Description

First edition, 8vo (220 x 140 mm), [9], vi-viii, 118pp., with half-title, 5 engraved plates (lightly spotted), handsomely bound in quarter calf over marbled boards, morocco label lettered in gilt. Thomas Buchanan was a Hull physician who ìstressed the importance of cerumen as an aid to hearing. He was ahead of his time in stressing the importance of ëthe will to hearí, the tension caused by expectation, as is noticed in animals whey they ëprick up their earsí. He noted the effect of distance upon harmony, and of the baneful effect of loud sounds, stating that ëthe Highland bagpipe, which at a little distance on a wide and blooming heath has a melody and sweetness particularly agreeable to the Scottish ear, may produce a stunning effect when played in a small apartment.íîóStevenson. Stevenson, A History of Oto-Laryngology. p. 61.