Attempt at a New Theory of Music

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...proven so excellently that they agree, so that we are entirely unable to doubt the solidity and truth of this theory. For in this undertaking, we have followed the duty of the Physicist original: "Phyſici"; here referring to a natural philosopher or scientist above all else, and we have investigated the true causes of those things which are observed in music to be both pleasing and displeasing. Therefore, if the theory agrees with experience, we believe we have rightly performed the prescribed duty.

First, therefore, it was appropriate to seek the doctrine of sounds from the very sources themselves. We have not only explained this more accurately than has been done until now, but—what was most important—we have adapted it to establish the foundations of music. Specifically, we have clearly shown in what kind of vibratory motion of the aerial particles original: "particularum aerearum"; an early description of air molecules or atoms all sound consists, and in what manner that motion affects the sense of hearing, so that the perception of sound arises from it. Thus it became known...