THE ANTHROPOGLOSSOS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume I, Issue 290, 17 October 1864, Page 6

THE ANTHROPOGLOSSOS.

(From the " Observer.") One of tlic latest. applications of mechanical science is certainly that involved in the production of 'ha Antliropoglossos. liyes are made which only lack the quality oi" seeing, but which arc undistinguishablo from the uaturul organ. Artificial legs, and hands, and aims, and teeth, which answer almost-all ■the purposes of those provided by Daturo ; but hitherto a "human tongue," and with well trained vocal organs, liss been wanting. The last difficulty of mechanical science has now been overcome, as any person nun - see fir himself who will visit fit. James's lUill, where the Antliropoglossos is exhibited. Here they will see a large waxen head, not unlike in its general appearance that of the late 11. Julien, with a silver funnel in its mouth. The head is not supported upon any body or pedestal, but hangs suspended by gilt chains from the ceiling. Beneath the bust, or what may be called the neck of the singing machine, there is a small glass case, containing some very delicately constructed mechanism, which may bo taken to represent the glottis, and the means of producing voenl expression. This mechanism, like tlmt of a musical box, is wound up by a key, and forthwith a pair of small beliews are seen to work, and from the small silver trumpet there issues forth a voice singing as distinctly and as accurately as human llcsh ai:d blood. The mechanical vocalist has a rtpcrtotre of six songs, and tlie " National Anthem," with which it winds up the entertainment. Some oilier heads of a similar diaracter are to be seen in tlio rocm, but we understand that they are not yet completely trained to their musical duties. The at-tic-illation of the ivf rds are -so clear, and the notes so musical, that it induces the suspicion of something more than mere mechanical appliances. Unlike other singing machines, there is nothing harsh or mcchaniial about the notes, and the deception of introducing a human voice, if it exists, is very cleveriv carried out, for the most careiul examination fails to detect any mode by which the voice of a human singer could be brought so cleverly out of the mouth of the waxen head. Some years ago there was an exhibition of the vocal performance ol what was termed the " Invisible Girl," who answered questions, and sung songs, from a box suspended in the room ; but in that ease there was no attempt to show that the results were produced by mechanism. But in these days of tahle turning and spiiitualism there is no knowing what may not be accomplished by natural means, and he would be a rash man who woidd assert that it ivas impossible to imitate as perfectly as the antliropoglossos does the sounds of tlio human voice.

To the Editor of the Time,?. Sir, —deferring to the problem ot' manning the army, will you allow an old soldier to offer a few brief suggestions on the subject—suggestions which I am sure, were they adopted, woflld have the inuehji sired effect of retaining our "ten years' men." 1. Proper treatment to be observed by officers towards nOTi-coinmissioned officers and privates'. 2. Kvery ton yearn' man who is worth, retaining to bo allowed leave to get married, " liis wife to be takeh on the strength," and to receive 6d. a day for her sole use, should sue conduct herself properly and rations at home the same as abroad, liefore marrying, the soldier to produce satislactoiy proof of his intended wife's character. The wife of the soldier of less than ten years' service, who " marries on the strength" to be treated as at present, with the exception of receiving rations at home. _On the Krst, I may remark that [ now hold the highest rank of non-commissioned officer—sergea'ntniajor, and my blood has oftc-n " run cold" at hearing the manner, the most disdainful and dogged, in which many oliieeis, the junior ones especially, have addressed old antl most desoi-ving non-commissioned oliiceis and privates, milking no distinction betweeii them and the woithless soldier. Several ten years' service men, on leaving the service, have come to bid me good-bye, and told me they would not have left hud ihey been treated as men and soldiers.

On the second, X would remfirk that 1 was promoted to sergeant when very young —-not 20, —and was inclined to bo rather wild, thought that I had not many years to serve, and would i;ot remain after mv ten years \v< re up; but, happening to fall iu love—" jJI&M v. (Jupidj" in which the plaintiff lost. I got married, and lu ! became not only the steadiest man in a steady "mess," but was only too happy to re-engage when my ten years wero up. By my second suggestion it will be perceived that no increase will be required in the soldier's pay, lor if you increased the privates' pay it would came endless confusion in assimilating tlio pay of the superior ranks and give rise to much dissatisfaction. 33 y allowing the ten years' man a wife, with a Small pecuniary .lilowance, with rations, you not only retain him, who is worth a half-dozen recruits, but vou also provide a nursery for a future army, reduce extensively the social evil, that pest about a barrack and the grievous expense to the public arid loss to duty ot men in hospital, olleet the desired means wiih the most efiicient economy, and, las'.ly, bring partly into practice Lhc theory of the guardiau angel of Scutari—Miss Nightingale. My experience and service inmany different partsof the worldcnable me tobringagoodjudgmeutto bearon the matter, for who knows belter the wauts of a ooldiev tnan the old soldier who has lived in the tield, the camp, and the garrison, and who taices a pride iu his profession Most respectfully your obedient servant, A £■!'. KG EAN T-MaJOIt.