Because yes, along with being know for being “a leading author, printer, political theorist, politician, freemason, postmaster, scientist, inventor, humorist, composer, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat,” Benjamin Franklin also invented the Glass Armonica. It was popular instrument in its day, so why did it fall into disfavor? Because “there really wasn’t any way to make the armonica louder. Concert reviews from the period bemoan the fact that the armonica sounded wonderful—when it could be heard. So, alas, Franklin’s marvelous invention was ultimately abandoned.”