See the work of the Abbe de la
Chappelle, in which are accurately recorded the performances of one
of these artists, and some ingenious though unsatisfactory
speculations are given on the means by which the effects are
produced. This power is, perhaps, given by nature, but is
doubtless improvable, if not acquirable, by art. It may, possibly,
consist in an unusual flexibility or extension of the bottom of the
tongue and the uvula. That speech is producible by these alone
must be granted, since anatomists mention two instances of persons
speaking without a tongue. In one case the organ was originally
wanting, but its place was supplied by a small tubercle, and the
uvula was perfect. In the other the tongue was destroyed by
disease, but probably a small part of it remained.
This power is difficult to explain, but the fact is undeniable.
Experience shows that the human voice can imitate the voice of all
men and of all inferior animals. The sound of musical instruments,
and even noises from the contact of inanimate substances, have been
accurately imitated. The mimicry of animals is notorious; and Dr.
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