Vaclav Prokop Divis

Václav Prokop Diviš (March 26, 1698-December 25, 1765) was a Czech theologian and natural scientist who invented the lightning rod between 1750 and 1754 independently of Benjamin Franklin, and constructed the first electrified musical instrument in history, the so-called Denis dŽor.

His last name is pronounced "Deevish", and spelling variants are Divisch and Diwisch.

External links to biographical sketches:

• "Procopius Divisch" in Catholic Encyclopedia (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05054b.htm) (Divis died December 25, not December 21 as claimed there!)
• Prokop Divis Memorial (http://www.znojmuz.cz/english/aodivis.htm)