Music · 2

Which American statesman and polymath invented the glass harmonica after watching a dinner guest rub wet fingers on wine glasses to make music?

Answer

Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin devised the glass harmonica in 1761 after being struck by the eerie tones produced from rubbed wine glasses, mechanizing the effect with a foot-treadle-spun set of glass bowls.

💡 Did you know?

The glass harmonica was invented when Benjamin Franklin watched someone create eerie sounds by rubbing wet fingers on wine glasses during dinner.

Other options people guess

  • Thomas Jefferson
  • John Adams
  • Alexander Hamilton

Topics

  • benjamin-franklin
  • 18th-century
  • invented-instruments
  • classical-music

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