax candles, and a bottle of wine.
Bcf,,re covering the coffin, each person bowed his head to
the earth and uttered some few words not by us understood.
Then each threw a handful of dirt on the coffin, and passed
round liquors, wine, and cigars, &c., of which they invited
sack American to partake, and the grave was then filled up.
—A ea, York Paper.
A meeting
clerk of the works for the new workhouse.
thew orkhouse committee
of the Devonport guardians was held last weetntoe
naapredintba
I y
the architect was recommended by
uvaelr yn
nominated
iandavtiseda bblys
' the architect I and proposed another person, who was elect
Do the Devonport guarj,liaus (and others who have followed
to Somaa
pp ooifntthaes guardians clerk o f thesa
d worksthey atnhoiungdhivtildt
the same course) see, that by interfering thus, they relieme the
architect from responsibility?—A report from the architect
of the new workhouse at Bradford to the guardians last week
(asking money for the contractors) contained the CUI rioue
remark, correlative of what we have just now said, that the
clerk of the works was well pleased with the character o the
work! l"—Builder.
A NEw FACT.—Ten thousand sheep have been
imported within a few weeks, or are being Imported into
Wigtownshire.—Dumfries Courier, •