Music and Health

Radio Record, Volume IV, Issue 52, 10 July 1931, Page 9

Music and Health

OND parents who have had occasion to groan in spirit at the lack of foresight shown by Uncle Robert in providing Tommy with a drum for Christmas will perhaps find some solace in the thought expressed by Mr. Arthur Lilly, A.R.C.O., speaking from 3YA on. Thursday, that an inclination toward the bugle and the drum is an indication that youth is in possession of "mens sana in corpore sano!" Some extremely questionable logic and reasoning were employed in associating such thoughts as life-movement -rhythm-love — divine influence — the banging of baby’s spoon-and a ride on daddy’s back in one ‘long chain of evidence of the fact that music is omnipotent. All the same, however we reason, music certainly is all powerful, and has been recognised, as-such for centuries. If not, why the harp of David to soothe the passions of the mighty Saul? Why i is the regimental band and martial music: of more -effect . than the most eloquent pleas of the ‘recruiting sergeant? It, is’ undeniably true that music has the most extraordinary influence on the human emotions, but how wonderful to

learn that men of medicine, even, recognise it as a useful ally, and have been . known to reduce a patient’s temperature by arranging for suitable music to be played within his hearing. There have been many occasions when my temperature has definitely risen with the strains of "music," so I am quite prepared to believe the reverse process possible.