The following extraordinary instance of the effects of music, is
related by M. Menuret.
“An unmarried lady, about thirty years of age, in consequence of
violent grief in her youth, experienced various derangements in
the natural functions, and was afterwards attacked by convulsions,
which, at first, returned every month, and in the sequel, became
more frequent. Medicines of every kind seemed only to aggravate the
disorder; the fits recurred, not only every day, but several times
a day, and were marked by an involuntary agitation of the limbs, by
their rigidity, gnashing of the teeth without foam, and insensibility,
Their duration was unequal: sometimes a quarter of an hour, but more
frequently several hours; and concluded by an abundant discharge of
tears. No expedient could be devised for her relief during these fits,
nor did any remedy appear capable of preventing them, or of diminishing
their violence, or their frequency: the most affectionate attention,
travelling, diversions, amusements, were equally ineffectual.—Among
the means that were tried on this occasion, was, fortunately, a
concert, during which the young patient seemed highly delighted, and
uncommonly well: she not only remained free from any convulsive fit
while it lasted, but it afterwards returned later than usual. This
method was repeated with the same result. The medical men by whom she
was attended, availed themselves of the intervals of composure which
it produced, to have recourse to other remedies. Long experience
demonstrated their inutility; and repeated trials having proved the
exclusive efficacy of music, her father, being obliged to return into
the country, where he resided, engaged a musician to accompany and live
with him. The soft melody of the violin or the piano forte, skilfully
adapted to the taste and state of the patient, and often repeated,
frequently prevents the convulsive fits, or abates their violence.
This treatment, which has been solely employed for the last three
years, has been attended with such success, that all the functions are
restored to their natural state; and, for a year, the attacks are rare,
and so slight, that the shortness of their duration does not always
render it necessary to have recourse to the agreeable specific.”
_Monthly Magazine_, _Vol._ xxii. _p._ 65.