But the attention which their creative labors, as displayed in various instrumental constructions, drew to their manufactory, has been greatly increased by their very novel invention ofa self-acting piano forte. This curious instrument, furnished with a horizontal cylinder, similar to that of a barrel-organ, and put into motion by a steel spring, performs without external force or manual operation, the most intricate and diflicult compositions; and, by comprismg in its mechanism two complete instruments, each independent of the other, it admits, while the operation of the self-actuated instrument is proceeding Witiién, 050. distinct accompaniment on the keys without, which occupy the usual place in front, and may be played on at pleasure, with or without the self-acting part of the machine.

This first instrument of its kind, when the spring is fully wound up, will act for more than halfan hour, and may be a ain prepared for performance in half a minute; and, required, stopped in an instant, while in full action.

The time in which it executes any movement, may be accelerated or retarded, at pleasure : and while, by the delicacy and perfection of the mechanism, the piano and the forte passages are given with correctness and effect, the fortzandi and diminuandi are produced, by the slightest motion ofthe hand a plied to a slidin ball at the side of the instrument.

hen we consider the state of the piano-forte as originally constructed, — its thin, wiry, jangling tone, inaffective weakness, and other numerous imperfections, and witness the complicated beauties and powers of this self-acting instrument, we must be both delighted and surprised, - and almost be persuaded, that to ingenuity, science, and industry, no excellence in musical mechanism is unattainable." A Musical Grammar, in Four Parts, 1838, p. 213-214