Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) was an American polymath: a writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, printer, and political philosopher. He was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and the only person to sign all four of the nation's founding documents (the Declaration of Independence, the Treaty of Alliance with France, the Treaty of Paris, and the Constitution). His scientific contributions include proving that lightning is electrical and inventing the lightning rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove.

What Did Benjamin Franklin Invent?

Franklin's inventions include: the lightning rod (1752), bifocal glasses (c. 1784), the Franklin stove (1742, a more efficient fireplace), the flexible urinary catheter, the glass armonica (a musical instrument), swim fins, and the long arm (a reaching tool). He also founded the first public lending library in America (1731), the first volunteer fire department (1736), and the American Philosophical Society.

What Was the Kite Experiment?

In June 1752, Franklin flew a kite during a thunderstorm to demonstrate that lightning was electrical in nature. A key attached to the kite string conducted electrical charge from the storm cloud. This experiment proved his hypothesis that lightning and electricity were the same phenomenon and led to the invention of the lightning rod. The experiment was extremely dangerous — other scientists who attempted to replicate it were killed.

What Was Poor Richard's Almanack?

Poor Richard's Almanack was an annual publication (1732-1758) written and published by Franklin under the pseudonym Richard Saunders. It contained weather forecasts, puzzles, poetry, and aphorisms. Many of its sayings became embedded in American English: early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise; a penny saved is a penny earned; and an investment in knowledge pays the best interest. The Almanack sold approximately 10,000 copies per year and was the most popular secular publication in colonial America.

Was Franklin President?

No. Franklin never served as President of the United States. He was 81 at the Constitutional Convention — too old for the presidency. He served as President of Pennsylvania (1785-1788, a role equivalent to governor), Ambassador to France (1778-1785), Postmaster General (1775-1776), and member of the Continental Congress. He is the only non-president to appear on US currency (the $100 bill).

Can You Talk to Benjamin Franklin?

Benjamin Franklin is available as an AI companion on HoloDream. He has an aphorism for every situation and an invention for every problem.