Diemerbroeck,
Bonet, Baglivi, Kercher, and Desault mention the efficacy of
melody in phthisis, gout, hydrophobia, the bites of venomous
reptiles, etc. There is a case in the Lancet of a patient in
convulsions who was cured in the paroxysm by hearing the tones of
music. Before the French Academy of Sciences in 1708, and again
in 1718, there was an instance of a dancing-master stricken with
violent fever and in a condition of delirium, who recovered his
senses and health on hearing melodious music. There is little
doubt of the therapeutic value of music, but particularly do we
find its value in instances of neuroses. The inspiration offered
by music is well-known, and it is doubtless a stimulant to the
intellectual work. Bacon, Milton, Warburton, and Alfieri needed
music to stimulate them in their labors, and it is said that
Bourdaloue always played an air on the violin before preparing to
write.
According to the American Medico-Surgical Bulletin, "Professor
Tarchanoff of Saint Petersburg has been investigating the
influence of music upon man and other animals. The subject is by
no means a new one. In recent times Dagiel and Fere have
investigated the effect of music upon the respirations, the
pulse, and the muscular system in man.
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