ADVERTISEMENT.

THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF THIS SYSTEM. SOME years ago, the Author was extensively engaged as a Public Speaker; and, in consequence of the habit of speaking, principally, with the muscles of the throat and breast, he finally broke down,-falling senseless, after speaking about an hour and a half: that was followed by a protracted illness; during which, he providentially discovered the Causes, and also the Remedies, of the dif. ficulties under which he had labored; and now, for months in succession, by the aid of these principles, he often speaks from six to ten hours a day, without the least inconvenience: the principal cause of which is, that the effort is made from the dorsal and abdominal region. Few are aware of the comprehensive nature of the principles here partially unfolded ; and probably the Author would now be in a similar state, had it not been for the teachings afforded by children and Indians. To secure a perfectly healthy distribution of the vital fluids throughout the body, and a free and powerful activity of the mind, there must be a full and synchronous action in the brain, the lungs, and the viscera of the abdomen; the soul operating, naturally, on the dorsal and abdominal muscles, and thus setting in motion the whole body.

That he was the first to teach the specific use of those muscles, for a healthy breathing, and the exercise of the vocal organs, as well as blowing on wind instruments for hours together, without injury, he has not the least doubt; and, if any person will produce evidence to the contrary, from any medical writer, or teacher of elocution, previous to 1830, he shall be handsomely rewarded. The time is fast approaching, when this, and its kindred subjects, will be duly appreciated; and it will be seen and felt, that without a practical knowledge of these important principles, no one can become a successful speaker, or teacher : and the opinion is advisedly expressed, that they will produce as great a revolution in regard to the promotion of health, the art of reading and speaking with science and effect, and the perfect development and cultivation of mind, voice, and ear,-as the discovery of the mariner's compass, or the invention of the steam engine, in navigation, manufacture, and travel ;-and, to be the medium of introducing such a system, by which so many thousands have been greatly benefited, and hundreds of lives saved, is the occasion of devout gratitude to the INFINITE AUTHOR of all that is Good and TRUE.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1845, by C. P. BRONSON,

In the Clerk's office for the District Court of Kentucky.

Stereotyped by J. A. James, Cincinnati.
Printed by Morton & Griswold, Louisville, Ky.

895

e

See the last Page.

3. Testimonials and References. Ition, combined with other causes, produced bronch 843 Five classes were formed in the Academical de. tis, from which I have been suffering inore than 18 partment of Yale College, and three in the Theolog. month. By your directions, I can speak and sing ical Department. The following is an extract from freely without irritating my throat. My voice has the testimonials of the latter:

its natural tono and compass; and I bave the de. Resol red, That we consider his system exceeding. lightful prospect of soon resuming my accustomed ly well adapted to develop and train the voice, and

labors give expression to the passions, and we believe it

* Professor Bronson's Recitations are the best wo calculaied to promote the health of public speakers. cver heard.”—Naliunul Intelligencer. Being pcrsuaded that we have derived essential ad. Pror' Bronson's Lectures and Recitations, have dantage from his instructions, we hereby express given universal delight.- Louisville Journal. our thanks for the assiduity and skill with which he has directed us in our practice, and most cordially rect."- Baltimore Atheneum and Visilor.

"The Recitations of Nir. Hronson. are almost per. recommend him to the patronage of all who would cultivate their voices with a view to public speaking. - U.S. Guzetle.

" Mr. Bronson's success has been most complot EXTRACT --From Professors of Princeton College and Theological Seminary, N. J.-We have had good the wonderful capabilities of the human voice, and

“Mr. B. exhibits with surprising ease and power opportuni:ies for witnessing the success of Mr Bron: illustrates convincingly the practibility and impor. son. His method of using the organs of speech with

Lance of cultivating its powers. -Teachers, public
Ipost advantage, is preferable to any we have known.
Ile is distinguished froin other teachers of elocution speakers, and the youth or both sexes, should avail
by the fact, that instead of trying to impart his own

themscives of this opportunity."'- Nevark Ado. style or declamation, he aims at cultivating the voice, * His superior as a speaker, we have yet to meet, and then leaves the pupil to nature.

either at the bar, in the pulpit, or on the floor of a ExtraCT.--From the Rev. Mr. Bingham. Marietta, legislative body."-Ohio Stale Journal, Columbus. 0. to Professor Stuart, Andover, Mass.-" Will you permit ire to introduce to your acquaintance, Prof much injured by tight lacing when very young and

A lady, (Mrs. G. of Boston,) says—"Having been
Bronson, a popular and successful Lecturer on Elo. also by keeping in a bent position at school for years,
cution. He has been for some time past, lecturing I was bent forward in such a manner as to suppose
to the Professors and students in this College. As I was afflicted with permanent distortion of the spine.
a Lecturer on Elocution I have never seen his supe. sull I resolved to join the class, and prove the iruth
rior. Our Professors, who have been under the in- or falschood of professor B's predictions, that I
struction of Dr Barber, say the same. Ile has made should become straight by faithfully attending to
his subject one of very thorough study-and, what the principles. In a few days I was restored.”
is best of all, he has studied Nature.

EXTRACT - From the Facultv of Marietta College,!, EXTRACT --Letter from a distinguished lady in
Ohio.--" Prof. Bronson has just closed a very suc- Boston. "Prof. Bronson ; Sir-1 wish to express to
cessful course of instruction on Elocation in this in- you my grateful acknowledgements for the great
stitution. The principles which he teaches appcar benefit ) nave received from your system. I have
to be founded on a philosophical view of man. His for many years been afflicted with extreme weakness
illustrations are copious and pertinent; and in his law of the lungs, which futigue, either in exercise, con.
bors to train the voice and develop and cultivate versation or reading, produced not only boarseness,
the affections and passions he is indefatigable. His but loss of ice I have found, upon trial, my ex.
whole course of instruction is marked by a rigid pectations more than realized I can now, with per.
deference to Natnre, and is truly simple and unar. feci eaae, converse, or read aloud, hour after hour
sected. We take pleasure in recommending him to without the least fatiguo.
an intelligent community.

At the close of his Lectures in the Apollo, the
PROF BRONSON is a gentleman of much original
ity of thought, extensive reading and remarkable following resolution was unanimously adopted by a

crowded holise of ticket holders : powers. His Lectures, beyond the charm of novel

Resolred, That the thanks of the members of this ty, are very interesting.--Albany Evening Journal We warmly recommend Prof. Bronson's reading successful efforts (in connection with Mr. F. H.

meeting be presented to PROF. BRONSON for his and recitations to the attention of all those who are Nash, his

Assistant.) to interesi, amuse and instruct partial to effectual and powerful elocution. They ther. They conclude, by expressing their high ad. are an excellent substitute for dramatic exhibitions miration of Prof Bronson's sincerity, zeal and abi. -Dcily Signal, N. Y We feel anxious that a knowledge of Mr. Bronson's

lity in the cause of truth and humanity, and tende pecular views should be extended, believing them ring to him their best wishes, that success and sighly important. not only in juvenile education, prosperity may attend him in his noble and gene. but to the professional speaker. - National Gaselle.

rous enterprise AMOS BELDEN, Chairman. Philade.phic.

E. PARMLY, Secretary. Prof. BRONSON'S new theory in relation to the sci- . At a meeting of the Classes, the Rev. CHARLES ence of Elocution, is, in our judgment, founded in G. SOMMERS, Chairman, and Dr Amos JOHNSON, truth, the author being a practical illustration of the Secretary, the following Resolution was unani soundness of his doctrine.- Oneida Whig, (Ulica) mously adopted: N. Y.

Resolved, That the Ladies and Gentlemen, who From the Philadelphia Daily World. have attended a series of Lessons and Lectures, by We render no more than justice in pronouncing Prof. BRONSON, on Elocution, Music and PhysioloProf Bronson's Recitations the best we ever heard. gy, feel great pleasure in expressing their high His recitation of "The Maniac," by Lewis, was sense of his urbanity, uncompromising regard for terrific. We never before saw confirmed, hopeless TRUTH, as the basis of Religion and sound Philoso. raving insanity so thorougly counterfeited by any phy; as well as their entire belief that his method actor. In the course of his recitations he explains or imparting knowledge is as natural and interest. his discoveries (for such they are,) in Elocution. ling, as it is nodrl; and that it is admirably calcula.

From the Rev MR. Cook, of Hartford, Conn, ted to promote the health of the Body, and the im. who received only twelve lessons.

provement of the Mind. The Classes desire also to PROF BRONSON--Dear Sir-My Physician, Dr. express their indebtedness to Mr Nash, Prof. B.'s Sherwood, of N. Y., directed me to you for aid in accomplished Associate, whose critical knowledge recovering the use of my voice. A habit of speaking of VOCAL SCIENCE, so happily connected with un. solely with the inuscles of my breast and throat, usual Melody an Power of Voice, eminently qual attributable in part at least to Di Barber's instruc-fies him for an Instructor in Music.

M567323

PREFACE

TO THE FIFTH EDITION.

In this work, the Author has given some of the results of his study and practice, in the department of Mental and Vocal Philosophy, for the last fifteen years. Persons, who are familiar with the subjects discussed, can see how much he is indebted to books, and how much to investigation and experience. Whatever is good and true in it, belongs to all; for it is from ABOVE.

If there be anything false and evil, the Author holds himself responsible for it. His endeavor has been, to furnish a book, which may be useful to every one. He believes that a greater variety will be found in this, than in any other work on the subject;a variety, too, which will induce deep and careful thinking, and right feeling; and which tends directly, to the end in view, to wit: the development and application, of those principles of Mind and Voice, which the Author has been engaged in practicing and teaching, in our principal towns and cities, and Institutions of Learning : notices of which may be seen among the accompanying testimonials.

This work is an abridgment of what the Author has written, in three connected, yet separate volumes, as yet unpublished, embracing the subjects of Body and Mind, their natures, relations, and destinies: the work, next in order, is Physiology and Psychology, which, it is expected, will be published the coming year.

One reason why no more quotations are made from the Bible is, that the SACRED VOLUME is nearly ready for the press,-prepared with such a notation as will aid the reader, to pronounce and emphasize it, at sight—it being both a Pronouncing and Rhetorical Bible: it was commenced several years ago, at the request of clergymen and others, who have attended the Author's Biblical Readings and Recitations; and would probably have been laid before the public before this, but for the destruction of a portion of it by fire.

The following work is now “cast upon the waters," in a stereotyped form, not likely soon to be changed. An affectionate Teacher's kindest regards to his Pupils, and respects to a candid and generous public.

New YORK, 1845.

:

PHYSIOLOGICAL INTRODUCTION.

1. Every Art, and Science, has its Externals, | up the Body, with the materials, furnished by the and its Internals, its Generals and Particulars; external world. The Soul is the architect, and which must be understood Analytically, and Syn

the body its thetically, if we would practice either successful

workmanship. ly. The Internals of Elocution, are Thoughts

Here is a good and Feelings, and its Externals comprise all that

representation of is addressed to our five senses: its Generals are

this nervous Mind and Body, with their various Languages,

mass, which is a or modes of manifestation. Comparatively, Lan

kind of brain, guage—is the Tune, Body—the Instrument, and

(or series of Mind-the Performer: hence, the necessity of

brain,) that prebecoming acquainted, theoretically and practi

sides over those cally, with their NATURES, RELATIONS and Uses.

glands, or work. 2. As the subjects of Mind and LANGUAGE,

shops, that take are partially unfolded in the following work, in

charge of the this part, something must be said of the Body,

food, digestit, the harp of ten thousand strings : particularly in

and watch over regard to structure, position, and the organs to be

its changes, till used for the production and modification of

it is made into sounds, in Speech and Song: also of Gestures,

blood, and then or Actions; illustrated by appropriate Engravings,

appropriated to which may be imitated by the Pupil, for the pur

the body. The pose of bringing the Body into subjection to the

nervous centre, Mind; without, however, any reference to spe

called Semilunar cific Recitations,-lest he should become artifi

Ganglion and so cial, instead of natural,

lar Plexus, may 3. The more we contemplate Man, the more

be seen at a, a, a, we see and feel the truth, that he is a MICROCOSM

a; it is situated indeed ; a minature-world,-an abstract of crea

under the diation,-an epitome of the universe,-a finite repre

phragm and partsentation of the INFINITE DEITY! Well saith the

ly behind the heathen motto, “ KNOW THYSELF!" and the poet

stomach: other “THE PROPER STUDY OF MANKIND—Is Man."

subordinate cenAnd it may truly be said, that there is nothing

tres may be seen in the Mineral, Vegetable and Animal Kingdoms,

at es e, e, e; also that cannot be found, essentially, in the human

in other places, body; and nothing in the world of Mind, that is

that need not be not shadowed forth in his spiritual nature: hence,

designated, the grandeur, the magnificence of our subjects,

they are very and our objects.

numerous : these 4. The three grand essentials of the Body pro

centres are like per, are the Osseus, or bony system, which fixes

miner posts in a its form, and gives it stability: the Muscular, or

state, or kingfleshy system, which is designed to act on the

dom. At , is Osseus; and Nervous system, acting on the Mus

seen a pair of cular: while the Mind, acts on and through the chords, called trisplanchnic nerves: and at 0, 0, Nervous ; receiving its life and power from Him, are seen other nerves, with their little brains, or who is emphatically “THE LIFE:" thus, we can centres, where they come together, forming a line look through Nature, up to Nature's God. Ob-along the spine, from the bottom of the chest, to serve, the Analytieal course is from outermosts to the top of the neck. From this large collection innermosts, from effects to causes; and the Syn- of Organic Nerves, others proceed to every part thetical progress from innermosts to outermosts ; of the system, uniting in smaller centres, and or from causes to effects.

forming ganglions in the palms of the hands, 5. NERVES OF ORGANIC LIFE. Every thing balls of the fingers, &c. Our Astronomical sysmust have a beginning: and nothing is made per- tem is called the Solar System, because the Sun fect at once. Now in the body, there is a cer- is its centre, watching over our planets; so, of tain portion, called Nerves of Organic Life ; be- these nervous centres of the grand and smaller cause they are the first formed, and constitute departments of our miniature-universe. Owing the grand medium, through which the soul builds to the intimate connection of these nerves with

as

their numerous centres, and with the nerves of of organic life, or solar plexus. The roots of these the whole body, they are sometimes called the nerves are in the cerebellum, the seat of motion, Great Sympathetic Nerves, and Nerves of Vege- a receptacle of life. Now, we see why intensity table Life. There are three orders of these of thought, carking cares, &c., impede respiration, Nerves: one going to the blood-vessels and other and infringe on the laws of health, for want of the parts of the vascular system; one to the contrac- proper co-operation with the nerves of organic tile tissues or muscles of involuntary motion : life; inducing dyspepsia, and even consumption; and one to the nerves of organic sensation, con- hence, the painful mode of teaching children to veying the impressions made on the organs. read by a book: away with this false system, un

less you would inhumanly sacrifice the rising gencration on the altar of evil; let the ear, or right feeling predominate : please work out the whole; for you can do it: a hint is sufficient for those who think.

6. In this view of the Nerves of Respiration, (originating in the Medulla Oblongata, which is an extension of the Cerebellum, (6,) or seat of Voluntary Motion, and of the Cerebrum, (a,) or seat of Rationality,) may be seen the nerve (c.) that goes to the Diaphragm (,) and is concerned in the office of breathing, which generally acts without the aid of the Will; but yet is controllable by the Will, to a certain extent; for we may breathe fast or slow, long or short. Next above this, is the Spinal ACcessory Nerve, used in moving the breast, &c., in respiration; one of its fellow roots goes to the tongue (d) and is concerned in mastication, swallowing, speaking, &c. [Some nerves are thrown back, the better to be seen.] Next in order is the 17. Here is an excellent representation of the pneumosgastric, or lungs-and-stomach nerve (f, Nerves of Voluntary Motion, and of Sense, which, g, h,) which sends a branch to the meat-pipe, la- with the nerves of Organic Life, and the Respirarynx and wind-pipe, (e) also to the cardiac, or tory Nerves, constitute the inmosts of the body; heart plexus, just above, and a little at the right also, a posterior, or back view, of the two brains, of (g); a recurrent branch goes to the larynx, &c.; which is the seat of the Mind, the constituents of other branches go to the face, to exhibit the feelings. which, are Will and Understanding. The letter All interweave, and bring the vocal organs into c, indicates the cerebrum, or large brain, where important relations with the heart and lungs, with the Understanding, Rationality, or thought is lofeelings and thoughts; while the main body goes cated; and cv, the cerebellum, or Little brain, to the stomach, and unites with the great centre I under, and adjoining the cerebrum, where the