“Mr E. Ward Jackson’s discovery is of the _highest importance_ to all performers on musical instruments requiring the use of the fingers. Several attempts have been made, at different times, to construct apparatus which would give strength and elasticity to these important members of the hand; but they have all signally failed. Mr Jackson has been the _first_ to consider the subject _philosophically_ and _anatomically_. His discovery will form an era in the progress of the manipulation of the art.” * * * * * _From_ JULES BENEDICT, _Pianist_. _July 22nd, 1865._ “I believe that Mr Jackson’s simple but ingenious contrivance will be highly beneficial for the musical student, and contribute to the clearness of touch and independence of the fingers. Experiments on a large scale, and in schools where music is taught, would still more contribute to acquaint the public with his clever and useful invention.” * * * * * _From_ PROFESSOR WYLD, _Mus. Doc., Cantab.; Professor of Music in Gresham College_. _July 23rd, 1865._ “Many thanks for sending me your pamphlet, which I have read very carefully. It has interested me very much, and I have no doubt of the practical excellence of your discovery.” * * * * * _From_ PROSPER SAINTON, _Leader of the Royal Italian Opera; of the Sacred Harmonic Society; of the Musical Society of London; and of the New Philharmonic Society_. _Aug. 5th, 1865._ “I have great pleasure in adding my testimony to that given to you by so many artists. I congratulate you upon your invention, which I am certain will be of great utility to pupils of the violin, in giving to their fingers strength and elasticity.” * * * * * _From_ WALTER MACFARREN, _Professor of Pianoforte in the Royal Academy of Music_. _July 28th, 1865._ “Mr. Edwin W. Jackson has done me the favour to explain to me his new system of gymnastics for the fingers, and I have no hesitation in stating that in my opinion it is calculated to obtain, by the simplest means, the independence of wrist and flexibility of finger essential to the pianist, or indeed to the performer on any keyed instrument. I consider that the introduction of this system would be of great value to both professor and pupil in schools and conservatories where music is studied.” * * * * * _From_ JOS. JOACHIM, _Violinist_. “I must, on reflection, admit that the gymnastics for the fingers which you suggest must, by proper application of the same, contribute greatly to strengthen and render pliant the finger-joints.” * * * * * _From_ PROFESSOR MOSCHELES. “Your very ingenious discovery that the necessary strength and flexibility of the fingers for pianoforte and violin-playing can be effected by means of cylinders placed between the fingers and other appliances, must prove to be of great use.”