The Washington herald., 1908-02-09

The effect Of music on both the sane
and insane depend more on the kind Of
instrument or instruments employed than
on the variety of the musical produc-
tlon writes a physician in the Medical
Journal
Strings and horns have a soothing ef
feet; more stirring effects are obtainable
from wooden wind instruments; more en-
liyening yet from brass. and the most
agitating and thrilling Of all from drums
and the upper octave instruments such
as the piecolo.
4 string orchestra, whsn playing lively
dance music, caused some increase in
pulse and blood pressure and an awaken
ing OF attention among the depressed, and
I increased motility among the excitable.
Such instruments as strings and horns,
especially playing soft or plaintive music.
would be positively harmful IN depressed
conditions. but are useful in some maniac
cases.
It has been noted lately in experiments
on the effects Of music on breathing,
made IN the psychology laboratory Of Wei
lesley College, that in the normal individ-
ual, listening TO organ music. major or
minor. loud OF soft shoTtens the respiTa-
tory pulse and makes the breathing fast
CT and shallower
Music in Hospitals.
In hospital practice 7 found it useful TO
subdiyide the concert orchestra for ward
purposes. using certain combinations for
certain cases. depending on effects de-
sired, as previously described. Patients
should also be allowed freedom Of move
ment during concerts. Palliative effects
at least are nearly always obtainable.
In matters of amusement diversion. and
occupation, in disordered mental states
! il is found necessary TO have variety. The
same diversion cannot, as a rule, be long
used with the same patients
If physical training is utilized, various
methods are employed; music may bs
/ used TO accompany the exercises, and the
music and instruments may be varied
/ Baseball games interest the entire house
I hold and cause diverting conversation.
/ The same is true in these hospitals re-
specting pool and billiard and bowling
matches. and the benefits Of patients
dances have been a matter of common OBJ
/ Iservati0n and comment for years.
I Rhythmic exercises. such as bicycle rid
/ ing on level ground. are useful in states
Of partial exhaustion and in the spas
modic neuroses. Golf is frequently pre-
/ scribed in many nervous disorders as
/ form Of exercise, the dosage OF which is
easily regulated.
Mental Exhaustion Follows.
CaHsthenic drills 10 increase the atten-
ton are apt 10 be too exhausung for
mental cases unless sufficient reaction
time is permitted. or the teacher accom-
Ipanying his commands with a perform
ance OF the same movements himself
thus permitting imitation which IS not
accompanied by nearly as much mental
exhaustion as the close and prolonged
fxati9n Of the attention demanded by
following rapid commands only.
/ Duplicate whist 1 have found OF I'M
mense value in many mental cases Of long
standing in which there is not much de-
teri0rat alton. II controls the attention for
considerable periods. 10 the exclusion OF
annoying delusions and haIGcinatiCns.
Many hospitals are provided with peda-
gogic schools. the object of which is the
awakening and re-education Of dormant
energies by actual participation in study
or discussion. Spelling and mental aritb-
metic, geography of countries and places
Of special current newspaper mention
rcciting or reading aloud-all have their
yafUS