The want of a contrivance in the _carillon_ for stopping the vibration has the effect of making rapid passages, if heard near, sound as a confused noise; only at some distance are they tolerable. It must be remembered that the _carillon_ is intended especially to be heard from a distance. Successions of tones which form a consonant chord, and which have some duration, are evidently the most suitable for this instrument. Indeed, every musical instrument possesses certain characteristics which render it especially suitable for the production of some particular effects. The invention of a new instrument of music has, therefore, not unfrequently led to the adoption of new effects in compositions. Take the pianoforte, which was invented in the beginning of the eighteenth century, and which has now obtained so great a popularity; its characteristics inspired our great composers to the invention of effects, or expressions, which cannot be properly rendered on any other instrument, however superior in some respects it may be to the pianoforte. Thus also the improvements which have been made during the present century in the construction of our brass instruments, and the invention of several new brass instruments, have evidently been not without influence upon the conceptions displayed in our modern orchestral works. Imperfect though this essay may be it will probably have convinced the reader that a reference to the history of the music of different nations elucidates many facts illustrative of our own musical instruments, which to the unprepared observer must appear misty and impenetrable. In truth, it is with this study as with any other scientific pursuit. The unassisted eye sees only faint nebulæ, where with the aid of the telescope bright stars are revealed. [Illustration: FIG. 78.――HANDEL’S HARPSICHORD. Made by Andreas Ruckers, of Antwerp, 1651. H. 36 in., L. of top 80 in., W. 36 in. No. 1079-’68. Victoria and Albert Museum.] APPENDIX. HANDEL’S HARPSICHORD. The following documentary evidence of this instrument’s authenticity as Handel’s harpsichord (Fig. 78) has been transmitted by Messrs. Broadwood:―― 33, Great Pulteney Street, London, _November 18th, 1868_.