QP306 776 1875 PREFACE. THE object of this little work is to present, in a cheap and convenient form, the facts and principles applicable to the culture and uses of the Human Voice, which are only to be found scattered through several large volumes, and to furnish Lyceums and Debating Clubs with a concise Code of Rules and Usages for the regulation of their proceedings. It is not expected nor intended to supersede the more elaborate works on Elocution, which may be indispensable for the Orator and Teacher; but to furnish all who desire to read and speak well, and who must rely mainly on self-education, with a plain and intelligible guide in theory and practice. FLORENCE HIGHTS, N. J., 1875. R. T. T. 24197 CONTENTS. CHAPTER I.-ANATOMY OF THE VOICE. Apparatus of Voice-The Thorax-Heart and Lungs-Ligaments of the PAGE 9 CHAPTER II.-PHYSIOLOGY OF THE VOICE. Erectitude-Natural Spine-Vocal Cords-Pitch of the Tones-Volume of Voice-Character of Voice-Rationale of Respiration-Rationale of Sobbing and Laughter-Rationale of Speech-Vowel and Consonant Sounds - Whispering - Sighing - Ventriloquism - Speaking Automata-Rationale of Articulate Sounds-Distinctions of the Consonant Sounds, CHAPTER III.-PATHOLOGY OF THE VOICE. Causes of Defective Voice-Spinal Miscurvature-Natural and Deformed Chest-Positions in Study-Positions in Standing-Sleeping with the Mouth Open-Lisping-Stammering-Hoarseness-Aphonia -Nasal Tone-Vailed Tone-Explosive Vocalization, 18 28 CHAPTER IV.-THERAPEUTICS OF THE VOICE. Exercises to Improve Respiration-Walking-Slapping the Abdomen -Apparatus-Military Position-Rotating the Arms-Elbow WhirlChest Extension Exercises-Indian Club Exercises-Back-boards and Bands-Exercises with Weights-Directions for Lispers and Stam merers, 33 CHAPTER V.-TRAINING OF THE VOICE. Normal Positions-Declamation-Argument-Exhortation-Appeal- Controlling the Respiration-Full Breathing-Audible Breathing- PAGE CHAPTER VI.-EXERCISES ON THE ELEMENTARY SOUNDS. Analysis of the Elementary Sounds-Analysis of the Sounds of the Letters-Exercises on the Vowel Sounds-Exercises on the Conso- CHAPTER VII.-SELECTIONS FOR PRACTICE. To Range-Glory-Cato's Soliloquy-Our Honored Dead-Darkness- Curtain Lecture-Immortality-Advantages of Adversity-Morning -The Dilemma-Deity-The Death of Hamilton-The Stars-Public Virtue-Criticism-The Revolutionary Alarm-Sheridan's Ride-The |