> Actually, I think the German notation uses "B" for "B-flat" and "H" for
> "B-natural."  This is sometimes offered as an explanation of why our
> modern natural sign looks like an "H" that lost a machete duel.

You're close.  What happened historically is that there was first
b-natural.  But in starting a mode on F, it was found that the "b" had
to be altered to sound right.  This became our B-flat, indicated as
a "softened b".  B-natural became a "hard b", indicated with the
semi-circle squared off.

With the bottom of this square omitted (which happened often in
manuscript writing), the "hard b" became an "h".  Because of this
evolution, J. S. Bach was able to derive a theme from his name (B-flat,
A, C, B-natural = B, A, C, H).  Many composers have since used that theme
(including me, in a student canon).

Meanwhile, the "softened b" became the symbol for ANY note that was
similarly softened.  So when starting a mode on the "new" note of
B-flat, the same problem occurred on reaching "E".  The "E" was thereby
softened by indicating the "softened b": Eb.

Ed Berlin