Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Flute

FLUTE, the German, a musical instrument of a well known construction.

Although playing the flute is on the Continent more generally practised than in Britain, yet we think it useful to observe, that this exercise is by no means compatible with either young or weak lungs. Indeed, all wind-instruments are in many respects objectionable, because, after blowing forcibly, a large portion of air is suddenly inhaled; and afterwards partially expelled from the lungs, so that they are by this debilitating action continually expanded and relaxed, in a manner very different from that which Nature pursues in the process of respiration.—See farther Wind-instruments.