Trebles on higher numbers

[Bill Hibbert]

David Bryant, in his article on the difference between rings and 
chimes, says:

"When producing early rings of eight, ten and twelve bells, the 
founders discovered that it was necessary to make the front two, four 
or six bells respectively larger and heavier than a bell of that note 
would normally be in order to make them powerful enough when heard 
amongst the larger bells, and to equalise the timing of their swing 
with that of the rest of the ring."

The mechanical argument about time of swing I absolutely accept. But 
is there any evidence that a bell cast to a thicker scale sounds 
louder? Or that one can put a heavier clapper in without knocking the 
bell to bits?

Bill H