The purpose of this book is to describe, illustrate and classify as many as possible of the fingering systems found on woodwind instruments dating from approximately 1831 to the present, and to analyze and compare these mechanisms with regard to their similarities and differences, strengths and weaknesses. Much has been written over the past half-century about the development of the individual woodwind types, but to my knowledge this is the first serious attempt to compare and classify woodwind fingering systems on the basis of their structure and operation rather than their association with a particular instrument, period, builder, or performer. It is also the first attempt to provide a more-or-less complete set of diagrammatic illustrations of existing woodwind mechanisms. The procedure which I have followed, beyond acquiring a basic grasp of woodwind history, is to study the instruments themselves in museums and private collections whenever possible. I also had recourse to illustrations, books, and pamphlets, as well as conversations with contemporary experts and builders. - Introduction.