=347. Manometric Flames.=--The actual presence of overtones along with
the fundamental may be made _visible_ by the _manometric flame
apparatus_. This consists of a wooden box, _C_, mounted upon a stand.
(See Fig. 339.) The box is divided vertically by a flexible partition or
diaphragm. Two outlets are provided on one side of the partition, one,
_C_, leads to a gas pipe, the other is a glass tube, _D_. On the other
side of the partition a tube, _E_, leads to a mouthpiece. A mirror, _M_,
is mounted so as to be rotated upon a vertical axis in front of _F_ and
near it. Gas is now turned on and lighted at _F_. The sound of the voice
produced at the mouthpiece sends sound waves through the tube and
against the diaphragm which vibrates back and forth as the sound waves
strike it. This action affects the flame which rises and falls. If now
the mirror is rotated, the image of the flame seen in the mirror rises
and falls, showing not only the fundamental or principal vibrations but
also the overtones. If the different vowel sounds are uttered in
succession in the mouthpiece, each is found to be accompanied by its
characteristic wave form (Fig. 340). In some, the fundamental is
strongly prominent, while in others, the overtones produce marked
modifications. Other devices have been invented which make possible the
accurate analysis of sounds into their component vibrations, while still
others unite simple tones to produce any complex tone desired.
=348. The Phonograph.=--The _graphophone_ or _phonograph_ provides a
mechanism for cutting upon a disc or cylinder a groove that reproduces,
in the varying form or depth of the tracing, every peculiarity of the
sound waves affecting it. The reproducer consists of a sensitive
diaphragm to which is attached a needle. The disc or cylinder is rotated
under the reproducing needle. The irregularities of the bottom of the
tracing cause corresponding movements of the needle and the attached
diaphragm, which start waves that reproduce the sounds that previously
affected the recorder. The construction of the phonograph has reached
such perfection that very accurate reproduction of a great variety of
sounds is secured.
[Illustration: FIG. 340.--Characteristic forms of manometric flames.]
=349. Wind Instruments.=--In many musical instruments as the _cornet_,
_pipe-organ_, _flute_, etc., and also in _whistles_, the vibrating body
that serves as a source of sound is _a column of air_, usually enclosed
in a tube. Unlike vibrating strings, this vibrating source of sound
changes but little in tension or density, hence changes in the pitch of
air columns is secured by changing their length. The law being similar
to that with strings, _the vibration rates of air columns are inversely
proportional to their lengths_.
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