Koenig Acoustical · Physics · UTSIC
This artifact consists of two separate components: A set of five tuning forks in a wooden case (2013.ph.610.1), and a corresponding set of five resonators on a wooden stand (2013.ph.610.2).
2013.ph.610.1 – A set set of five tuning forks arranged in a wooden box. The box can be identified by the mark “57” (its number in the Koenig catalogue) on its upper lid. The front face of each tuning fork is marked with the vowel that it is meant to represent, as well as the “K” monogram of its maker, Rudolph Koenig. Arranged shortest to tallest, these forks are “I”, “E”, “A”, “O”, and “OU”. Each fork has a threaded brass collar at its base that is used to secure it to a stand.
2013.ph.610.2 – A set of five resonators are arranged on a rectangular wooden platform supported by four wooden feet. Each resonator is set on a wooden pillar. These are designed in such a way that each resonator fits in its designated place. Each resonator is marked with a vowel corresponding to a tuning fork.
Several of these resonators have a slightly different design than a “conventional” Helmholtz resonator as represented, for example in …. . For instance, the “U” resonator has a narrower than normal opening in its base. The “E” resonator lacks the shallow rim at its base, and the “I” resonator has an unusual bell-like shape and a very large opening at its base.
Accession Number: 2013.ph.610.1-2
Alternative Name:
Primary Materials: Wood, Brass
2013.ph.610.1 – The case is marked with “Rudolph Koenig à Paris” and “57” at the centre of the upper surface of the lid.
Arranged shortest to tallest, these forks are marked “I”, “E”, “A”, “O”, and “OU” respectively. Each fork is also marked with the Koenig monogram.
2013.ph.610.2 – The base is marked with the number “57”. Each resonator is marked with a corresponding vowel on the wooden base near its peg. Resonators O, E, A, and I are marked with Rodolph Koenig’s “K” mark near their lower rims.
2013.ph.610.1: Height = 5, Width = 26.5, Length = 16; 2013.ph.610.2: Height = 15, Width = 15.5, Length = 20.5.
Resonators were used as aides for hearing simple tones. Simple tones were thought to be the basic, pure sounds that were not obscured by mental processes. However, these sounds were not typically discernible by the average untrained listener. As a result, resonators were used to help the observer detect simple tones from the complex sounds in the environment. Each resonator was tuned to a specific frequency, and the listener could hold it to the ear in order to discern the basic tone from the surrounding noise.
Thus, resonators provided a mechanical way of allowing the ear to distinguish basic sounds that were unclouded by the surrounding environment or mental processes. Helmholtz used these in the 1850s to prove his theory about the existence of simple tones.
The resonators are in generally good condition with their glossy finish worn in patches. The wooden base is in very good condition.
Associated Instruments:
Manufacturer: Rudolph Koenig,
Date of Manufacture:
Provenance:
Pantalony, David. Altered Sensations: Rudolph Koenig’s Acoustical Workshop in Nineteenth-Century Paris (Archimedes, Vol 24). 1. Aufl. Vol. 24. Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands, 2009, 86-88.
Historical Notes:
- Donated to UTSIC