The exercises for stringed instruments will be most satisfactorily performed before a looking-glass, and I may here add that a little work by the author, entitled “Gymnastic Exercises for the Violin and Violoncello,” having for its special object the exercise of the wrist of the right hand on the instrument, will be published in a short time.
And here I avail myself of this opportunity to raise a question for consideration regarding that part of the violin-bow which the right thumb presses. Let me ask, first, why should this little sharp projection be permitted to appear on every bow, to the prejudice of the placing firmly the thumb there, instead of being rounded off? and secondly, why should there not be placed, close to this point, especially for students, a small piece of round gutta percha—a gutta percha button—as a stay to the thumb? Great facility would thus be afforded for holding firmly the bow. Any one may put a piece of gutta percha in the candle, and, when softened, stick it fast on the place indicated.
Finally, I repeat that, in performing any of these gymnastic exercises, the principal condition to be adhered to is, that they should always be made in the morning, also immediately before playing; and that while great vigour is imparted to them by following out strictly the directions given, any over-exertion should be avoided. As to the claims of the author himself, they are limited to an earnest desire, that his “Gymnastics of the Fingers and Wrist,” founded as they are on anatomical and physiological principles, may find favour with the Public, and be instrumental in promoting the best interests of Art.
THE END.
JOHN CHILDS AND SON, PRINTERS.
TESTIMONIALS.
From Prescott Hewett, F.R.C.S., Surgeon to St George’s Hospital, late Professor of Anatomy to R.C.S.
Aug. 28th, 1865.
“Having carefully examined the gymnastic exercises invented by Mr Edwin Ward Jackson for the due working of the fingers and hand, I have great pleasure in stating that I believe that such exercises will be of the greatest use, not only to musicians, but to every one who wishes to possess a perfectly free use of his hands. The power and the freedom obtainable by exercises such as these have been little thought of; but from what I have seen, I feel confident that Mr Jackson’s exercises, if rightly used, are destined to make the hand much more perfect for all its purposes than it really is.”