The summary of the results arrived at, shows for the
1st pipexE♭———G—A♭—B♭—C♭
2ndx”xxiE♭—-F—G—A♭
These were obtained with a small straw reed. (The E♭ is the third space in the bass clef). Nearly all the intervals prove to be less than ours, and are, as we should term them, flat. The experimenters used small straw squeaker reeds, and also Arghool and bagpipe reeds, the results in each case differing. So that, unless we can ascertain more definitely what sized reed the Egyptians had in use, the pitch notes arrived at are but approximately right.
That my own experiments bore a lower estimate of pitch is due to my using ordinary arghool reeds, heavier than could by any supposition have been fitted to these little pipes, yet the relative course of the sounds produced is seen to be the same, and therefore is confirmatory of the use of that particular kind of reed, and in accordance with known laws of the reed and pipe, so that my first guess or calculation, founded upon the length of the pipes, was correct. The length of pipe 17-3/4 inches, to which add 1-1/2 inches for length of reed. This is the sound of the full length of the pipe, note
| or |
The relations of the notes, one to another, as ascertained by Mr. Blaikley, are in close correspondence with the harmonic scale as elicited from the horn or trumpet, from the high D to G; and also the scale of the highland bagpipe has its succession of notes in similar relations of pitch. This harmonic scale is here given, so that by comparison the relation may be understood.
| vib. | |||||||
| The four holed pipe gives | { | E♭ 160 | G 194 | A♭ 213 | B♭ 233 | C♭ 257 | |
| The three holed pipe gives | { | E♭ 160 | F 177 | G 197 | A♭ 215 | ||
| By harmonic scale | E♭ 160 | F 177·8 | G 195·6 | A♭ 213·4 | B♭ 231·2 | ||
| (the increment is 17·8) | 9th | 10th | 11th | 12th | 13th |
Note by note the natural harmonic scale ascends by an equal increment, differing essentially from the diatonic, which only doubles its number of vibrations at the distance of the octave. Thus, although the sounds of the above are given by name, as near as can be stated, yet it is a notation for convenience only.