Benjamin Franklin's Musical Invention

[Dav]

Part 4

possibly be effected by magnetism.33 (It should be pointed out that human blood does

contain iron and it is believed today that magnets can improve circulation in the human

body.) Given that the enlightenment produced a mood of optimism it not only opened the

door to science but also to irrational schemes. In this context we can see very easily how

Mesmer would fit. His error seems to have been his assumptions about the “tides of the

human body” yet there may not be any reason to believe he was a complete charlatan as


some have claimed. It should also be noted that Mesmer’s recognition of the ‘healing

power of music” is not without merit (people continue claim its effect today) and it

should be pointed out that the practice of hypnotism (autosuggestion) can be traced to

Mesmer. 34

What are we to conclude concerning the reactions towards this instrument? In one

setting it is a instrument of classical music, in another it is accepted as a physician’s

medium for an invisible force called “animal magnetism” and in another it is the cause of

domestic afflictions. Why this spectrum? Is this telling us something about the 18th

century society? Given the information discussed it seems reasonable to conclude that

17th century society could be easily persuaded by myths, rumors and information that

could not be supported by truth. It seems more reasonable to conclude that the Age of

Reason was more of the Age of Transitioning Towards Reason. Franklin, being its

Champion, demonstrates his character by not only inventing the armonica but

exposing Mesmer as a fraud as well.  

[Dav]

Mozart's Adagio in C Minor

http://www.oddmusic.com/clips/armonica.mp3

[Dav]

Here is a recent performance at the Metropolitan Opera!  If you listen carefully you can hear the armonica!  This production, "Lucia" will be opening this Summer in San Francisco!  Cecilia Brauer (the performer) invited us to do lunch!

http://video.on.nytimes.com/?fr_story=783b8adb21816f57791dff84359a1dadf825c308

[Vandyyke]

Did anyone see this right before the Super Bowl? Ben is played by Ralph Archbald. I had the joy meeting him last summer for breakfast.(He ate quite a lot!)
http://willdo.philadelphiaweekly.com/archives/2008/02/eli_manning_som.html

I kid you not, young pretty women kept coming up to (fat) Ralph, who was dressed as Ben, and flirting with him! Not a bad job eh!

[Oscar]

Did anyone see this right before the Super Bowl? Ben is played by Ralph Archbald. I had the joy meeting him last summer for breakfast.(He ate quite a lot!)
http://willdo.philadelphiaweekly.com/archives/2008/02/eli_manning_som.html

I kid you not, young pretty women kept coming up to (fat) Ralph, who was dressed as Ben, and flirting with him! Not a bad job eh!

The point of my illustration was simply this: The universe exists in such a manner that its behavior can be described on several scales.  All of these levels are parts of the dynamic entity we call the "universe".

The human psyche is much more complex than planets and stars. In addition we already know the human psyche functions at multiple levels.  So, to describe one level of our functioning such as Durkheim's "collective conscousness" does not in any way negate the fact that we function at other levels at the same time.

BTW, do not confuse Einstein's theories of special and general relativity with moral relativism.  Einstien's theories are about physics.  Moral relativism is about ethics.  There is no connection beyond the word "relative".

T. Maddux

[Vandyyke]

Tom, the "complex" word can get around anything.  Yes, Durkheim was narrow minded! I based my paper on the fact that he ignored other methods of historiography that were just as valid. Maybe I will post it if I get time.