Harmonics or The Philosophy Of Musical Sounds - Smith, Robert (Cambridge Bentham, 1749)
facsimile edition see 05A22
Smith (1689 - 1768) trained as a mathematician and was Plumian Professor of Astronomy at Cambridge for forty-four years (1716 - 1760). Although his work on harmonics has a mathematical basis, he approaches the problems of tuning keyboard instruments as a musician would.
"Music was both Smith's pastime and his other main scientific interest. He was an accomplished performer on several instruments, particularly the violoncello, and possessed a 'correct ear'. In his Harmonics he advocated the mean-tone temperament or method of tuning keyboard instruments. In the same work he contributed to the mathematical theory of music with an extended discussion of equal harmonic intervals." (Geoffrey Canton in the new Oxford DNB)
Keywords: 18th Century (1701-1800); Music theory; Harmony; Tuning; a =; continuo; orgelstemming; temperatuur; vibrato; Huygens; Sauveur; metronoom als hulpmiddel bij het stemmen; monochord; Bünden; cornet; dubbele boventoetsen; sexquialter; verbetering van temperatuur dmx extra orgelpijpen die in/uitgeschakeld kunnen worden vantevoren