100 YEARS AGO

As a general rule, the pitch of a musical note does not in any way depend upon its intensity, but solely upon the wave-length. It appears probable, however, that any wave motion of very great intensity produces distorted effects. Thus we find that a very loud sound may so affect the ear of the observer as to appear flatter than it really is. This is a purely subjective effect... If a C tuning-fork (middle C, 256 vibrations per second) be strongly bowed, and then be quickly brought near the ear, before its loud note has had time to die away, the sound will appear flattened to about Bb1, or even A1, the amount of the effect being different to different ears... The amount of the subjective effect differs with different individuals, both in pitch and in intensity. What to one person appears a flattening of a minor 3rd , to another auditor appears a flattening of only a major 2nd, but in every case it appears to be a flattening and not a sharpening. Also the loudness of the subjective note appears different, even to the different ears of the same person... Much of my own musical work has been done amongst male voices, and I have frequently noticed that a singer of good concert-room power may, if practising in a small room, seemingly sing with flat intonation.

From Nature 30 May 1901.

50 YEARS AGO

The leading article in Nature of April 28 on “Biologists in the Modern State” draws attention once more to the need for biologists with sound basic training in one of the physical sciences. The Agricultural Research Council is seriously concerned about the shortage of plant and animal physiologists with an adequate knowledge of chemistry and physics and of biochemists with biological experience. Posts in these subjects have remained unfilled for long periods owing to lack of suitable applicants. It is recognized by the Council that it is rarely possible in the course of study for a first degree to include adequate training in both biological and physical sciences; and hence applications for the Council's studentships from candidates wishing to study biology after graduating in a physical science, or to study a physical science more thoroughly after training in biology with a physical science as a subsidiary subject, are given very sympathetic consideration.

From Nature 2 June 1951.