This page has been validated.
Praetorius—Mersenne
dimensions), and the largest of these (Page 30, Fig. 3) has apparently a head-joint separate from the body of the instrument, the diameter being larger at the joint. This, however, may be mere ornamentation. Another novelty is to be noticed—viz., the first three holes are separated from the second three by a considerably larger space. Possibly this division always existed in these early flutes, but if so, it was not shown in any of the earlier representations of the instrument.
Much the fullest description of the early flute, however, is that given in Harmonic Universelle, the great illustrated work of Father Marin Mersenne,Mersenne'sDescription of the Order of Minorites, published in Paris in 1636-37. In Vol. 11., Part v., he treats of the various kinds of flute at considerable length, terming the transverse flute "Fistula Germanica," or "Helvetica," whilst he calls the flute-à-bec "Fistula Anglicis." He gives an illustration of "one of the best flutes in the world" (Page 30, Fig. 4, which I reproduce from the copy of his book in the Library of Dublin University)—a transverse flute which is bent curiously towards the open end. He also gives full explanations, which are very interesting, as they are the earliest detailed account of the instrument and the method of playing it. The tube was 23.45 inches long and cylindrical throughout, with a cork in the head, the embouchure being 3.2 inches from the top end. The bore of the tube was slightly less than that used at present. It is apparently without joints, the six finger-holes, which are larger than those in
29
