In 1761, Benjamin Franklin (American author, scientist, diplomat and inventor) unveiled a new musical instrument the like of which few Americans had ever seen. The genesis of Franklin's invention took place several years earlier, during one of his visits to England.
After seeing a performer play water-filled wine glasses with moistened fingers, Franklin rethought the instrument and invented a new version, consisting of 37 bowls mounted on an iron axis. Franklin dubbed the machine 'armonica.'
2 comment(s):
I've seen it played (in Colonial Williamsburg), and it is a hauntingly beautiful instrument. At first the bowls were lined with mercury, though, and several musicians went mad playing them.
Now there are only a few working instruments in existence, and the machines are very delicate to move.
First and foremost he was a printer.
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