A comprehensive study of reed organs in England, Scotland and Wales by Dr. Robert J. Allan, Ch. Phys. This is an attempt to bring together information from many sources about the larger free reed instruments built by English (and also Scottish and Welsh) manufacturers following the pioneering experiments of Sir Charles Wheatstone in London in the early years of the 19th Century. The free reed is the most recent innovation in music producing technology, outwith the Saxophone and diverse electronic instruments; the latter also with a fascinating history of English inventions including the Compton theatre organs featuring the Melotone and related devices.