CHAPTER XXX.
HYGIENE OF THE VOCAL ORGANS.
601. The voice can be changed and modified by habit. Sailors, smiths, and others, who are engaged in noisy occupations, exert their vocal organs more strongly than those of more quiet pursuits. This not only affects the structure of the vocal organs, but varies the intonation of the voice.
602. The voice is strong in proportion to the development of the larynx, and the capacity of the chest. Singing and reading aloud improve and strengthen the vocal organs, and give a healthy expansion to the chest. The enunciation of the elementary sounds of the English language, aids in developing the vocal organs, as well as preventing disease of the throat and lungs. This exercise also conduces to the acquisition of musical sounds.
603. The attitude affects the modulation of the voice. When an individual stands erect, the movements of the whole respiratory apparatus are most free and effective. The larynx is brought forward by the erect position of the head and the elevation of the chin. The muscles of the arytenoid cartilages are then brought to a proper relation for action, by which a tension of the vocal cords is produced, that favors clear and harmonious enunciation.
Experiment. Read with the head bowed forward and the chin depressed; then read with the head erect and the chin elevated, and the difference in the movement of the vocal 275 organs, together with the difference in the voice, will be manifest.
601–616. Give the hygiene of the vocal organs. 602. How may the voice be strengthened? 603. What effect has the erect attitude upon the modulations of the voice? Give the experiment.
Fig. 107.