Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1897-10-29

W. N -
ASTTY/ mind or producing
N-1// dependency and
melancholy associa
lions of ideas, says the Fireside.
Impressed with it's 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 its discovery to the sound
produced by the wind when whstling
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 Ia
the sacred writings we have many in
stances of it's influence The derange-
ment of Saul yielded to the harp o.
David and the hand of the Lord came
upon Elisha as the minstrel played In
Egypt certain songs were legally or
dained in the education of youth 70
promote virtue and morality.
Polybius assures us that music was
required to soften the manners of the
Arcadians, 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 it's means.
Martinus Capella afirms that fevers
were thus removed. Xenocrates was
credited with curing maniacs by melo-
dious sounds, and Asclepiades deafness
with a trumpet. In modern times it
has been related of a deaf lady that
she could only hear while a drum was
beating, and a drummer was kept in
her house for the purpose of enabling
her to converse. Aulus Gellius tells
US that a 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 many dis
eases to the influence of evil spirits.
fancied that harmonious sounds drove
them away, more especially when ac-
cOmpanied by incantations: 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 depIorabIe
state of dependency from ill-health
that he refused to be shaved or to ap-
pear in public. On the arrival of Far
inelli the queen was resolved to try
the power of music, and a concert WIS
ordered in a room adjoining the kings
chamber. Farinelli sung two of his
best airs, which so overcame Philip
that he desired he might be brought ~
to his presence, when ne promised 10
grant him any reasonable request re
might make. The performer, in the
most respectful manner, then begged
and attended by his domestics, to
which Philip consented Farinelli c0n-
tinued to sing to him daily until per-
feet cure was effected. The story Of
Tartini is rather curious; In a moment
of musical enthusiasm he fell asleTp,
when the devil was said TO have ap-
peared to him playing on the violin,
bidding him with horrible grin to
play as well as he did. Struck with
the vision, the musician awoke, ran to
his harpsichord and produced a splrn-
did sonata. Brakeman and HuIeiJnd
relate cases of st. Vitus dance cured
by music which. according to Des'.s-
sarts, also was reported to have reli'v-
ed catalepsy. Schneider and B3caer
have ascertained its influence in his
terra and hypochrondriac affections. A
singular effect of music is related by
Roger in the case of a poor wrecch
broken upon the wheel. In his agon-
les he screamed in the most fearful
manner. Some itine ant 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" 1t seems
more likely that the man lost con-
seriousness owing to the horrible tor
ture inflicted.