CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN WIND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Year: 1823

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, the
Reverend JOSEPH ROGERSON COTTER, of Castle Magnor, near Mallow, in the
County of Cork, Clerk, send greeting.
WHEREAS His most Excellent Majesty King George the Fourth did,
by His Letters Patent under the Great Seal of that part of the United King-
dom of Great Britain and Ireland called England, bearing date at West-
minster, the Ninth day of October, One thousand eight hundred and twenty-
three, in the fourth year of His reign, give and grant unto me, the said
Joseph Rogerson Cotter, my exors, adiñors, and assigns, His especial licence.
full power, sole privilege and authority, that I, the said Joseph Rogerson
Cotter, my exors, adñors, and assigns, during the term of years therein
mentioned, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within
England, Wales, and the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, my Invention of
"CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN WIND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS;" in which said
Letters Patent there is contained a proviso that if I, the said Joseph
Rogerson Cotter, shall not particularly describe and ascertain the nature of
my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, by an
instrument in writing under my hand and seal, and cause the same to be
inrolled in His Majesty's High Court of Chancery within six calendar
months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent, that
then the said Letters Patent, and all liberties and advantages whatsoever
thereby granted, shall utterly cease, determine, and become void, as in and
by the same, relation being thereunto had, will more fully and at large appear.

page_text: NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
Joseph Rogerson Cotter, do hereby declare that the nature of my said Inven-
tion, and the manner in which the same is to be performed, are particularly
described and ascertained in and by the Drawings hereunto annexed, and the
following description thereof (that is to say):
:-
First, I do hereby declare the nature of my said Invention to consist in such
construction of tubes, and such arrangement of holes in said tubes as enables
me to form two musical wind instruments possessed of great sweetness of tone
and facility of performance, one of which is a bass instrument, and in its tube
is about double the length of those bass instruments hitherto in use, called the
serpent and the bass horn (that is nearly so, a few inches more or less), and
from this increased length acquires an improved quality of tone, admits of a
more simple mode of performing thereon the chromatic scale, and moreover
admits of producing notes which are lower or deeper than the usual ratural
pitch and scale of the serpent and common bass horn. The other instrument
is a tenor; it possesses similar advantages as to tone and manner of producing
the chromatic scale, and moreover is in itself a great acquisition to music,
inasmuch as a good tenor instrument of the wind kind has hitherto been
considered as a desideratum.
And secondly, I do hereby describe a manner in which my said Invention
may be performed, as follows, that is to say:-
For the Bass Instrument. Description of the Drawing, Fig. 1st and 2d.-
A, B, C, D, P, Z, S, T, represents the whole tube of the instrument formed
into a shape, omitting the mouthpiece. At B and C it is joined in the manner
as per Drawing, a communication being left open at the parts B and C, from
one tube to the other, equal to the internal dimensions of the tube in those
parts. The dimensions of the tube are as follows, viz': the whole length
of the tube as above measured along the centre of the tube through each past
along the dotted line is sixteen feet five inches (or nearly so). Its internal
diameter at X, where the bell begins to swell, is 2 inches (or nearly so); from
this point X it regularly and gradually decreases in a conical or taper manner
all through to the smallest end T, where the mouthpiece is to be inserted.
At the point T its internal diameter is half an inch (or nearly so); from the
point X to B is three feet 6 inches; from B to B is 14 inches; from B to C
is four feet one quarter of an inch; from C to C is 1 inches; from C to D,
where the curve or bow D, P, commences, is three feet of an inch. The
length of the tube of the curved part or bow D, P, is one foot of an inch,
and it may be bent into any convenient curve; mine is bent into a curve the
chord of which is six inches, that is from D to P is six inches across at the

page_text: inside; from P to Z is one foot 11 inches. The length of the tube of the
crook Z, S, T, is one foot 84 inches, and it may be shaped as represented, or
in any other shape convenient to the performer. The bell is 10 inches in
length from X to A along the dotted line X, A. Its diameter at the distance
of 8 inches from X is 6 inches inside, its diameter at 4 inches from X is four
inches inside, and its greatest diameter across the mouth is 94 inches. The
mouthpiece may be shaped agreeably to the wish or capacity of the performer.
I use one which is in the diameter of the cup in widest part 1 inch, from
which it decreases in a conical manner to the hole or narrowest part at the
bottom, which hole is th of an inch in diameter. The depth of the cup to the
hole is 1 inch, and it gradually widens downwards from the hole. To shew
the situation of the holes on the instrument, let a circle be supposed drawn
round the tube at X; the hole at G, as represented in Fig. 2d, is on the front
of the instrument (or side turned from the performer in playing). The center
is ten inches (or nearly so) from the circle at X, and the hole is 1 inches
in diameter (or nearly so). The hole at I, as represented in Fig. 1st, is on
the back (or side turned towards the performer in playing), its centre is one
foot 8 inches (or nearly so) from the circle at X, and the hole is 14 inches in
diameter (or nearly so). The hole at K, as represented in Fig. 2nd, is on the
front. Its centre is 2 feet 7 inches from the circle at X (or nearly so), and
the hole is 14 inches in diameter (or nearly so). The hole at L is on the front...
as represented in Fig. 2d, its centre is three feet five inches (or nearly so)
from the circle at X, and the hole is 11 inches in diameter (or nearly so).
The hole at M, as represented in Fig. 1st, is on the back, and it is 1 inches
in diameter (or nearly so). To find the situation of the hole at M let a
mark be made at R on the larger limb of the instrument A, B, which mark
to be 2 feet 11 inches (or nearly so) from the circle at X; then let a
straight rule be laid across at said mark parallel to the flat bottom at B.
Thus the centre of the whole at M may be marked. The hole at N is on the
front, as represented in Fig. 2d, and is one inch (or nearly so) in diameter.
To find the centre of the hole at N let a mark be made at Y at the distance
of two feet 4 inches from the circle at X (or nearly so); let a straight ruler
be applied across at said mark parallel to the flat bottom B; thus the centre
f the hole at N may be marked; a ring is to be fixed upon each of these
oles for the flap of the key to lie upon, and each hole is to be covered with a
pring key, as follows, viz*:-The key for the hole at G is 6 inches long
or nearly so). Its tail points from the bell and the fulcrum is 24 inches (or
early so) from the tip of the tail. The key for the hole at I is 5 inches
ong (or nearly so); the tail points towards the bell, and the fulcrum is 2

page_text: inches (or nearly so) from the tip of the tail. The key for the hole at K is
14 inches long (or nearly so), its tail points towards the bell, and the fulcrum
is 6 inches (or nearly so) from the tip of the tail. The key for the hole
at L is 8 inches long (or nearly so), curved a little as represented in
Figure 2d, so as to have its box and tail on the smaller limb B, C. Its tail
points from the bottom at B, and the fulcrum is 34 inches (or nearly so) from
the tip of the tail. The key for the hole at M is 6 inches long (or nearly so);
its tail points from the bottom B, and the fulcrum is 24 inches (or nearly so)
from the tip of the tail. The key for the hole at N is four inches long
(or nearly so), its tail points towards the bottom B, and the fulcrum is 1
inches (or nearly so) from the tip of the tail. A recess or saddle o to receive
the two middle fingers is placed between the tails of the keys G and K, and a
similar recess W between the tails of the keys L and N. These recesses must
respectively be wide enough to receive the two middle fingers. Each key
must be a little larger in the flap than the hole it is to cover, and the under
side of each flap is to be covered with leather or any other material. to make it
air-tight. For convenience sake the instrument may be made so as to take
asunder into parts; for instance (which I prefer), into four by joints at m, n,
and z.
Besides the foregoing six keys, there are two additional keys designed
for the purpose of extending its scale lower down; the holes which are stopped
by these keys are on the back, as represented by a and b in Fig. 1st. The hole
at a is one inch in diameter (or nearly so), and to find its situation let a
mark be made as at d, 1 inches, or nearly so, from the circle X, and let a
straight rule be applied at said mark parallel to the flat bottom at B; thus the
centre of the hole at a may be marked. The hole at bis 1 inches in diameter
(or nearly so), and to find its situation a mark may be made at F, 7 inches
(or nearly so) from the circle at X, and let a straight rule be applied at said
mark parallel to the flat bottom B; thus the centre of the hole at b
marked. A ring is also to be fixed in each of these holes, as before described
for the other holes. The key for the hole at a is 14 inches long (or nearly
so); the tail curved a little at the end as represented, and the fulcrum 6 inches
(or nearly so) from the tip of the tail. The key for the hole at 6 is 10 inches
long (or nearly so); the tail curved at the end as represented, and the fulcrum
5 inches (or nearly so) from the tip of the tail. The holes at a and b should
be bored a little out of the same line, just sufficiently to prevent the keys from
touching each other. Besides the fore-mentioned keys there may be a small
spring key for letting off the water that collects in the tube placed on the bow,
as at a, stopping a small hole of about 1 of an inch in diameter. The tail
should point upwards towards the crook, and the hole should be bored in the
may
be

page_text: most convenient situation for letting off the water that collects in the tube
This key may be about three inches in length. The different parts of th
instrument may be made fast to each other by stays placed across from tub
to tube in the most eligible situations the maker may choose, as at r, and t
5 and e; and on one of the stays at ra small ring may be fastened for the
purpose of receiving a hook to hang the instrument by in playing.
Further, for the Tenor Instrument. Description of the Drawing Figs. 3d
and 4th.-A, B, C, D, Z, S, T, represents the whole tube of the instrument
formed into a shape, omitting the mouthpiece. At Bit is joined as per Drawing,
o a communication being left open from one tube to the other at B, equal to the
internal dimensions of the tube at that part. The whole length of the tube,
from A to T through all its parts, measured along the dotted line, is eight feet
(or nearly so); its internal diameter at X, where the bell begins to swell, is
1inches (or nearly so); from the point X it regularly and gradually decreases
in a conical or taper manner all through to the smallest end T, where the
mouthpiece is to be inserted. At the point T its internal diameter is ths of
an inch (or nearly so); from X to B is one foot eight inches; from B to B is
1 inches; from B to the centre point of the bow at C is two feet and inch,
the distance being measured along the centre of the tube. The curve or bow
at C may be made in any convenient bend; mine is made so that the legs of it,
namely, the tubes C, B, and C, D, shall be about 1 inches from each other,
where they are straight and parallel. From the centre point of the bow at C
to the centre point of the second bow D is one foot 7 inches. From the
centre point of the second bow D to Z, where the crook is inserted, is one
foot 2 inches. The length of the tube of the crook Z, S, T, is 10 inches,
and it may be shaped as represented. The bell is 63 inches in length from
X to A, along the dotted line X, A. Its diameter at 4 inches from X is
3 inches inside, and across the mouth it is 6½ inches. The mouthpiece may
be made to suit the performer.. I use one which is 22 inches in length; the
diameter of the cúp in widest part is ths of an inch, from which obereases in
a conical manner to the holo or narrowest part at bottom, which hole is ths
of an inch in diameter. The depth of the cup to the hole is 1 inch; and it
gradually widens from the hole to the other end. To shew the situation of the
oles on the tube, let a circle be supposed drawn round the tube at X; the-
ole at G, as represented in Fig. 4th, is on the front (or side turned from the
erformer in playing). Its centre is 4 inches (or nearly so) from the circle X,
nd the hole is of an inch in diameter (or nearly so). The hole at I, as
epresented in Fig. 3d,.is on the back (or side turned towards the performer in
laying); its centre is 11 inches (or nearly so) from X; and the hole is f.of an

page_text: of an inch (or nearly
be made at R on the
inch in diameter (or nearly so). The hole at K, as represented in Fig. 4th, is
on the front, its centre is one foot 3 inches from X (or nearly so), and the
whole is of an inch in diameter (or nearly so). The hole at L is on the
front, as represented in Fig. 4, and is of an inch in diameter (or nearly so).
To find the situation of the hole at L, let a mark be made as at u, on the
larger limb A, B; this mark is to be one foot 7 inches from X (or nearly so);
then let a straight ruler be applied at said mark parallel to the flat bottom at
B; thus the centre of the hole at L may be marked. The hole at M is on
the back, as represented in Fig. 3d, and its diameter is
so). To find the centre of the hole at M, let a mark
larger limb A, B. This mark is to be one foot 2 inches (or nearly so) from
the circle at X. Then let a straight ruler be applied at said mark parallel to
the flat bottom B; thus the centre of the hole at M may be marked. The
hole at N is on the front, as represented in Fig. 4th, and is an inch in
diameter (or nearly so). To find the centre of the hole at N, let a mark be
made at Y, at the distance of 11 inches from X (or nearly so); let a straight
ruler be applied across at said mark parallel to the flat. bottom B. Thus the
centre of the hole at N may be marked. A ring is to be fixed on each of
these holes for the flap of the key to lie upon, and each hole is to be covered
with a spring key, as follows, viz:-The key for the hole at G is 3 inches
long (or nearly so); its tail points from the belt, and the fulcrum is 1 inches
from the tip of the tail (or nearly so). The key for the hole at I is 3
inches long (or nearly so); its tail points towards the belt, and the fulcrum is
1 inches from the tip of the tail (or nearly so). The key for the hole at K
is 5 inches long (or nearly so); its tail points towards the bell, and the fulcrum
The key for the hole
is 2 inches from the tip of the tail (or nearly so).
at L is 3 inches long (or nearly so); its tail points from the bottom B, and
the fulcrum is 1 inches (or nearly so) from the tip of the tail. The key for
the hole at M is 8 inches long (or nearly so); its tail points from the bottom B
and the fulcrum is 18 inches from the tip of the tail (or nearly so). The key
for the hole at N is 3 inches long (or nearly so); its tail points towards the
bottom B, and the fulcrum is 1 inches from the tip of the tail (or nearly so).
A recess or saddle O is placed between the tails of the keys G and K, and 'a
similar recess W is placed between the tails of the keys L and N. These
recesses must respectively be wide enough to receive the two middle fingers
Each key must be a little larger in the flap than the hole it is to cover, and
the under side of each flap is to be covered with leather or any other materia
to make it air-tight. No additional keys are at present put on the tenor t
correspond with those on the bass at a and b, in Fig. 1st, because it is not con

page_text: sidered any advantage to carry down the scale of the tenor lower than is done
without those keys, but they may be put on if found desirable. A small key for
the purpose of letting off the water that collects in the tube may be put on at x,
stopping a small hole of about of an inch in diameter; the hole should be made
in the most convenient situation in the bow D for letting off the water, and
the tail of the key should point upwards towards the crook. This key may be
about 2 inches in length. The different parts of the instrument may be
made fast to each other by stays placed across from tube to tube in the most
eligible situations the maker may choose. Now, the above particular dimen-
sions of the tubes of both instruments, general shape of the instruments and
of the parts thereof, distance and size of holes, particular arrangement, size
and length of keys, and places of the fulcra thereof, shape and size of
the mouth pecies, manner of doubling the tubes at B and C, may admit of
more or less variation and latitude, as also may the instruments be made
of such metals, wood, or other substances or combinations of the same
as the manufacturer may deem most expedient; neither are the recesses or
the keys for letting off the water, or the ring for hanging the instrument, or
the stays materials further than the purposes specified. But a bass instrument,
the tube of which is of so great a length (being about double the length of
those bass instruments hitherto in use, called the serpent and bass horn), and
thereby acquiring an improved quality of tone, and admitting of notes lower
or deeper than the natural lowest note of the serpent and bass horn, and on
which a regular succession of semitones, giving the whole chromatic scale for
two octaves or more as the natural sounds of the tube and holes, can be
produced by only six holes in said tube (for the two additional holes before
specified are not necessary to produce this latter effect), and the natural
harmonic scale of which, when all keys are shut, is in the following order of
harmonic relation, viz, 1st, the bass note; 2dly, its 5th; 3dly, the octave to
the bass note, &c. Its also a tenor instrument, on which a regular succession
of semitones, giving the whole chromatic scale for two octaves as the
natural sounds of the tube and holes, can be produced by six holes in said tube
(without any additional branch or tube, such as that used in the instrument
called the polyphonian horn), and the natural scale of which, when all keys are
shut, is in the following order of harmonic relation, viz³, 1st, the lowest note;
2d, its 5th; 3rdly, the octave to the lowest note, &c., being, to the best
of my knowledge and belief, entirely new, and never before used in these
kingdoms, I do hereby declare this to be my Specification of the same; and I do
verily believe that this said Specification does in all respects, fully and without

page_text: reserve or disguise, comply with the proviso in the said herein-before in part
recited Letters Patent contained. And I do hereby claim to maintain an
exclusive right and privilege to my said Invention. It is to be noted, that it
is possible to add a greater number of holes on either instrument, and thereby
devise other methods of producing notes on the instruments; but if any bass
or tenor instrument be so constructed as that a regular succession of semitones
for two octaves or more can be produced by six holes made as aforesaid in
the tube of the instrument, and the natural harmonic scale of such instrument
when all keys are shut being in the harmonic relation before mentioned, then
such instrument must be an infringement on my Invention, although it may
apparently differ from it. Note further, that in speaking above of notes
brought out "as the natural sounds of the tube and holes," I mean to point
out the distinction between such notes as are produced, upon the natural
principles of sounds in tubes (according to which the notes bear a mutual
harmonic relation to each other), and such sounds as a performer may con-
trive to make by certain methods of blowing, whereby a flatter or sharper
sound may be produced than that which ought to be the natural sound
of the tube or of the hole or holes open to produce it. These things I do
further declare, for the purpose of more effectually securing my right to said
Invention.
In witness whereof, I, the said Joseph Rogerson Cotter (party hereto),
have hereunto set my hand and seal, this Twenty-sixth day of March,
in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and twenty-four.,
John Leaby, of Subulles, in the County of Cork, Esq', in that part of the
United Kingdom called Ireland, maketh oath and saith, that he saw the Reverend
Joseph Rogerson Cotter, of Castle Magnor, near Mallow, in the County of 3

page_text: Cork, Clerk, sign and seal, and was present at the acknowledgment of the
annexed Specification of his Patent, and that the seal and signature thercon
is the seal and signature of the said Reverend Joseph Rogerson Cotter.
TT
AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the oath of John Leahy, the
Specification aforesaid was inrolled, word for word, as above written. And
also the Specification aforesaid was stamped according to the tenor of the
Statute made for that purpose.
Inrolled the First day of April, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and twenty-four.