Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1842-03-24

Il gives US pleasure to place before the
public the subjoined account of musical
invention, which we have never CHANGED
10 see, though acquainted with its very
worthy contriver, and aware OF the pro-
gress and final success OF his singular at
tempt. Col. Wood is a person Of amiabe
character, and Of highly respectable sta
ton: quiet, intelligent and estimable
country gentleman
Of his invention itself, we are furnish.
ed, from what all will see to be a skliu
source, with the following description
THE plANO-vIoLINo.
MEssRs. EpIroRs In this extraordi-
nary age Of invention and Of novelty, it is
difficult in those mechanical operations
which industry and enterprise daily bring
TO view, to separate the results OF scen-
,itic research from the plausible preten.
sions and artful con,rivances Of an impos-
ing ugglery. In the public exhibition of
taose results which demand tho patronage
and protection of Government, and lay
claim to the high prerogatve oil origtnai!-
~, self-interesl too often predominates
over tho pride of fame and the value OF
usefulness. The absorbing desire seems
20 be centred in the anticipation of profit,
more than in tho rich rewards of that DIS.
iinctou which is conferred by public COM
,nendation. Under such circumstances,
the attempt is often mule through the me-
dunn of the press by the extrayagance OF
Disgusting adulaton or an overweight
cncomium to court the patronage and ap-
proyal of public opinion. But, sirs, the
high, which is kndled by the ardent and
continued researches OF science, does not
expire with its abors.
|, remains to fully anI clearly develope
those results which must reveal its accom-
plishment. or expose It's failure. II is as
impossible to counterfeit the lawful cur
rency of mathematical demonstration, as
il was in fabled antiquity "to conceal
Achilles in woman's garb."
These remarks are pretdced as an in
PRODUCTION 10 the newly invented musical
instrument, the name Of which is placed
at the head Of this article. The inventor
10 Col. James s. Wood, Of Virginia, a
gentleman Of great responsibility and &C.
knowledged worth. Col. Wood brings
with him valuable testimonials from a
large portion ofthe members Of the Legis.
lature of Virginia, strongly commenting
his meritorious invention TO the favorable
notice ofthe American public.
This gentleman, by his mechanical
skill, has succeeded in uniting the violin
with the plano-i5rte, so rs TO form one IN
strument producing by the usual manual
pressure of the keys of the latter, the del
icate and unsurpassed tones OF The former
The writer of this communication having
some acquaintance with the construction
of musical instruments, and ihfir adapta-
ton to the harmonic scale, does not hesI-
tate to declare his full conviction that Col
Wood has, in the union Of ihess two IN.
strumen,s, clearly established the prlncl'
Pile for which he has so long and ardently
labored, and which has hitherto bafiird
the skill and ing nuity Of European en-
terprise, viz: THAT it is practicable 10
combine IN one general mechanical unison
these two very agreeable instruments. !"
This instrument, which has been exhibited
in this city before several gentlemen OF
professional skill and judgmen! in the SCI
once of music, ably sustains the reputa-
ton which Col. Wood has acquired as the
sole inventor and reflects additional hon
or not only upon his native State, but upon
himself as an American citizen.
The inventor proposes to render the in,
strument more perfect by additional i'm.
provemen.s, which he contemplates. ana
is about to visit the city OF New York for
the purpose OF accomplishing his designs
Tue lovers OF harmony, aud especially lhe
ladies, will rejoice to learn that the skill
and labors Of Col. Wood have brought to
the graceful and easy touch of the piano
forte the gentle and flowing melody oil
Psganini's finest illusions.
BELLlNI.