Note 5 — Chapter IV · NEGLECT HITHERTO OF THE HAND AND FINGERS.

The following quotations from the works of some of the leading authorities may be of interest to the reader:—

“Methodical gymnastic exercises of the hands and fingers afford the very best means of overcoming the technical difficulties.”—Schmidt’s “Annals of Medicine.”

“Technical difficulties will most safely and quickly be conquered by proper gymnastic exercises of the hand and fingers.”—Dr Dietz, Member of the Royal Council of Medicine.

“To obtain technical skill and muscular steadiness, a gymnastic education is the best means.”—P. M. Link. The gymnast exercises his limbs through preparatory exercises; how, therefore, is it possible for the player of the piano and violin to dispense with this gymnastic preparation of the joints of the hand and fingers?”—Prof. Rector v. Schmidt, President of the Royal Gymnasium. “La souplesse et l’étendue des poignets dépendent du développement gymnastique des forces. La gymnastique développe l’aisance et la grâce.”—Dr M. Bally. “For so great an art as piano or violin playing, the muscles of the fingers are weak; they ought to be prepared by proper gymnastic exercises.”—Ferguson.