hows
the sounds to be compound. I find that "w" may be developed from any
consonant by manipulating the cylinder of the phonograph, and it is a
fact also that the initial consonant imparted to any vowel does not
continue through the vowel. This I have shown by making a vowel sound
which I prolong for some seconds with the cylinder revolving at a given
rate of speed. While reproducing this at a normal speed I intercepted at
any point, and developed the sound "w" as heard in "woe." The instant I
have blended this into the vowel, I lift the diaphragm until the normal
speed is restored, when I replace the reproducing tooth showing the
sound without the consonant. In like manner I dictate to the phonograph
any vowel sound preceded by a consonant. The consonant I utter in a
natural way, the vowel I prolong for some seconds, and in the act of
reproducing this I cut the sound in two and find the vowel element is
not modified by the consonant which preceded it, hence, I observe that
the consonant merely suggests to the mind a certain form of sound which
does not change the fundamental vowel. In fact, it aids the voice
somewhat in uttering the vowel.

If human speech were composed of none but vowel sounds the human voice
could scarcely utter them in a continued conversation; their monotony
would not so much offend the ear as it would try the vocal powers, and
man would soon acquire consonants to aid the voice if for no other use.

[Sidenote: DOUBLE AND TREBLE CONSONANTS]

Among the Simians the better types of speech show this tendency, and in
the lower types of human speech we find all the vowel elements, while
consonants are not by any means so numerous. Another fact is this, among
the lower races of mankind double consonants are rare, and treble more
so. Of course their tongues consist of fewer words, as has been shown
before, which paucity arises from their few wants and simple modes of
life, and hence the scope of vocal growth is much contracted. Beginning
with the lowest tribes of men, we find the consonants increase in number
and complexity as we ascend the scale of speech. To this, perhaps, is
due the fact that the Negroes now found in the United States after a
sojourn of two hundred years with the white race on this continent are
unable to utter the sounds of "th" "thr," and other double consonants.
The former of these they pronounce "d" if breathing, and "t" if
aspirate. The latter they pronounce like "trw" or "tww." T