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New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVII, Issue XVIII, 31 October 1896, Page 584

Lulli was the inventor of the bfiton used by musical conductors. Prior to its introduction orchestral leaders were in the habit of beating time by stamping with the feet or clapping their hands, or by striking two shells together in imitation of the Greeks. None of these methods pleased Lulli, and he began to use a stick six feet long, with which he pounded the floor. One day he accidentally brought it down on his foot. The bruise seemed trivial, but it resulted in blood-poisoning and the death of the celebrated composer. The bfiton then gradually became what it is to-day—a harmless toy.