Pyrophone, 1876.
Image number: 10213948
The Pyrophone, a musical instrument in which the notes are produced by 'singing' flames. It was invented by Georges Frederic Kastner in 1869. In each of the glass tubes, which are of different lengths and dimensions, several jets of flame are arranged close together. When a key is depressed on the finger board, the jets in their corresponding glass tube are made to separate. This causes the sound to be emitted. When the key is released the jets are brought together again and the sound ceases. Lent by Henri Dunant (1828-1910), founder of the International Red Cross.
- Image number:
- 10213948
- Credit:
- Science Museum/Science & Society Picture Library
- Date taken:
- 12 January 2004 13:05
- Image rights:
- Science Museum
