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From S. H. CARPENTER, M.D., Professor of Rhetoric and English Literature, University of Wisconsin.

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN, MADISON.

"Science of

Prof. S. S. HAMILL-Dear Sir: I have examined your Elocution" with great pleasure, and unhesitatingly pronounce it the best thing of the kind with which I am acquainted. I shall recommend it to my classes. Respectfully yours,

S. H. CARPENTER.

From S. P. LUCY, Professor of Elocution and English Literature, Oska

loosa College.

OSKALOOSA, Iowa.

Prof. S. S. HAMILL-Dear Sir: Permit me to congratulate you on the production of a book on Elocution that is at once practical and scientific. It fully meets the demands of the class-room.

From J. B. PEASLEE, Ph.D., Supt. Public Schools, Cincinnati, Ohio. Prof. Hamill is one of the few who has reduced Elocution to a science. His teaching is thorough and systematic.

From S. ESTABROOK, late Principal Michigan State Normal School.

Prof. Hamill is the most thorough, systematic, and accomplished teacher of Elocution I have ever met. His method is thoroughly scientific, his manner is easy, natural, and inspiring.

From DATUS C. BROOKS, Prof. of English, Michigan University. We have had other teachers of Elocution in this university, but none so successful in his instructions. Regretting that we cannot retain Mr. Hamill permanently here, he has my most cordial commendation and warmest wishes for his success in the chosen profession of his life. DATUS C. BROOKS.

THE

ELEMENTS AND PRINCIPLES OF VOCAL EXPRESSION

IN LESSONS,

WITH

EXERCISES AND SELECTIONS

SYSTEMATICALLY ARRANGED

FOR ACQUIRING

THE ART OF READING AND SPEAKING.

BY S. S. HAMILL, A.M.,

CHICAGO, ILL.,

LATE PROFESSOR OF RHETORIC, ENGLISH LITERATURE, AND ELOCUTION,
ILLINOIS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY, BLOOMINGTON, ILL.,

STATE UNIVERSITY, COLUMBIA, MO.

NEW YORK: EATON & MAINS
CINCINNATI: JENNINGS & PYE

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PREFACE.

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IN the belief that Elocution should be studied as a science as well as practiced as an art, the following pages are presented to the public.

That Elocution is a science, that there are certain established principles observed by all good speakers and violated by all bad ones, none will deny who have carefully investigated the subject. To understand and to practically illustrate these principles should be the prominent object of the student of Elocution.

The design of the work is to unfold the principles of Elocution, to show their application to the different forms of thought and emotion, to classify selections. under their appropriate styles, and, in connection therewith, to furnish sufficient exercises for the cultivation. of the articulation, the tones of the voice, and the graces of manner.

Without this all cultivation of the voice and manner will be of little avail. Instances are numerous of students who have carefully and diligently practiced the exercises for the cultivation of the voice and manner, so abundant in the various works on Elocution, and derived therefrom all the advantages they propose, and yet good readers and speakers are rare.

A radical defect exists somewhere, or, contrary to all experience and testimony, the ability to read and speak well is not an acquirement. An experience of nearly twenty years as a teacher in this department has convinced the author that the study of Elocution usually ceases where it really should begin, namely, with the adaptation of the tones of the voice and the expression of countenance to the sentiment uttered.

To correct in some degree this defect, and to awaken a deeper interest in the subject of Elocution, is the hope of the author in the present publication.

When Elocution shall be studied in our colleges and universities as a science, its principles known and practiced, then, and not till then, will good speaking be the rule, and not, as now, the rare exception.

S. S. H.

CHICAGO, ILL.

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