An 1809's medico's view on piano-playing

@JudyEv (382016)
Rockingham, Australia
November 7, 2023 6:53pm CST
I’m reading a book about the early days of the nursing post/hospital at Ravensthorpe, a small, isolated country in the south-east of Western Australia. The Phillips River was nearby and the local paper was called the Phillips River Times. In the 19th January, 1809 edition, an article was posted entitled ‘Piano and the Nerves’. It appeared first in a medical paper. In his opinion, the chloroses and neuroses from which so many young girls suffer, may be largely attributed to the abuse of the piano. I quote ‘He believed it was necessary to abandon the deadly habit of compelling young girls to labour on the keyboard before they were 15 or 16 years of age. Even at this age the exercise should be permitted only to those who are really talented and possessed of a robust temperament. The study of the violin produces even more disastrous results than those attributed to the piano.’ End of quote. I can actually understand his reasoning. The photo is of our piano
12 people like this
10 responses
@DaddyEvil (174377)
• United States
8 Nov 23
Sounds like he knew what he was talking about. Some people will benefit from learning a musical instrument and others just won't.
5 people like this
@JudyEv (382016)
• Rockingham, Australia
8 Nov 23
I think in those days, most young ladies had to learn piano, whether they had any talent for it or not.
5 people like this
@DaddyEvil (174377)
• United States
8 Nov 23
@JudyEv That never made sense to me. If the young lady doesn't have an aptitude for piano, don't force them.
3 people like this
@JudyEv (382016)
• Rockingham, Australia
8 Nov 23
@DaddyEvil I agree but that's the way it was, way back when.
3 people like this
@RubyHawk (99367)
• Atlanta, Georgia
8 Nov 23
I don’t believe a child should be forced to take music lessons if they don’t want to.
3 people like this
@JudyEv (382016)
• Rockingham, Australia
8 Nov 23
I agree but back in those days young ladies were expected to be accomplished in 'the arts'.
3 people like this
@JudyEv (382016)
• Rockingham, Australia
9 Nov 23
@RubyHawk That's very true.
2 people like this
@RubyHawk (99367)
• Atlanta, Georgia
9 Nov 23
@JudyEv Yes, It was expected of young ladies. They really didn’t have choices back then.
2 people like this
@LadyDuck (502391)
• Italy
8 Nov 23
Oh my, this is really curious that they thought that playing the piano and the violin could cause problems instead than being a way to relax.
2 people like this
@LadyDuck (502391)
• Italy
9 Nov 23
@JudyEv This is absolutely true, I remember my mother complaining to be obliged to listed to her younger sister playing piano and she was not at all talented.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (382016)
• Rockingham, Australia
9 Nov 23
Back then, the girls may have been forced to practise a lot even if they had little talent for it.
2 people like this
@1creekgirl (44560)
• United States
8 Nov 23
That guy's reasoning could be valid for kids of any age. Your piano is beautiful. How old is it?
3 people like this
@1creekgirl (44560)
• United States
9 Nov 23
@JudyEv What a treasure you have!
2 people like this
@JudyEv (382016)
• Rockingham, Australia
9 Nov 23
@1creekgirl Thanks. It still looks good and plays well.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (382016)
• Rockingham, Australia
8 Nov 23
The piano was made in the 1890s so it's around 130 years old. It still plays well. We've kept it tuned regularly.
3 people like this
@Ronrybs (21497)
• London, England
8 Nov 23
I think this can go under weird medical thoughts!
2 people like this
@JudyEv (382016)
• Rockingham, Australia
8 Nov 23
There were some funny ideas around that's for sure.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382016)
• Rockingham, Australia
9 Nov 23
@Ronrybs So true. I guess we have advanced a little in some ways.
@Ronrybs (21497)
• London, England
8 Nov 23
@JudyEv It wasn't that long before that they would bleed you to release ill humours!
1 person likes this
@Beestring (15373)
• Hong Kong
8 Nov 23
Your piano looks very nice.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (382016)
• Rockingham, Australia
8 Nov 23
Thanks. It is about 130 years old but still plays well.
1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (51818)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
8 Nov 23
Oh, such a funny guy...
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382016)
• Rockingham, Australia
8 Nov 23
I think he had something. What's the point of pushing someone to learn if they have no inclination and no talent.
1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (91299)
• United States
8 Nov 23
That is your piano Judy? It is gorgeous.
1 person likes this
• United States
9 Nov 23
@JudyEv Amazing Judy. Truly precious.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382016)
• Rockingham, Australia
9 Nov 23
Yes, that's ours. It has been in the family over 130 years.
1 person likes this
@jstory07 (148731)
• Roseburg, Oregon
8 Nov 23
You have a nice looking piano.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382016)
• Rockingham, Australia
8 Nov 23
Thanks. It's now about 130 years old.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (222313)
• United States
8 Nov 23
I love old medical history. It's one of my favorite things. I love your piano, especially the candle holders. Have a great day.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382016)
• Rockingham, Australia
8 Nov 23
Many pianos of this era no longer have the candle-holders, just four screw-holders where they should be.
1 person likes this