His friends would set fire on alcohol, rekindled candles blown out, imitate lightning flashes or by touching or kissing and make an artificial spider move (Bellis).
Using the Leyden jar, Benjamin made an electrical batter, roasted a fowl on a spit fired with electricity, ignited alcohol by electricity through water, fired gunpowder and shocked wine drinkers' glasses (Bellis 2006, Nussbaum 2006). More than these, he theorized on the identity of lightning and electricity. He believed that buildings could be protected by iron rods. Using an iron road, he conducted electricity into his house. Then he studies the effect upon bells. From these, he concluded that clouds were generally negatively charged or electrified. In June 1752, he performed his famous kite experiment with the help of his son. He drew electricity from the clouds and charged a Leyden jar from the key at the tip of the string (Bellis, Nussbaum).
Collinson gathered and published Benjamin's letters into a pamphlet, which later gained wide attention (Bellis 2006). The collection was translated into French. The French accepted Benjamin's conclusions with great excitement. Scientists of Europe did too. As a consequence, the Royal Society adopted Benjamin as a member and later awarded him with the Copley medal in 1753.
Various Positions
Peerless American Visionary
The year Benjamin died, 1790, John Adams paid unconditional tribute to his and General Washington's accomplishments and contributions as underlying all the policy, negotiations, legislatures and war (Skoussenn 2007). Updates of Benjamin's autobiography have led to the unquestionable conclusion that he must be credited to a certain degree for America's growth machine itself. A scrutiny of his life and writings can also bring out the uncontestable conclusion that he did more than anyone one else in establishing the framework of wealth creation in the then just-evolving nation. The same scrutiny would reveal that Benjamin's diplomatic capabilities were indispensable to the American Revolution. It is to his credit that the French made available more than one billion dollars worth of military and financial assistance. This assistance was as indispensable in acquiring American independence from the British. Finally, he played the crucial role of identifying and devising the compromises necessary in drafting the new Constitution in 1787. By his natural prowess, Benjamin intercepted the oncoming and incredible material and technological progress since the founding of the colonies. He was always full of optimism about America and life in general. At the close of the War for Independence, he predicted America's evolution into a "great and happy country." He saw the United States as a huge territory in the favor of nature and the blessing and "advantages of climate, soil, rivers and lakes. He described it as "destined to become... great,... populous and mighty." He pictured the country to prospective immigrants from Europe as suitable to strangers like them and ruled by "good laws, a just but cheap government," endowed with all the reasonable civil and religious liberties people aspire for (Skoussenn).
Economist
If America were a business school, Benjamin can be regarded as its first dean (Skoussenn 2007). His autobiography contains details of his business success. It is the first record of a "rags-to-riches" account in American history. In his "Advice to a Young Tradesman," Benjamin said that it was a simple and direct way to market. It was guided by the words "industry" and "frugality." He advised all who would go into business not to waste time or money but to make the best use of both. He stressed that without diligence and thrift, they would not succeed. His business advice was certainly sound. He became one of the wealthiest men of his time. He stressed the importance of initiative and capability in Americans. He attacked the leisure and luxury of public offices, which wallowed in privilege and aristocracy by birth. This was a central concept in his very successful "Poor Richard's Almanac" and "The Way to Wealth." Throughout his life, he taught and promoted the virtues of industry, thrift and prudence as universal principles and the groundwork for success. If he were living today, he would upbraid Americans who indulge in little or no savings, overspending and excessive debts. He taught with certainty that industry and frugality...
Benjamin Franklin is considered one of the most important men in American history. Among his many contributions to the world were inventions such as the Franklin stove, the bifocal, and the harnessing of electricity. He is also renowned for his writings, including contributions to the United States' Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. One of his most enduring works has been his multi-volume autobiography wherein he highlights some of the
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