Accession No

4614

Brief Description

The Harmonic Diagram, card diagram with wheel giving key signatures and chords for all keys, major and minor, invented by Charles Wheatstone, English, 1824

Origin

England; London

Maker

Wheatstone, Charles [inventor]

Class

sound; demonstration; ephemera

Earliest Date

1824

Latest Date

1824

Inscription Date

1-1-1824

Material

paper (card); metal (brass); ivory; cloth

Dimensions

height 203mm; breadth 161mm; volvelle diameter 108mm

Special Collection

Robert Whipple collection

Provenance

Inscription

‘The
HARMONIC DIAGRAM
Invented by
C. Wheatstone’ (top)
‘The Elements of Melody.’ (volvelle)
‘Jan.y 1.st 1824.’ (bottom)

Description Notes

Sturdy card base inscribed with the notes of the scale including double flats and sharps (not a mean tone temperament). Rotating wheel held by brass screw and ivory peg, cut out hole to reveal the key signature and two circles marked with the chords, outer circle marked MAJOR, inner circle marked MINOR The Elements of Melody. Cloth flap to rotate wheel.

Condition good; complete.

References

Events