VOCAL THERAPY FOR SHELL-SHOCK.
[To the Editor of the SPECTAToR.]
SIR,—rt is only necessary to visit a shell-shock ward to verify the sorrowful axiom that if we have won the War we have not won the Peace. Quite recently I happened to view a Neurological Hospital, and I must confess that I have never witnessed a sadder spectacle than that of some thirty men listlessly lounging round a stove, dead to all sensati nn but that of their own hopeless wretchedness. Their acquiescence in unspeakable misery had bred an atmosphere which might have furnished Dante with inspiration for a fresh circle of despair yet undreamt of even in his age of blood and iron. I bitterly rued my folly in allowing myself to witness that which seemed irremediable.
And then I was taken to another ward, and realized with something approiching stupefaction that, not infrequently, the apparently irremediable can be healed. For here were men who had suffered equally, but were being gradually drawn " out of the pit where no ground is " to share once more the life of their fellow beings. It was " Vocal Therapy " —in plain English, the teaching of singing, with the deep breathing it involves, music applied scientifically and curatively, which had wrought a miracle that Orpheus himself could not have surpassed. Indeed, it is one of the most curious discoveries of modern medicine that a man who cannot whisper may regain his speech through song. I, personally, cannot explain the process, but the results speak for themselves.
There are now seven centres where the Vocal Therapy system is installed, and in one case it is the men themselves who carry on the work, with occasional outside help. But, alas, for want of money, four classes in hospitals and three outside ones have already closed down. Moreover, another four or five months will see the end of all the funds so carefully scraped together unless the British public will come to the rescue of the men, who themselves came to the rescue of England, and after five long years are still paying the price of our deliverance.
The Vocal Therapy Committee, of which I have the honour to be a member, estimate that £100 a month would keep the work going. Considering that we are habitually asked to think in millions, it should not be a sum impossible to compass ; and knowing the peculiar generosity of the readers of the Spectator I am venturing, Sir, to ask you to allow me to appeal to them for assistance in our sore strait. Any sum, great or small, subscribed, addressed to The Secretary, Vocal Therapy Society, 27 Grosvenor Place, S.W. 1, or to me, The Lady Burghclere, 80 Green Street, Park Lane, W. 1, will be promptly and gratefully acknowledged.—I am, Sir, &c., 80 Green Street, W. 1. WINIFRED BURGIICLERE. P.S.—The Secretary will gladly send a report of the work to any inquirer.
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