From Erasmus Wilson, F.R.S.
“On carefully thinking over your demonstration of gymnastic exercises as applied to the hand, I can see in it only good; it is ingenious, practical, and physiological, and eminently adapted for the purpose to which you propose to adopt it; namely, the manipulation of the strings and keys of musical instruments. I am glad to hear that you intend to give your labours to the public very shortly.... I see no possible inconvenience, much less danger, in the process.”
From Dr Virchow, Professor of pathological Anatomy, Berlin.
June 3rd.
Translation.
“The exposition of your proposed Gymnastics for the regular exercise of those portions of the body which are used most partially, namely, the fingers, deserves, assuredly, a great and practical recognition. They are addressed, according to my opinion, to a real want or hiatus. Not only will they very naturally serve as a special preparation for musical objects, but also for a like participation of the muscle-groups of the forearm and the hand, which, in all the usual labours of daily life, are only very partially brought into action. In the case of men who only write, and women who sew, or do other fine work, the great disadvantages arising from the special pressure in individual groups of muscles will be altogether avoided; and I regard it as extremely probable that your gymnastics will diminish or entirely remove many disorders, such as writing-cramp, contortions, &c.”
Official extract from the books of the Society of Physicians at Berlin of the Meeting held by them, June 6th.
President—Dr Berend, Member of the Royal Privy Council, and Director of the Gymnastic-orthopedic Institution, Berlin.