Aeolian Harp, a musical instrument, the tones of which are produced by the sweeping of the wind over its strings. Its invention is ascribed to Athanasius Kircher. It is composed of a rectangular box made of very thin boards, about 5 inches deep and 6 inches wide, and long enough to fit across the window in which it is to be placed. At the top of each end of the box is glued a strip of wood about half an inch in height; these strips serve as a bridge for the strings, which are stretched lengthwise across the top of the box, and are made of catgut or wire. These strings should be tuned in unison by means of pegs constructed to control their tension, as in the violin. When the instrument is exposed in a window partly open, so as to allow a current of air to pass over the strings, a most agreeable combination of tones is produced, constantly varying in pitch and intensity with the force of the wind, and forming harmonies of a wild and melancholy character.

Aeolian Harp.