The Perception of Sound

Abstract

THE recent publication of Sir Thomas Wrightson's valuable and extensive investigations on the functions of the various parts of the auditory mechanism has brought into prominence a fundamental divergence of opinion as to the place where analysis of the complex sound vibrations occurs and as to the mode of vibration of the basilar membrane. The view of Helmholtz may be said to be that most generally accepted at present. As is well known, this theory states that the basilar membrane responds by resonance in different parts to the component waves of the complex, and that each of these components gives rise to its own sensation on arriving at the brain. The analysis takes place in the cochlea. Sir Thomas Wrightson's theory, which has received the powerful support of Prof. Keith, states that the basilar membrane as a whole follows in its wave form that of the complex, that the form of this complete compound wave is transferred to the nerve-fibres, and that no analysis takes place until the brain is reached.