Mechanical Music Digest  Archives
You Are Not Logged In Login/Get New Account
Please Log In. Accounts are free!
Logged In users are granted additional features including a more current version of the Archives and a simplified process for submitting articles.
Home Archives Calendar Gallery Store Links Info
MMD > Archives > February 1998 > 1998.02.03 > 04Prev  Next


Benjamin Franklin's Italian Water Organ
By Martin J. Koeman, forwarded

--- forwarded message, please reply to sender and MMD ---

From: martinjk@westbrabant.net (Martin J. Koeman)
To: rollreq@foxtail.com
Date: Tue, 3 Feb 1998 11:30:28 +0100

Subject: Water organs and such

I have a question concerning an organ.  During a visit to Milan,
Italy, I saw a water organ that was invented by Benjamin Franklin.
I was surprised that he had the time to invent such an instrument
and I have decided to call the novel that I have almost finished
"Time for Benjamin Franklin's... 'water organ' ?

There are no sexual connotations in Dutch, so it works fine.  But a
literal translation into English seems somewhat unwise.  Do you know
how I could solve this translation problem?  Is there a different name
for a water organ, or is that particular organ perhaps also known by
a different name?

Together with friends I have been trying to find a solution, but I
guess that just like there was a time for Ben Franklin's organ, it
is now time to consult the experts.  Can you help?

I look forward to your reply.

Martin Koeman

 [ "Ben Franklin's Hydraulus"?  ... That sounds too scientific.
 [ What is your novel about?  Ben and his European adventures?
 [ Sounds pretty interesting!  How about "Benjamin Franklin's Organ"?
 [ -- Robbie


(Message sent Tue 3 Feb 1998, 21:03:20 GMT, from time zone GMT-0800.)

Key Words in Subject:  Benjamin, Franklin's, Italian, Organ, Water

Home    Archives    Calendar    Gallery    Store    Links    Info   


Enter text below to search the MMD Website with Google



CONTACT FORM: Click HERE to write to the editor, or to post a message about Mechanical Musical Instruments to the MMD

Unless otherwise noted, all opinions are those of the individual authors and may not represent those of the editors. Compilation copyright 1995-2024 by Jody Kravitz.

Please read our Republication Policy before copying information from or creating links to this web site.

Click HERE to contact the webmaster regarding problems with the website.

Please support publication of the MMD by donating online

Please Support Publication of the MMD with your Generous Donation

Pay via PayPal

No PayPal account required

                                     
Translate This Page