Though Curwen did not truly invent Tonic Sol-fa, he developed a distinct method of applying it in music education, one that included both rhythm and pitch. They are six volumes dating from 1863 to 1868. Two are in his hand and signed by him. The other four books total 2000 leaves, penned on one side only. Each set is signed or initialed by the student and most are dated.
Some students comment on the exercises, explaining their solutions.
Students solved the 163 problems set before them differently, but my quick examination of the books has discovered no commentary from Curwen on the correctness of the student work. An elementary work on Musical Composition. This book I bought in M.S. in Germany, from the widow of Anthon Gersbach, for 10 or 12. The Revolution of 1848 had prevented its publication. In the article on Joseph, along with citations for published books of songs, an unpublished manuscript on harmony is mentioned, possibly the one Curwen bought.