The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1897-12-11

N(19AAS&T9 been ascertained,
k\SNY0SA4O either in raising the
9TNS5V energies of the
ASS-II/ mind or producing
W..1C/ dependency and
melancholy associa
tons of ideas, says the Fireside.
Impressed with its sublime nature the
ancients gave it a divine origin. Diod-
orus tells us that it was a boon be-
slowed on mankind after the deluge
and owed it's discovery to the sound
produced by the wind when whistling
through the reeds that grew on the
banks of the Nile. This science be-
came the early study of philosophers
and physicians. Herophilus explained
the alterations of the pulse by the var
ious modes, and rhythms of music. III
the sacred writings we have many I'M
stances of its influence. The derange,
ment of Saul yielded to the harp OF
David and the hand of the Lord came
upon Elisha as the minstrel played. hi
Egypt certain songs were legally orr
dained in the education of youth TO,
promote virtue and morality.
Polybius assures us that music was,
required to soften the manners of the
Arcadians,r whose climate was heavy
and impure; while the inhabitants Of.
Cynaethe, who neglected this science,
were the most barbarous in Greece.
The medical power of harmonious
sounds was also fully admitted. We
find Pythagoras directing certain men
tai disorders to be treated by music.
Thales was said to have even cured
disastrous pestilence by its means.
Martinus Capella af1rms that fevers
were thus removed. Xenocrates was
credited with curing maniacs by meIo-
dtous sounds, and Asclepiades deafness
with a trumpet. In modern times it
has been related of a deaf lady that
she could only hear while drum was
beating, and drummer was kept in
her house for the purpose of enabling
her to converse. Aulus Gellius tells
us that case of sciatica was cured by
gentle modulations, and Theophrastus
maintains that the bites Of serpents
and other Venomous reptiles can be re-
lieVed by similar means. Ancient
physicians, who attributed manv dis
eases to the influence of evil spirits.
fancied that harmonious sounds drove
them away, more especially when ac-
companied by nominations; and we find
in Luther that music is one of the
most beautiful and glorious gifts of
God, to which Satan is bitter enemy"
In more modern times we have several
instances Of the medical powers of
music. The effect produced by Far
inelli on Philip of Spain is well known.
This monarch was in such a deplorable
state of dependency from ilI-health
that he refused to be shaved or to an
pear in public On the arrival of Far
lnelh the. queen was resolved to trw
the power of music, and a concert was
ordered in room adjoining the kings
chamber. Farineli sung two of his
pest airs, which so overcame Philip
that he desired he might be brought N
to his presence, when he promised 10
grant him any reasonable request ne
might make. The performer, in the
most respectful manner, then begged
the king to allow himself to be shaved
and attended by his domestics, to
which Philip consented. Farinelli con-
ttnued to sing to him daily until a DR.
feet cure was effected The story of
Tartini is rather curious; In a moment
of musical enthusiasm he fell aslegp
when the devil was said to have an
peared to him playing on the violin.
bidding him with a horrible grin to
play as we'll as he did. Struck with
the vision, the musician awoke, ran to
his harpsichord and produced sp1ru-
did sonata. Bruckman and Hufenrnd
relate cases of St. Vitus' dance cured
by music, which, according to Oes,.s-
sarts, also was reported to have relthy-
ed catalepsy. Schneider and Becker
have ascertained it's influence in bfs-
terra and hypochrondriac affections. A
singular effect of music is related nv
Roger in the case of a poor wretch
broken upon the wheel. In his agon-
les he screamed in the most fearful
manner. Some itinerant musicians
CHANGED to pass by; they were stopped
and requested to play to the sufferer,
when to the surprise of all around he
seemed relieved, and became so tran
quill that he confessed his manifold Of
lenses and died, according to the tale,
with calm resignation" It seems
more likely that the man lost con-
seriousness owing to the horrible tor
ture inflicted.