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Jackson's Gymnastics for the Fingers and Wrist / being a system of gymnastics, based on anatomical principles, for developing and strengthening the muscles of the hand for musical, mechanical and medical purposes: with thirty-seven diagrams cover

Jackson's Gymnastics for the Fingers and Wrist / being a system of gymnastics, based on anatomical principles, for developing and strengthening the muscles of the hand for musical, mechanical and medical purposes: with thirty-seven diagrams

Chapter 39: CHAPTER XVI. ON STRINGED INSTRUMENTS IN PARTICULAR. THE WRIST OF THE RIGHT HAND.
By Edwin Ward Jackson
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About This Book

The author sets out a system of exercises grounded in anatomy and physiology to develop and strengthen the muscles, ligaments, and joints of the fingers, hand, and wrist. After describing experimental origins and critiques of standard instrumental training, the work presents practical routines, explanatory diagrams, and apparatus recommendations for musicians, artisans, and those with hand ailments. It explains principles, methods of instruction, and staged exercises for free movement and use of portable and fixed implements, and outlines therapeutic applications such as treatment for rheumatism and contortions, concluding with guidance on instruction, testing, and adoption of these techniques in gymnastic and medical practice.

CHAPTER XVI.
ON STRINGED INSTRUMENTS IN PARTICULAR. THE WRIST OF THE RIGHT HAND.

The following mechanical gymnastic exercises refer to the wrist of the right hand, and are intended for players on stringed instruments. Their chief purpose is to render the wrist of the right hand and the forearm strong and flexible. This all students find very difficult; it will soon be evident for what reason.

It is a fact acknowledged by the most celebrated musicians, that the principal bowing difficulties in playing the violin arise from the wrist. This is chiefly owing to the circumstance that, in playing the violin, the movement sideways of the wrist is a peculiar one, being, in fact, totally different from any other movements taking place in the ordinary occupations of life. If, therefore, it be desired to diminish the painful work, as customary at present, it is indispensable to prepare the wrist and arm by exercises like those we are about to describe.

Take three times daily, and particularly early in the morning, a stick or cane exceeding the length of a violin bow by 8-10 inches, holding it in your right hand the same as a bow; lay it on the left hand,—which is to be raised to the same height as if playing the violin or violoncello,—and move it vigorously up and down as follows:

1. The entire length, 30 times;

2. The middle length; with the forearm and wrist only, without moving the upper arm, 30-40 times;

3. At the nutt; with the wrist alone,—and especially up-stroke,—with energy; without in the least moving the arm, 30-40 times;

4. At the extreme head-end; with the wrist alone, and with pressure; without in the least moving the arm, 30-40 times.

Move the cane alternately up and down, pressing it with the thumb and forefinger, and look at the direction of the wrist and the stick or cane. With this gymnastic cane you may exercise gymnastically, at pleasure, up and down strokes, triplets, and all sorts of bow-movements. The effect you will find surprising.

These exercises are particularly useful for the student. As a matter of course, they can also be partially made with the bow, but not with the same effect.