Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Siren

SIREN, in acoustics, an instrument for determining the number of vibrations corresponding to a note of any given pitch.

In classical mythology, certain melodious divinities who dwelt on the shores of Sicily, and so charmed passing mariners by the sweetness of their song that they forgot their homes and remained there till they perished of hunger. According to one legend, they threw themselves into the sea, from rage and despair, on hearing the more melodious song of Orpheus. Originally there were only two sirens; but their number was afterward increased to three, and their names are given with great variety.