Page:Young - Outlines of experiments and inquiries respecting sound and light (1800).djvu/47

 used; since the aggregate sum of all the imperfections which occur in playing, must by this means be diminished in the greatest possible degree, and the diversity of character at the same time preserved. Indeed, in practice, this method, under different modifications, has been almost universal; for, although many have pretended to an equal temperament, yet the methods which they have employed to attain it have been evidently defective. It appears to me, that every purpose may be answered, by making C : E too sharp by a quarter of a comma, which will not offend the nicest ear; E : G*, and A : C, equal; F* : A* too sharp by a comma; and the major thirds of all the intermediate keys more or less perfect, as they approach more or less to C in the order of modulation. The fifths are perfect enough in every system. The results of this method are shown in Table . In practice, nearly the same effect may be very simply produced, by tuning from C to F, B, E , G*, C*, F* six perfect fourths; and C, G, D, A, E, B, F*, six equally imperfect fifths, Plate VI. Fig. 52. If the unavoidable imperfections of the fourths be such as to incline them to sharpness, the temperament will approach more nearly to equality, which is preferable to an inaccuracy on the other side. An easy method of comparing different systems of temperament is exhibited in Plate VII. Fig. 53, which may easily be extended to all the systems that have ever been invented.