EFFECTS OF THIS GYMNASTIC TREATMENT ON THE MUSCLES, LIGAMENTS, AND
JOINTS OF THE FINGERS AND THE HAND.[4]
After the explanations just given, it may readily be conceived what
effects the cylinders placed between the fingers and the gymnastic
staff must produce on the joints and ligaments of the hand.
1. The ligaments connecting the bones of the middle-hand amongst
themselves and with the fingers (Fig. 2 _aa_) are extended and
stretched (Fig. 3 _bb_), and thus those joints, so important in playing
on musical instruments, are rendered more moveable.
2. The connecting links between the bones of the middle-hand and the
bones of the wrist are loosened (Fig. 2 _bb_).
3. Almost all the ligaments of the cavity of the hand are made flexible.
4. At the same time, all the muscles of the hand, and particularly the
muscles situated between the bones (Fig. 4 _b_), generally so little
practised, are stirred into activity by the cylinders, the stick, the
staff, and the free exercises.
From the diagrams (Fig. 2 and 3) it may be plainly seen, what was
mentioned before, viz., that the movement of the middle-hand and of
the bones of the wrist in general, unless specially practised, is very
inconsiderable; while through the cylinder gymnastics prescribed in
this work, that limited movement of the bones is rendered more easy.
It may also be seen from the diagrams that, if both the great and the
small _tight transversal ligaments_ remain still and firm, they impede
and render more difficult the free movement of the fingers in every
direction; and these ligaments will always remain stiff and tight,
unless they be specially trained.
[Illustration: Fig. 4.]
For this reason the cylinder exercise, just mentioned, is particularly
intended to loosen the impeding _transversal ligaments_, as well as to
exercise and strengthen all the muscles of the hand and fingers.
To convince yourself that this opinion is correct, extend your fingers
for two minutes only with the cylinders alluded to, and you will find
that the fingers instantaneously move much more easily, and that the
muscles, liberated from their tight, stiff neighbours, act with much
greater freedom.
In the same manner as with the cylinders, the greatest advantage may be
experienced from the use of the gymnastic staff or stick.
The principle on which these movements are founded is, that by them
almost all the muscles of the hand and the fingers, the smallest as
well as the largest, which in playing musical instruments and all the
other occupations of the fingers bear the chief part, are stirred
into action. At the same time, the extraordinary effect of the free
exercises on the large finger-joints and on the ligaments and tendons
is increased. And further—every portion of the hand and fingers,
ligaments, tendons, joints, and particularly the muscles, are well
practised, strengthened, and rendered flexible, by the fingers being
stretched and extended on, pressed and exercised against, a solid body.
Finally, while imparting to the muscles of the fingers and hand far
greater strength and ease than the continued quick movement on the
musical instrument is calculated to affect, all these exercises affect
the _nerves_ in a lesser degree, and prepare the fingers for all kinds
of work.
These results, observed and tested by me countless times, are of the
greatest importance to all those who work with their fingers, but
more particularly to those engaged in musical pursuits, who, instead
of being overwhelmed with fatiguing work as before, will find that by
these exercises their studies are facilitated and divested of much of
their previous trouble and vexation.
THE WRIST.
This joint, which for players on the piano and other instruments
is of such great importance (Fig. 2 _c_), should also be exercised
gymnastically; since, by means of the gymnastic exercises here
recommended, strength and flexibility will be gained in a very short
time, and a great deal of trouble saved. Nor ought it to be overlooked
that for all those who work with their fingers, a flexible, pliant
wrist is a great help, and that by it all the joints of the hand are
made to act harmoniously together.
FOOTNOTES:
[4] Anatomists and physicians of great eminence have observed to me,
“Your anatomical researches have solved some important questions long
held in dispute by physiologists, and are of great practical value.”