ABSTRACT
If we sound two or more tones simultaneously, certain tones or tonal groups will fuse so intimately that a new unitary tonal structure will seem to arise, just as in the case of the union of several color stimuli a new sensation, the mixed color, arises. This new sensation appears to have a particular quality, intensity, and even a special pitch. Only musically less gifted psychologists such as Fechner have defended the sensory character of such tonal combinations. Musicians, and musically-gifted investigators such as Helmholtz and Stumpf, find that a plurality of sensations unquestionably exists in these fusions. The partial sensations in tonal fusion can be picked out separately, which is not the case with the homogeneous mixed color. Moreover, the analysis Is not made only as a consequence of acquaintance with the tonal combinations, for an experienced musician can isolate the partial tones from the strange tones of an unfamiliar instrument.
