Chapter 27: 266-274
Page 266
Sprout Penn
Franklin is refering to John Penn here (see particularly the final sentence below). From WIKI: In 1763, Thomas Penn sent his nephew John Penn back to Pennsylvania to take over the governorship of the colony from Hamilton. The Penns were not displeased with Hamilton, but John Penn was finally prepared to claim a place in family affairs. He took the oath of office as governor—officially "lieutenant governor"—on 31 October 1763. The new governor faced many challenges: Pontiac's Rebellion, the Paxton Boys, border disputes with other colonies, controversy over the taxation of Penn family lands, and the efforts of the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly, led by Benjamin Franklin, to have the Penn proprietary government replaced with a royal government.
the tinted lenses of Spectacles of his own Invention
Benjamin Franklin invented bifocals, but he seems to get credit here for also inventing sun glasses.
It is thought that the Chinese were the first to use tinted "sunglasses" to aid in treating conjunctivitis, however, apparently during the 17th century is when tinted lenses first became popular. See this LINK for an extremely thorough essay (with photos etc) on the history of glasses.
Page 268
quite thoroughly charmed by your Glass Armonica
Having observed glasses played as instruments, Franklin invented his armonica, consisting of a series of glass bowls mounted on a spinning rod; the first performance on the instrument was given by Marianne Davies. Several composers wrote for the instrument, among them Mozart; see [1].
Page 271
Carpenters Wharf
now covered by Highway 95. Many coffee houses and taverns were there including the famous Tun Tavern which was built by Sam Carpenter, the namesake for the Wharf.
London Coffee House
Located at Front and Market. It was a meeting place for Tories during the war. historical market info on London Coffee House
Page 271
the inherent Vice of Glass
The term 'inherent vice' is a legal tenet referring to a "hidden defect (or the very nature) of a good or property which of itself is the cause of (or contributes to) its deterioration, damage, or wastage. Is also the name of Pynchon's seventh novel.
