Glossary

Harmonium is a term used to describe a musical instrument which is both a keyboard and a wind instrument. It is small, portable organ-like instrument patented in 1842; eventually a name given to any sort of reed organ. The sound is produced by air going through the bellows that is activated by a pedal that also makes the reeds vibrate. European and American harmoniums have a pedestal, and foot pedals to pump the bellows. The player sits in a chair and uses both hands.
The harmonium was developed in the 1840s by Alexandre Debain and was preceded by the accordion and the mouth organ (or harmonica).