A General History of the Science and Practice of Music (1776)
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A General History of the Science and Practice of Music is the most famous work of Sir John Hawkins, an English music historian and antiquarian. This five volume work is the result of 16 years of research. The volumes were completed at various points between 1771 and 1776 and all five were published together in November of 1776.
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Terminology
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Over the course of A General History's five volumes, both the vertical and transverse flute are referenced multiple times. The language surrounding the transverse flute remains relatively consistent with the terms "German Flute" and "Flute" being used interchangeably throughout all five volumes. However, the language surrounding the vertical flute varies drastically between different volumes. For example, the only time the term "recorder" is used in reference to the instrument is in the fourth volume while the term "Common Flute" is only used once in the fifth movement in reference to a particular composition. And the sole instance of the term "English Flute" being used in any sampled source in this study occurs in the second volume.
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Page 451 of A General History of the Science and Practice of Music Volume 2 showing the term "English Flute" being used in reference to the vertical flute.
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