The present form of the Violin the result of much research and
experiment, but perfected by the great Cremonese makers--Hogarth's
"Line of Beauty" exemplified in the Violin--The requisites necessary
to the due appreciation of the grace and properties of the Violin, and
its exquisite power of expression--Its acoustical
properties--Varieties of woods used in its construction--Methods
adopted, and choice of material, by the great Brescian and Cremonese
makers--The "whole-back" and "slab-back"--The constituent parts of the
Violin--System of placing the sound-bar--Properties and position of
the sound-post, and of the bridge; the neck; the finger-board;
purfling, &c., &c.--The sound-holes of different makers--Needed
cautions as to repairing good instruments . . . . . . . . . . . 27-42