It is usually contended that so‐called subjective tones are due to vibrations introduced either by asymmetrical action of the tympanic membrane or by nonlinear functioning of the ossicles. The experiments here reported were designed to determine whether the tympanic membrane and the ossicles play any part in the generation of these phenomena. Individuals who had neither tympanic membranes nor ossicles served as observers. The harmonic constitution of each of the complex tones used as stimuli was such as to make the fundamental tone audible to the normal ear, when it was absent and only two or more overtones were present. It was easy to discover whether or not an observer heard this fundamental tone by having him match the pitch of the complex tone with a pure tone produced by a beat‐frequency oscillator. The harmonics present in each of the complex tones was determined by means of harmonic analysis. The results of the investigation indicate that the tympanic membrane and the ossicles are probably not involved in the hearing of subjective tones.

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