Today in 1706 was, at least by the old calendar, Benjamin Franklin's birthday. Here's the story of how he once invented his own musical instrument, one for which great composers wrote music. Plus: Ben Franklin invented lots of things but patented none of them.
Benjamin Franklin's Glass Armonica (Franklin Institute)
Ben Franklin’s Killer Instrument: The Glass Armonica (Ripley's)
11 Surprising Facts About Benjamin Franklin (History.com)
