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In 1761, Franklin designed a musical instrument called the glass armonica, which consisted of glass bowls or goblets of different sizes mounted on a spindle and played by rubbing one's fingers on the rims. It produced hauntingly beautiful, ethereal sounds. The instrument gained popularity in Europe and was favored by composers like Mozart and Beethoven. However, its popularity waned in the 19th century, partly due to rumors that the vibrations of the instrument could cause madness or nervous disorders.