Jackson's Gymnastics for the Fingers and Wrist / being a system of gymnastics, based on anatomical principles, for developing and strengthening the muscles of the hand for musical, mechanical and medical purposes: with thirty-seven diagrams

by Edwin Ward Jackson

PREFACE.

The subject of this little work develops, on anatomical and physiological principles, a system of Gymnastics for the Fingers and Wrist, the object of which is—, to lay a solid and scientific foundation for the acquisition of technical skill in the fingers and wrist, as applied to the playing on musical instruments and to finger-work generally.

For a detailed account of the circumstances under which this system was discovered, I refer to the Introductory Remarks, wherein I have explained the process of reasoning and the series of experiments, which enabled me to arrive at the results I have now the pleasure of submitting to the consideration of my countrymen; more especially to all those among them who are engaged in musical pursuits, or any other work requiring the constant use of the fingers.

I may simply state that both the scientific principles and the practical utility of this system of Gymnastics—, after having been subjected to the test of numerous experiments—, have met with the approval of the highest anatomical, musical, and gymnastic authorities of Germany; at whose special solicitation I was induced to make these discoveries known by means of public and private lectures—, delivered gratis in the German language in many German cities—, during a journey undertaken at my own expense, in the course of the summer of 1864.

I gladly avail myself of this opportunity to return my best thanks to Professors Hyrtl, Virchow, Hermann Meyer, and Griesinger; to Drs Richter, C. C. Carus, J. V. Carus, Berend, and Angerstein; to Professors Moscheles, Kullak, Stern, Geyer, Kittl, Joachim, and Lauterbach; to Capellmeister Taubert, Ferdinand Hiller, Lachner, Strauss, Abenheim, Täglichsbeck, and Meyer; to Concertmeister F. Schubert, Carl Baermann, Scholtz, Singer, Grün, and many others whom space precludes me from mentioning here,—for the assistance they have given me, and for the kind and favourable reception which they, the press, and the public generally, gave to my lectures.

And I indulge the hope that this little work may meet with the same approval from the medical, musical, and gymnastic authorities in this country, and be a means of practical utility among those for whom it is more particularly intended.

In all the gymnastic establishments throughout Europe and the civilized world, gymnastic exercises have been introduced for every part of the body except for the Fingers, notwithstanding that it is these important members of the human frame—with the mental organs—which chiefly distinguish Man from the Brute creation.

Therefore I venture to dedicate to the public—, “Gymnastics for the development of the Muscles, Ligaments, and Joints of the Fingers and Hand”—, specially adapted to

Musicians of all classes,

Authors, and all who are occupied much in writing,

Artists and Draughtsmen,

Printers and Compositors,

Lithographers and Engravers on steel and copper,

Workers in ivory and wood,

Watch-makers and fine Mechanicians.

Spinners and Weavers, for

All female handiwork, for

Surgical and anatomical processes, for the treatment of rheumatism, contortions, and other diseases of the Fingers and Hand,—and for

All those who require a flexible Hand, or who earn their bread with their Fingers.

EDWIN W. JACKSON.

September, 1865.