Embedded Files
Benjamin Franklin
1706 - 1790
In this podcast, Jack and Mark discuss the contributions that Benjamin Franklin made to our understanding of lightning as a discharge of static electricity. While seemingly obvious to contemporary students, the scientific insights that Franklin provided in the mid-1700's are lasting testaments to the power of creativity, ingenuity, and the importance of community service. Franklin is arguably the best example in American history of the social benefits of a single curious mind.
Podcast length: 41:43
Show Notes:
Selected Awards and Publications associated with Benjamin Franklin:
Copley Medal awarded to Ben Franklin in 1753 was the equivalent of today's Nobel Prize.
Front Cover of Poor Richard's Almanack of 1739
Franklin's pamphlet outlining his work on electricity.
The front page of the Pennsylvania Gazette for October 2, 1729
One of the first political cartoons (May 9, 1754)
It was reprinted in almost all newspapers in the colonies. Thecartoon served to rally the colonies during the French and Indian War, but the imagery was popular during the American Revolutionary War and beyond.
It was reprinted in almost all newspapers in the colonies. Thecartoon served to rally the colonies during the French and Indian War, but the imagery was popular during the American Revolutionary War and beyond.
Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography
Original page of Franklin's manuscript of his autobiography
Franklin's original lightning rod
Benjamin Wests' artistic rendition of the kite experiment
Discussed in the episode:
William Gilbert Quote on Effluvium from De Magnete (1600)
English translation by Paul Fleury Mottelay (1893)
English translation by Paul Fleury Mottelay (1893)
William Gilbert's De Magnete (1600)
Other items of interest related to this podcast:
Franklin's original design for his stove
Franklin's Bifocals
Franklin's Odometer
Reproduction of Franklin's Armonica
Sketch of Franklin playing the armonica
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse