The Mechanism of Speech

Abstract

THIS is the second edition of a work already reviewed in NATURE, December 27, 1906 (vol. Ixxv., p. 196). The first edition was printed during the author's absence in Europe, and he had no opportunity of revising the proofs. As the printers could scarcely be expected to be familiar with the somewhat complicated symbols used by the author's father, Melville Bell, a number of typographical mistakes had crept in. These have now been corrected. A full account is given of Mr. Melville Bell's ingenious system of symbols, which are intended to express the position of various parts of the vocal apparatus in the production of articulate sounds, and illustrations are afforded of the methods by which deaf children can be led to understand the meaning of these symbols, and are thus guided in the operation of placing their vocal organs in the position required for a given word. By patient training and by following the judicious maxims of Mr. Graham Bell a wonderful degree of success has been attained in the education of the deaf. The Mechanism of Speech. Lectures delivered before the American Association to promote the Teaching of Speech to the Deaf by Alexander Graham Bell. Second edition. Pp. xv + 133. (New York and London: Funk and Wagnall's Company, 1907.) Price 1.20 dollars net.