The Power of Music In which is Shown, by a Variety of Pleasing and Instructive Anecdotes, the Effects it has on Man and Animals
9781465662729
213 pages
Library of Alexandria
Overview
The following extraordinary instance of the effects of music, is related by M. Menuret. “An unmarried lady, about thirty years of age, in consequence of violent grief in her youth, experienced various derangements in the natural functions, and was afterwards attacked by convulsions, which, at first, returned every month, and in the sequel, became more frequent. Medicines of every kind seemed only to aggravate the disorder; the fits recurred, not only every day, but several times a day, and were marked by an involuntary agitation of the limbs, by their rigidity, gnashing of the teeth without foam, and insensibility, Their duration was unequal: sometimes a quarter of an hour, but more frequently several hours; and concluded by an abundant discharge of tears. No expedient could be devised for her relief during these fits, nor did any remedy appear capable of preventing them, or of diminishing their violence, or their frequency: the most affectionate attention, travelling, diversions, amusements, were equally ineffectual.—Among the means that were tried on this occasion, was, fortunately, a concert, during which the young patient seemed highly delighted, and uncommonly well: she not only remained free from any convulsive fit while it lasted, but it afterwards returned later than usual. This method was repeated with the same result. The medical men by whom she was attended, availed themselves of the intervals of composure which it produced, to have recourse to other remedies. Long experience demonstrated their inutility; and repeated trials having proved the exclusive efficacy of music, her father, being obliged to return into the country, where he resided, engaged a musician to accompany and live with him. The soft melody of the violin or the piano forte, skilfully adapted to the taste and state of the patient, and often repeated, frequently prevents the convulsive fits, or abates their violence. This treatment, which has been solely employed for the last three years, has been attended with such success, that all the functions are restored to their natural state; and, for a year, the attacks are rare, and so slight, that the shortness of their duration does not always render it necessary to have recourse to the agreeable specific.”
