Every life is dominated by a fundamental note, good or bad. All its
overtones will ultimately correspond.
The wires strung from pole to pole are set into oscillation
by the wind, somewhat as the strings of a violin are set into
vibration by the bow. In skilful hands the violin bow can be
made to bring forth from the string one powerful fundamental
note and several overtones of higher pitch, but in perfect
harmony with the fundamental. But the wind is a very skilful
performer, and brings forth at the same time not only the
deepest fundamental bass note of the wire, but a great variety
of overtones, both harmonious and discordant. In fact, the many
wires strung overhead, from pole to pole, constitute splendid
Eolian harps.--_Telephony._
(1175)
See VITAL FAITHS.