THE SOUND OF SILENCE.
Prof. Webster, of Clark University, U.S.A., has invented an aparatus for measuring the intensity of sounds, and registering it by means of photography. When a sound is heard this apparatus enables a definite answer to be given to the question — " How loud is it ?" The apparatus consists of a box containing a very sensitive diaphragm, which vibrates to every sound and an arrangement which turns these vibrations into wavy lines of light. The form of these waves tells not only the intensity, but the character of the sounds. The instrument is so sensitive that it l-ecords silence as well as sound — a paradoxical expression which only means that it can detect the presence of sounds of too high or too low a pitch to be audible to the human ear. That there are many such sounds in Nature, and that there is really no such thing as absolute silence, is proved by Prof. Webster's sound measurer.
Rising politician (whose friends have given him a brass band serenade) — "My fellow-citizens, this spontaneous tribute touches me deeply. lamat a loss to find words to express niy thanks. You have laid me under an obligation I shall never, never be able to repay." Leader of Brass Band (in alarm)— " But dis vas to pc ? gash dransaction, sueiu friendtl"
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Bibliographic details
Evening Post, Volume LVII, Issue 23, 28 January 1899, Page 10 (Supplement)
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219THE SOUND OF SILENCE. Evening Post, Volume LVII, Issue 23, 28 January 1899, Page 10 (Supplement)
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