The Atlas Obscura Podcast

Ben Franklin’s Musical Invention

Feb 5, 2025
Discover the eerie sounds of the glass armonica, a musical invention by Benjamin Franklin, said to heal—or harm. Unravel its mystifying history intertwined with 18th-century medical theories. Learn about its cultural significance and the controversies it sparked across Europe. Dive into the legacy of this unique instrument, including a connection to the mysterious disappearance of a pilot. Plus, get a glimpse of its revival and an invitation to experience it at the Franklin Institute.
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