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Nov 9, 2009 · Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) was a statesman, author, publisher, scientist, inventor, diplomat, a Founding Father and a leading figure of early American history.
- Missy Sullivan
- 2 min
Here are some of Benjamin Franklin’s most significant inventions: Lightning Rod. Franklin is known for his experiments with electricity - most notably the kite experiment - a fascination that began in earnest after he accidentally shocked himself in 1746.
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- Mary Bellis
- Armonica. "Of all my inventions, the glass armonica has given me the greatest personal satisfaction," Franklin said. Franklin was inspired to create his own version of the armonica after listening to a concert of Handel's "Water Music" that had been played on tuned wine glasses.
- Franklin Stove. Fireplaces were the main source of heat for homes in the 18th century but were inefficient. They produced a lot of smoke, and most of the generated heat went right out the chimney.
- Lightning Rod. In 1752, Franklin conducted his famous kite-flying experiments and proved that lightning is electricity. During the 1700s, lightning was a major cause of fires to buildings, which were mainly of wood construction.
- Bifocals. In 1784, Franklin developed bifocal glasses. He was getting old and was having trouble seeing both up-close and at a distance. Getting tired of switching between two types of glasses, he devised a way to have both types of lenses fit into the frame.
He coined new English words for the new science of electricity— conductor, charge, discharge, condense, armature, electrify, and others. He showed that electricity was a single “fluid” with positive and negative or plus and minus charges and not, as traditionally thought, two kinds of fluids.
Dec 16, 2016 · In my opinion, Franklin’s most fascinating invention was a musical instrument known as the glass armonica. Franklin invented the armonica in 1761; the concept is based on the sound produced by running a wet finger around the rims of water-filled drinking glasses to produce different pitches.
Scientist and Inventor. Discover! Benjamin Franklin. This portrait, which depicts Franklin as a learned scientist and inventor, was one of his favorites. Pictured on the left is the signal-bell apparatus Franklin devised to detect the presence of electrically-charged clouds.
Benjamin Franklin's Inventions. Benjamin Franklin was many things in his lifetime: a printer, a postmaster, an ambassador, an author, a scientist, a Founding Father. Above all, he was an inventor. Learn more about some of Benjamin's most significant inventions. Benjamin Franklin's Most Famous Quotes.
